Addressing Slander + Wise Words from my Niece

This year, it came to my attention that a group of Christian / Christian fiction authors have been privately slandering my name for about three years. Now, I am not here to name names, and I’m also not the only author they’re targeting, unfortunately. I’ll also note that I didn’t do anything to “earn” their slander, nor did the other authors.

I’m not writing this post to “retaliate”, or cause division, or anything like that. I know that pursuing an author career is not aided by drama or needless gossip, and honestly, haters and slanderers are just part of the journey. I’m cool with it! However, I want to take this opportunity to hopefully encourage someone else.

I work hard to create an uplifting space on social media. I want to inspire, encourage, and just give you guys good stories. I’ve spent years curating a peaceful place for my friends and readers to unite. I genuinely care about you. I hope I’ve shown that. And if not, and you genuinely believe the slander, than please feel free to distance yourself from my space.

I also talk a lot about being real in my fiction. I think this is a good example of being “real” in real life, too. I know many folks struggle with bullying, harassment, comparison, disappointment, etc, and I hope this situation could be used to give you encouragement if you’re in this spot (or similar), as well. (If you’re facing any sort of harassment, etc, please reach out if you need prayer or anything. I am here for you.)

So here goes…

Recently, I was chatting with my five-year-old niece about writing. I’ll skip most of the conversation, but at one point, my niece smiled, looked me in the eyes, and said (about my writing), “It’s not about if you’re good at it, it’s about having fun. And it’s about your family.”

I was speechless.

Because she’s right. I’ve worked hard to produce books I am proud of. I’ve worked hard to reach my epic readers. I’ve worked hard to hone my craft. I’ve worked hard to adapt and try new marketing techniques (without selling my soul to numbers, followers, algorithms, and trends). I am always learning and trying to be better — after all, the saying goes, if you stop learning, you’re dead, right? And recently, I dove into children’s fiction, so my nieces have gotten to come alongside me in the adventure of writing…

I’ve worked hard, too, to show my nieces and nephews what dedication and passion look like… And honestly, I didn’t stop to think if it was actually “paying off.” I mean, I am not an author making millions, if that’s how you view success. But you know what? That’s not how I see, or ever have seen, success. I want my legacy to be more than that.

From the mouth of a kid, it’s about having fun.

I know, I know. “Well, the Christian walk isn’t about having fun!” But hear me out… The walk is about finding joy in Christ and the journey He has set before us, right? Are we finding joy?

My lesson is “having fun” is what keeps us… alive. Keeps us joyful. Keeps us going. Keeps us from giving up. Keeps us from backing down. Keeps us focused on the path God has given us.

No one is going to change what God has in store for you. No one can control your life or break you down, unless you let them.

In all honestly, years ago, I knew the authors that are now slandering my name. But I am not hurt by their actions now. Why? Because I know that I have done what God has put in front of me to do, and I’ve done it to the best of my ability, and with a joyful, content heart.

So I want to encourage you.

Maybe you’re hurting. Maybe you feel lost, or broken. Maybe people are hurting you, and it looks like nothing you’re doing is worthwhile. Maybe you’ve failed a bunch of times. Maybe you’re afraid. Maybe, maybe, maybe…

Please, know this. You are loved by God, and by me. Truly.

You have a voice that matters. Someone needs to hear your story. Someone loves you, and wants to be there for you. Your dreams can be reached, and who knows, maybe the new dreams God places for you throughout the journey are even better.

Above all, despite anything the darkness throws at you, you cannot give up.

If I had quit, years ago, when another Christian community told me to change my ways (I had started writing gritty fiction, and not Christian fiction romance, haha. The horror.), or if I quit now, after finding out the slander just grew, I would not be here. And here is a pretty blessed place to be.

Please, keep going!

“No one notices my art.” “It’s too much to keep up with.” “I’m not hitting my goals.” Whatever voices, or people, that are trying to hold you back… Ignore them. Put up the blinders, and keep plowing through, because if you are passionate about something, then there is a reason for that passion.

The Bible reminds us often that our walk won’t be easy. People will hurt us. People will try to break us down. We’ll grow tired, sad, etc. But the Word also tells us to cling to Jesus, and to trust in Him. So if you’re struggling with anything, and it feels big, and you feel absolutely hopeless… Remember that God loves you, and He sees what’s happening, and your passion, your heart, your dreams, are not for nothing.

Thank you so much for reading this piece of my heart. I sincerely hope it helped you. If you have any prayer requests, or someone is harassing you, and you need support, please reach out so I can be there for you.

Once again, dear reader, thank you for giving my books a chance and for supporting me. I’m working very hard to continue to give you epic books and lots of fun. <3

Sincerely,

Angela