I find it a bit odd to suggest there should be a mutual dichotomy between "successful authorship" and "fruitcake". Lots of authors are successful batsmen - Dan Brown for one, Richard Dawkins for another.
This is not unexceptionable in certain circles. There are religious groups who are opposed to celebrating Hallowe'en (the day before All Saints' Day), on account of stirring up the departed. It is no more weird than burning all your discarded hair and finger-nails, lest they fall into the hands of a malevolent spirit who will use them to put a hex on you.
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