Another older article on Chad's books:
'Paradise' lost book battle
Deseret Book decides not to stock new LDS novel
By
Deseret News Mar 18, 2003, 10:11am MST
SPRINGVILLE — On page 99 of Chad Daybell's new book, "Chasing Paradise," a warrior angel swoops in, plucks up a naughty spirit by the nape of her neck and drop-kicks her through the wall.
Daybell says that by then, readers are happy to see the troublesome "Ruby" banished.
Unfortunately for Daybell, that same scene has booted his novel off the shelves at Deseret Book stores.
Daybell said he was told last week that Deseret Book buyer Sarah Hoffman found the passage "irreverent" and therefore unsuitable for sale by the chain, which recently announced a sweeping clean-up policy for its merchandise.
Daybell — who has several books including the popular "Tiny Talks" books in Deseret Book stores — was shocked.
"As the managing editor of Cedar Fort publishing, it's part of my job to watch for offensive material," Daybell said. "I certainly didn't think my own novel would fall into that category."
Daybell said Deseret Book's reaction has him confused.
[...]
Daybell said he could edit out the offending sequence about the warrior, but that wouldn't make him happy.
"The passage is based on an actual event," he said. "My Young Men's president was killed in an automobile accident and two years later, his nephew was attacked by evil spirits on his mission to Brazil. Chris (the dead president) showed up and fought off the evil spirits and led the missionaries to safety."
Daybell said he feels unfairly and arbitrarily singled out because one employee disliked one passage in the story.
"That's the main reason I'm publicly objecting," he said. "I didn't want to let this die because it feels so subjective. Is this the new standard, no swearing, no sex and, now, no conflict? If this is the new standard, LDS novelists might as well put away their word processors because potentially anything can come under fire."
[...]
Daybell, a Brigham Young University graduate in journalism, has written four other books. One is based on stories he came across as he worked as the sexton for the Springville City Cemetery.
"I knew enough not to submit that one to Deseret Book," he said.
"Youth of Zion," based on the lives of LDS Church prophets, and a trilogy based on Emma Smith, along with "Tiny Talks," are all available through Deseret Book.
'Paradise' lost book battle