How would you say that your religious beliefs influence your writing? Have you received any criticism from your coreligionists for the content of your novels?
Being a person who is, myself, religious, I am fascinated by religion and all of its different effects and mindsets. This is why you see me exploring religious characters, and those who are not religious, in my books. The different ways people look at these things are fascinating to me.
One of my core ideas when it comes to writing is that I feel I should express all sides of an issue, and try to do so well. I can’t do every side in every book, but I try to be aware of my own biases. I think this actually has to do with my core religious nature—as one of my fundamental beliefs is that if something is right, it should be able to stand up to STRONG arguments opposing it, not just weak ones. Without strong opposition, there cannot be a discovery of truth.
I have received all kinds of criticism, from all sides. I have gotten emails from people who will not read my books because I am LDS, and from others who feel I am far too liberal in my writing, and should be advocating a certain view.
Usually, I don’t pay much heed. The exception is with the Wheel of Time, where I try to be extra careful, as I don’t want my own bias to take control of Mr. Jordan’s series.
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