Linda Byler, a lifelong member of the traditional Amish community, has written a popular romance novel called “Tapestry of Love.” The novel, which tells the story of two young Amish individuals in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has sold nearly a million copies. However, some elders in the community have criticized Byler’s book, believing it promotes sexual abuse. Byler, on the other hand, insists that her novel is tame compared to more explicit works like “Fifty Shades of Grey.” She explains that her publisher required any physical contact to be discreet and that there is no sex in the book.
Byler’s writing career began when her husband went bankrupt. She started by reporting for an Amish newspaper before transitioning to children’s books. Eventually, she turned her attention to writing about the romantic aspects of Amish culture, which forbids premarital sex, divorce, cars, electricity, and cellphones. Despite the controversy surrounding her book, Byler’s novels have gained popularity in conservative Christian communities, earning her a considerable amount of money.
Nevertheless, Byler feels unfairly targeted for recent cases of sex abuse within the Amish community. She believes that the younger generation views romance novels negatively due to associations with abuse and troubled individuals seeking help. She claims that blaming romance novels for these incidents is misguided.
Byler acknowledges that the Amish community has become more conservative in recent years, frowning upon any form of physical contact. However, she points out that it wasn’t always this way, and her era was different. Although sex before marriage is strictly forbidden, there have been instances of pregnancies and couples expressing love before marriage. Single mothers are also accepted in the community.
Despite having seven children, three of whom have chosen not to join or have left the Amish community, Byler has managed to avoid being shunned. Shunning in the Amish community involves elders refusing to engage in daily activities, work, or worship with those who are shunned. However, Byler emphasizes that shunning is less severe now and does not completely sever ties between family members.
Byler draws inspiration for her writing from various sources, including reality TV. She enjoys shows like “The Alaskan People” but does not share the same interest in the Kardashians, finding them too self-centered.
Overall, Linda Byler’s romance novel has created a stir in the Amish community, with some praising her work and others criticizing it for its perceived influence on sexual abuse. Byler maintains that her books are innocent and blames misconceptions and societal issues for the negative perceptions surrounding her writing.
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