I have read most of Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita the Vampire Hunter series. I came in with some of the later books, went back and read some of the early books and really need to get myself to a library so I can read the others in the middle.
I love the world she created. I love the deeply layered (and often greatly flawed) characters. I adore that the cast of her books is so large and diverse. And yes I enjoy the eroticism that is often part of the story line.
A couple of months ago I found her blog and happily got to have a window into the daily life of one of my favorite authors. Gradually, as I read, I came to suspect that she might just be a Pagan. As I read more I was certain. Today it is official. Or more accurately, as of October 30th, when the Time Magazine article was published.
Maybe other fans already knew. Maybe this is already “old news”. But, I have to admit that I for one was thrilled. I already knew she was Wiccan from reading her blog. But to have her come out publically, outside the venue of just her fans, meant something to me.
To me, as a somewhat closeted Wiccan, I am proud today to know that (finally!) I live in a country where a NY TImes #1 bestseller author can come out of the broomcloset and it’s not a big deal. It is simply a statement of faith no different than if she had called herself Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.
In her own words:
“But currently I’m Wiccan. One of its biggest tenets is, Do as thou wilt, but harm none. And that applies to yourself as well. So every choice you make, all day long, every day, goes through that filter. But there’s no intrinsic guilt in this religion. Since everything is sacred, you don’t have to feel ashamed about your body or what you’re doing with it, as long as you’re harming no one. You don’t have to feel guilty, or apologize, for being human.”
excerpted from the interview/article
Vampire Novelist Laurell K. Hamilton
By Gilbert Cruz
So mainly I want to say thank you Ms. Hamilton. Thank you for writing books that allow me a delicious escape from mundane life. Thank you for saying in Time Magazine what I myself cannot say to my family. Perhaps one of them will read this article and will think back to things I’ve said over the years and rethink their judgement about my “weird witch shit.”
Blessings
Mama Kelly
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By Ashirin on Nov 4, 2008 |
I’m a big fan of her Merry Gentry series, myself. It’s nice to see folks able to be open about their spirituality without fear of massive negative repurcussions (However that’s spelled. /blush).
Definitely a good thing.
By Lady Amaranth on Nov 4, 2008 |
I myself was wondering about Laurell K. Hamilton – I also wonder about Nora Roberts at times because she writes some wonderful books that include magick and Wicca.
I have family that I wish I could say to them that I am Wiccan and have them understand – but they’re such devout Christians I can’t imagine saying anything to them.
Lady Amaranths latest blog post: Laurell K. Hamilton Comes Out of The Broomcloset In Time Magazine
By Mama Kelly on Nov 4, 2008 |
Ashirin
I haven’t started reading the Merry series. I may ask for the first book fr my dad for Xmas. Glad to hear you enjoy it. I agree it is nice that she feels safe enough with her fan base that she could take this step in a mainstream publication.
LadyA
There are many authors, etc. over the years I’ve wondered about. But, like you it seems, what was so meaningful to me in LKH “coming out” is my wish that I could do the same without fear.
By Chris Swanson on Nov 7, 2008 |
I’ve never read any of her solo works, though I do recall reading a book she wrote with Mercedes Lackey, back when I was in my Valdemar phase.
I’m always happy to see anyone brave enough to assert their views, especially if they go against the mainstream and safe. Well, to a point, anyhow. Fred Phelps can just die in a fire.
Chris Swansons latest blog post: Win A Free Ad On 2 Witches