Defining LDS Fiction

By Rebecca Talley

How do you define LDS fiction?

I define it as a book that adheres to LDS standards. The fact that the author is LDS does not make the book LDS. I think we need to be clear on that issue as we seek out which books to read and which stories to write.

An LDS book should not twist gospel principles nor should it leave the reader with the idea that the gospel isn't perfect. Certainly, our books shouldn't be preachy, but if we are writing for this market we should respect and adhere to the standards. Otherwise, we should write for a different market.

When I pick up a book advertised as LDS fiction, I have certain expectations. I do not expect graphic scenes, profane language, or the glorification of immoral or unrighteous behavior. I expect that if a character makes wrong choices, he/she will experience the negative consequences of those choices and that the author will not leave the reader with the idea that you can choose the wrong and still be happy. I expect an overall message from an LDS book to be uplifiting because that's the message of the gospel.

I would never tell anoyone what to write. But, I believe that if we want to write for the LDS market that implies that we uphold certain standards.

What do you think?