There’s been a lot of chatter in the past week or so about the state of Christian Fiction (for want of a better term) stemming from a blog post by agent Chip MacGregor. Chip’s post was responded to by Lifeway’s book buyer Rachel McRae, and then Chip clarified some issues he felt were misunderstood. Agent Steve Laube also provided his view of the current status. Whether you read the articles or not, I’d love to know your thoughts as readers and buyers of books, as to the “state” of inspirational novels. Are they meeting your expectations? Do you continue to buy inspirational novels? Has the breadth and depth of stories improved? What are you looking for in these stories?
Have at at it!
July 14, 2015 at 9:20 am
I absolutely read and buy Christian fiction! I also think review bloggers such as you and I and countless others that I know are going to be increasingly more important to match readers with books and get the word out about the authors and books we love.
July 14, 2015 at 10:45 am
I agree with you and Chip on that point, Carrie. Connecting readers to books is why maintain my review blog. We are book matchmakers 😉
July 14, 2015 at 10:47 am
ooo I love that – “book matchmakers” 😉
July 14, 2015 at 9:23 am
I read over 500 books a year. I always choose Christian fiction. The authors write intriguing, intense, loving , thought provoking fiction that I get lost in. I don’t see a decline in sales, and I’m always looking for new Christisn fiction authors. I think each book becomes better from authors as they write about real issues that we face everyday. I love the suspense books because they are filled with edge of your seat action and always have a great message that penetrates your heart. I write reviews for every author I read to bless them and let other readers know how amazing the book is. There is always a great selection of books to purchase and most importantly, I have never found a book I didn’t like.
Deana
July 14, 2015 at 10:47 am
That is some VERY impressive reading, Deana! Sounds like you have a wonderful commitment to supporting authors who write the books you love – that’s terrific. I’m interested how you acquire your books – library, purchase, online, digital, hard copies????
July 14, 2015 at 11:52 am
I buy most of the books I read either for my kindle or I purchase paperbacks or hardcovers. There is nothing like holding a book and reading it with enthusiasm as you get lost in the story. I also go to the library and check out books as well. Most nights I’m either on Amazon or CBD buying books . On the weekends I go to the Christian bookstores and buy books either new releases or books I haven’t seen before. . If I go out of town, I will stop at the bookstore to see what they have. I always leave with a bag or two of books. Sometimes an author will send me a book to review. My husband calls me a bookaholic.
July 14, 2015 at 1:27 pm
I think your husband could be right!! Welcome to my world, Deana – you are not alone 😉
July 14, 2015 at 10:02 am
I read the articles and I thought they all had great points. I can definitely agree that inspirational fiction has changed some in the all the many years I’ve been reading it. And it is clearly on the declining side somewhat, but so are all books and bookstores. That last sentence is simply based on my view of going into physical bookstores today and seeing fewer options on the shelves than I used to. And also fewer bookstores. I am quite thankful that I live relatively near two Barnes and Noble’s, and there is one Family Christian and one Lifeway. So I’ve currently got it wonderful! 😀 But when I lived in CA, there was only one Christian bookstore in my town and it had severely declined in sales by the time I left. So much so, I wonder if it’s even still open. And that city is much bigger than my current one! Go figure. (There’s probably lots of scientific reasons for this, but I haven’t done any research I confess :))
But I definitely don’t think there’s been any decline in the amazing stories that get published! There are so many wonderful books to read and so many coming in the future (would November get here already?!) that I am quite satisfied in my reading experience!
July 14, 2015 at 10:48 am
Love your thoughts, Kara – thank you! I agree with you that the quality of writing and the breadth of genres has never been greater 🙂
July 14, 2015 at 10:12 am
I love reading Christian fiction! Selections at my local Lifeway and Family Christian tend to be limited, so I sometimes find myself wandering the internet looking for book info. I like that there seems to be more variety in terms of stories, but I also like the traditional stuff as well. A good story is really what I’m searching for when I read fiction.
July 14, 2015 at 10:49 am
“A good story is really what I’m searching for when I read fiction.” – YES – love that, Amy!
July 14, 2015 at 10:35 am
Thanks so much for sharing a link to the three articles. I follow the Lifeway Blog so had already read (and commented) on that one, but had not read the other two.
I read 95% Christian Fiction and cannot share how much I value the Christian Fiction market. I am absolutely satisfied by what is offered and the number of new authors coming on the scene regularly. If I find I don’t care for an author’s style, I move on to another one.
I shop mainly on Amazon, however also buy on occasion from Christian Book Distributors online and less rarely in a physical store. It is difficult to beat the e-book deals.
I’m a happy Christian Fiction reader.
July 14, 2015 at 10:50 am
Love a happy reader, Staci! Your comments about e-book deals is very interesting and a topic for another day. So glad you value this industry so highly, Staci.
July 14, 2015 at 10:37 am
I will always read Christian fiction, but as I mature, so must my selection.
Since I live in a small town with a small Christian bookstore, I almost always have to order online, unless the book is in the store.
Yes, things have improved!!! When we have writers like Ronie Kendig, Tamara Leigh, Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, and so many more, how can the readers not see the difference?
That being said, I expect writers to teach me something I didn’t know. Make me laugh. Make me weep. But leave me wanting!!!
July 14, 2015 at 10:37 am
MORE…
Leave me wanting MORE!
July 14, 2015 at 10:53 am
I hear you, Jennifer, I hear you! I think for those of us immersed in the industry – whether we be a book blogger, author, devoted CF reader – it’s sometimes hard to get that not everyone knows all the authors that are about. I’m constantly surprised when readers comment on my blog about having never read, or not even knowing, many authors who are considered pretty big names in the industry.
I guess I need to work harder at the matchmaking!!
July 14, 2015 at 11:00 am
I know!! I talk to friends at church about the latest from, say, Dani Pettrey or Lori Benton, and they’re all “who?”. AGH!!!
I do my best to be a good ambassador!
July 14, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Aww, thanks for the mention, Jennifer! What a great start to my writing day. Onward!
July 14, 2015 at 10:55 am
I started reading and reviewing Christian fiction almost 10 years ago. In that time it has went from an abundance of books in the genres (suspense, mysteries, thriller, crime, legal, speculative, preferably very light to no romance) I like to read to very few. I went from being able to find about a book a week I’d like to review to about 1 book per month. I’ve expanded what I’ll read to have something to read, but few are what I most enjoy. As a result, I’ve started looking more and more to the general market. I’ve always been fine with the big three taboos in Christian fiction–language, sex, and violence–though I do think the quantity and extent of this content should be within reason for the story being told. The problem is the same as in the CBA, finding quality authors. There are many more to sift through in the general market.
What I want in in any novel is a quality story. A good, strong, complex storyline with compelling characters. For Christian, the themes need to be challenging. I’m tired of shallow or evangelical messages. Give me something good, something to think about. There are CBA authors that do this, but the number that write the genres I like to read have certainly decreased.
July 14, 2015 at 11:00 am
Thanks for sharing, Melissa – appreciate this particularly: “What I want in in any novel is a quality story. A good, strong, complex storyline with compelling characters. For Christian, the themes need to be challenging. I’m tired of shallow or evangelical messages.”
I tend to agree that there has been a decline in the particular genres you mention. There seem to be less books written by men in the industry, certainly less new male writers who are more likely (generally speaking) to write in those genres.
July 14, 2015 at 11:00 am
If anything, I think the quality of the stories is amazing and 100x better than it was when I was growing up. We have such a wide and brilliant variety to chose from today. And it comes from all platforms of publishing. I’ve not read the articles, but I may have to take some time to do just that. Thanks for sharing, Rel. 🙂
July 14, 2015 at 11:06 am
The quality and range of stories has improved immensely and I grew up many long years before you did, Rissi – LOL!
That said, there are some brilliant older CF novels that can often be dismissed along with the multitude of prairie romances that we saw in the 80s and 90s – see, told you I was way before your time 😉 Angela Hunt, Francine Rivers, Gayle Roper, Sylvia Bambola, Bodie & Brock Thoene, Randy Alcorn, Jeanette Windle, Lynn Austin, W. Dale Cramer, Karen Ball, and others wrote some really thought provoking stories many readers today may have missed.
July 14, 2015 at 11:05 am
Hey Rel,
So many thoughts running through my head after reading these blog posts. Let me begin by saying I LOVE the comments by Carrie and Deana and their enthusiasm for Christian fiction! That is the attitude that Christian fiction needs first and foremost to grow. To dive in, I do understand the criticism some have for Lifeway, but I find it misplaced in my opinion. I worked for a denominational college for twenty years, which was also my alma mater. We had a board, which represented an entire denomination, to answer to, which was a good thing. Whether you agree with Lifeway’s policies of choosing books for their shelves or not, I think it is more important to applaud their standing up for standards they believe in and thereby losing sales dollars than being criticized for having a different opinion. I confess I am growing to hate the term “literary fiction.” Christian fiction should have as its primary goal to reach people for the Lord, whether this is reaching non-Christians with the precious gospel message or reaching Christians with edifying messages. The way this is done, genre or writing style, is received and judged subjectively. I now teach English at a Christian university. In our department, we often discuss different authors, disagreeing quite often. I agree with our department head that Ernest Hemingway is vastly overrated and is not that good of a writer. Others think he is one of the greatest literary figures of the last century. I say this because I think we get too caught up sometimes in using the same standards to judge Christian fiction, when the first consideration should come from a more heavenly mindset. From my years working in a Christian bookstore I know that some fiction titles that were not of my favorite genre or writers made differences in the lives of those who read them. That is what is most important. I wish people would stop looking back on some of the earlier writers of CF with what is almost a sense of embarrassment and speak of growth and becoming more “real.” Those books had eternal impact, and many, many still do. I appreciate “good” writing as much as anyone, but I understand that what I think is good others may not. We must always remember what Paul said in his letter to the church at Corinth and not offend those we are attempting to reach. With that being said however, we must still follow what we feel God places in our hearts for our writing. Let’s just embrace all of it and not turn on any of it that truly glorifies God. As for sales, the consumer must bear the brunt of the blame if there is any. This has been done by people choosing chain stores and online outlets instead of independent stores where titles usually get more attention. But consumers must be concerned about dollars and cents, too, and will thus follow the past of least expensive, so to speak. I think the solutions probably lie in publishers, stores, and authors getting together and finding ways to promote CF as a whole through promoting the message the most. I hope my ramblings made sense. 🙂
July 14, 2015 at 11:12 am
Thanks so much, Aaron. I was only posting a comment above (when you were writing yours, I assume) mentioning much older books in the CBA that were stellar and we shouldn’t forget them in our ’embarrassment’ as you say.
You make some excellent points – appreciate your input, as always.
July 14, 2015 at 12:32 pm
That’s so funny that you mentioned this because I talked about it on my blog today as well. I love Christian fiction. I have since the day I came across my first Lori Wick novel almost 14 years ago. But here’s the thing, it is sorely lacking in diversity and as much as I love it, I have gotten tired of meeting the same people in the same situations. I will say that they have improved in the sense that they are not all prairie romances anymore, but I still don’t think they cater well to young people (i.e.,late teens-mid 20s) or people of color. I have to find indie christian novelists for that. And furthermore, as someone who follows “romance” trends, you have to look at what’s selling and NA is hot right now.I’m so thankful for authors like Tammy Gray, Jenny B. Jones, amongst others who are stepping into this gap, but they are going mostly indie.
I can’t tell you how many times I tried to recommend “Christian fiction” to family members and they were like no thanks, there’s nobody like me in that book (with the exception of Francine Rivers, she was an absolute hit).
But that said, I am grateful for the traditional christian market, I grew up on it and had a fantastic time and I think it shaped who I am today.
July 14, 2015 at 1:22 pm
Hey Embassie – appreciate your thoughts. I think there is a lack of diversity in the CBA but there have been changes that have been made. Have you read any Kim Cash Tate, Claudia Mair Burney, or Tia McCollors? I’ve enjoyed their books. Ronie Kendig, Christa Parrish, Lori Benton, and Laura Frantz have all written books with main characters of diverse ethnicity but I appreciate you have to look hard to find them.
As for NA, yes, Tammy and Jenny are writing some fabulous stories – can’t wait for more from them.
There is a lot of push back from people who have never read CF – they make a lot of assumptions about what the books are like and many times they are misinformed. It is great when some of those barriers can be broken down but it can be tough.
July 14, 2015 at 12:44 pm
I’m only 25 so I’ve sort of grown up alongside Christian fiction you might say =) I can definitely tell there is a wider scope of Christian fiction nowadays versus when I first started reading CBA stories. Used to be there were only a few authors from even fewer publishing houses in the market. You had Janette Oakes and Francine Rivers (who are both fabulous authors that I love) and a few more and that was sort of it. Now you can still get your traditionally published books from those authors and some of the other greats that have come along but you can also find a lot of really fantastic, self published books from some truly gifted writers.
July 14, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Great to hear, Liz – I am a strong believer in that fact that there is room for all kinds of books for all kinds of people. I love that I could find books for my 93 year old grandmother to enjoy and be blessed by, even if I was not a fan!
July 14, 2015 at 12:52 pm
I read about 300 fiction books a year and around 297 of them are from the “inspirational” section. There is plenty to choose from of all genres.
I’m not a fan of fantasy, futuristic, or romance genres, but I’ve read several that were so well-written that I liked them in spite of myself. I prefer mystery/suspense and adventure, but I also like variety so I regularly venture into Amish, contemporary, Biblical fiction, and historical fiction. It isn’t hard to find good writers in ALL of these genres: Ronie Kendig, Roseanna M. White, Dee Henderson, Colleen Coble, Ted Dekker, Davis Bunn, Charles Martin, etc..
If something is labeled “Christian,” then I expect the book to say “the man swore” instead of writing out the word–I don’t need to fill my head with those words. I expect that if adultery or fornication are mentioned, then the acts should not be described in detail or written to titillate. If a character identifies themselves as a believer, then I don’t want to read about them lying, having sex before marriage, excusing sin, etc. I don’t want to read scenes with gratuitous or detailed violence. Ronie Kendig is an example of an author who handles all these issues well–she can tell a fantastic, true-to-life story that includes honest issues without glorifying the sin.
I think the MAIN reason a Christian work of fiction should be written and sold should be to encourage us spiritually. I want to read that the hero or heroine prayed for guidance or courage. If they fail, I want them to repent and learn from their mistake. I want to read how God directed their steps or gave them comfort. That’s one reason why I read MaryLu Tyndall even though I’m not normally a reader of that genre. I’m entertained, but she always subtly and skillfully directs my thoughts towards God through her characters and plots. If I wasn’t looking for that, then I would read secular fiction.
I’d also like to say that people somehow seem to think that secular fiction is better written than Christian fiction because it sells better. That’s only because most of the people in our country are not truly serving the God of the Bible. People know I’m an avid reader and often pass to me the current #1 best seller. I usually read it because of the hype, but more often than not I am bored or disappointed. I think, “This is the best the world has to offer? I’ve read better. More well-written books that have less swearing, sex, and violence.” That’s why I primarily stick to the classics or Christian fiction. Are there some cringe-worthy, poorly-written works of Christian fiction? Of course–same as anything else. But like finding a good restaurant or clothing store, it makes sense to go by recommendations from people you trust whose taste is similar to yours–because some people honestly like frothy, mindless drivel. It makes me want to stab myself in the forehead, so I don’t read their selections.
If someone tells me they don’t like Christian fiction, then I tell them that they’re reading the wrong authors for the genre they like. I select a book from my eight, double-stuffed bookcases and make them promise to just read the first two chapters. EVERY time they’ve come back for more books. The second time they usually leave with a bag full. I love our Christian authors and pray they keep writing for our benefit and God’s glory.
July 14, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this topic, Pam – appreciate it. Good on you for sharing your books with people and opening their eyes to the many treasures to be found 🙂 Love that!
July 14, 2015 at 2:32 pm
I’m excited about the YA genre of Christian fiction! K.E. Ganshert, Jess Evander,and powerhouse authors Serena Chase and Rachel Dekker are pushing beyond the boundaries of simple and bringing great fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction to the market.
And contemporary fiction is hitting novels out of the park with real, tangible issues and not always tidy conclusions. Favorites like Beth K. Vogt and Susie Warren consistently deliver quality reading. New authors Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, and Heather Burch are giving us engaging characters and gripping storylines.
If I’m disappointed in a genre, it would be mystery/suspense. Too many of my favorites are no longer being published or have lost a contract, and the most common reason given…not Christian enough. But being able to pick up a gritty, realistic crime thriller or legal thriller and know it’s free of language and sexual content is such a great thing.
But I still read, review, and often swoon with delight over the stellar novels of today!
July 16, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Deena Peterson » Hey, lovely Deena! So good to hear from you. I think you are spot on, my friend – thank you for sharing your thoughts xo
July 14, 2015 at 4:03 pm
I have always been a reader. When I became a Christian the Historical Romances I had enjoyed reading became— Meet the handsome man–catch the handsome man—go to bed with the handsome man and this was all surrounded by a touch of history taken place in some romantic land or tropical island. I can not or will not read a book that does not Honor God or point the way to the love of God and the right from wrong. I feel strongly on this subject and have read many books from Christian authors.
I love the suspense and military series by Ronie Kendig. The mysteries of the Pirates and their sailing around the turbulent waters of the Caribbean by MaryLu Tyndall, The era of WW2 by the Brocks. Francine River always delivers a good story as does Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson. This is just a few of my favorite authors who write as God would have them write. Honoring Him and telling other about Him and all entwined in the words they have set down on paper.
I feel that the market on Christian Books is becoming larger. And the authors are more open with their characters who know God. Or who never knew Him but feel the work of Him within and are shouting out from their pages that they are a new creation.
I believe Christianity has more than a foothold into the field of writing and that is a good thing. The publishing companies and the artists who design the covers are to be commended for putting the final touches on these amazing books.And thank you goes out out to those who review and promote so we get to know the authors and also the new authors like Lori Benton.
July 16, 2015 at 12:31 am
Thank you, Elsie, for including me in your list. I’m honored!
July 16, 2015 at 2:14 pm
elsie upton » Thanks for your comments, Elsie. Love that you are finding books to love and that there are authors who fulfill your expectations, and then some!
July 14, 2015 at 5:56 pm
There is no question that Christian fiction has its challenges these days. Shrinking shelf space, closing brick and mortar stores, the issue of discoverability with so many books being published every day. However, I also can’t think of a time when I feel like it’s been more awash with incredible talent being published. Ten years ago I struggled to find many books published in the CBA that appealed to me. Today my TBR shelf is groaning, I can’t keep up with all the great books being released, and there are so many authors writing such incredible stuff that if you want me to start naming favourites we’ll have to go into sub genres!
I think the big question is – how do we connect these amazing books with their potential readers? I’ve been on a concerted effort this year to introduce friends (both Christian and not) to the Christian fiction of 2015 and, without exception, their assumptions have been blown out of the water. I can only assume there are thousands upon thousands of potential readers just like them who just need to be introduced to that one book that will have them converted!
July 16, 2015 at 2:12 pm
Kara Isaac » I’m with you, Kara. I blog for this reason – to connect readers with books and to help them make informed decisions about CF novels, rather than hanging on to all those assumptions!
July 14, 2015 at 9:44 pm
I am the member of 2 book clubs. One reads Christian fiction almost exclusively and includes members who came to love reading because of the Christian offerings. My other book club (church-based BTW) reads 50% Christian. These women are all avid readers and Christians, but did not include much Christian fiction before they joined the club. I am secretly amused when they rave about the Christian novel that we have read for the month. I try to do my part in getting the word out about great Christian fiction and thank you and other bloggers for doing that as well.
I have my own question: Why is it so hard to get Christian readers to pick up a Christian book?
July 16, 2015 at 11:28 am
Beckie B. » That is a great question, Beckie. Prejudice, assumptions, bad reading experiences all play a part, I think. People will often dismiss things when they are ignorant of the talent that is out there. It’s a real shame, I think. But you and I are taking little steps to help change that, right?
July 16, 2015 at 11:39 am
🙂
July 15, 2015 at 1:20 am
I would say that Christian fiction is definitely meeting my expectations. There seems to be so many books that are outside the ‘norm’ and I’m loving them. I do still buy them and request my local library carry them. I look for stories that have real/flawed characters, whether that be in contemporary, historical or other types of genres, that reflect how God’s love and care for us and how much He wants a relationship with us. I mean after all He has the greatest characters in His Word, right??
I’ve said it before and I say it again, Rel, you have become my ‘book compass’. I would have never read or enjoyed as many Christian books if not for you and your blog. You’ve introduced me to some amazing authors and books, and I’m forever grateful. Thank you for all you do in sharing your wonderful insights and suggestions. It’s a joy to visit your blog every day to see what new and exciting books you have to pass along.
July 16, 2015 at 11:25 am
Amy » Oh, Amy – you are a sweetheart 🙂 Thank you for your encouragement and comments about CF. Love it!
July 15, 2015 at 3:02 am
I have been an avid reader since I was old enough to pick up a book. I am almost 60 now. I was probably a Christian for about 10 years before I knew anything about Christian fiction. Someone gave me a book written by Eugenia Price. I was hooked! Read every book she ever wrote. Then I discovered Christian book stores and a whole new world opened up to me. I think it would be a shame if Christian fiction came to an end. I don’t like reading the garbage that comes with a lot of secular books. I enjoy books that not only tell a good story but also intertwine scripture and God’s unfailing love. Because of social media, which has amazing strong points, there are too many ways to retrieve books, music, etc for little to no money, which cuts into the profits that authors/artists deserve for their work. I hope it can be remedied somehow and these wonderfully gifted people can continue serving in the ministry that God has blessed them with.
July 16, 2015 at 11:24 am
Bonnie » Thanks for sharing, Bonnie – appreciate it!
July 15, 2015 at 4:43 am
I love, love, love Christian fiction. Nearly 40 years ago I read romance fiction for the secular market and the Holy Spirit convicted me of it a few years later, because it was becoming very, well, let’s say, unbecoming to a child of God. Since then, I have read Christian fiction nearly exclusively. I do read a very few secular authors, Mary Higgins Clark, to name my favorite NCF author. I also love nonfiction also and read that. But my main read is CF and I will continue to read that until I am either dead or there is no more CF.
I have not noticed a decline in CF, but I have noticed that some CF authors are leaning more towards pushing the envelope in the sensuality department. One in particular really pushed the envelope and I had decided if her next book was that risque, I would stop reading her, but it was much better. Also, I have noticed at least one CF author heading toward a larger market by crossing over. Her last few books contained very little, if any reference to God, and the intimate scenes were not what I wanted to read. I was asked to be on her influencer team, and, although, I knew that her last few books were not entirely CF, I agreed. I did read part of the book, though, and was not pleased. This person had she she wanted to reach girls that did not buy CF. I’m sorry, but I didn’t agree with that. How can you reach them if you don’t include Christ? I contacted the influencer manager and asked to be removed from the team because I didn’t feel I could get behind her any longer. I realize I may be a lone voice here, but I feel CF should be Christian and not give me what I’d read if I read the general romance market. If I’d wanted that, that’s where I’d be.
But I LOVE the authors I read so much. I have been blessed so many times by the words written in books by CF authors. I know it is God touching me through these books, too. No offense intended to anyone, please.
I do want to add that I do know intimacy exists, both in premarital and marital situations. I do NOT want to read sex in premarital relationships, however. Marriage is the place for that. And I don’t object to intimate scenes, just not over the top. For example, in Tamera Alexander’s latest book, To Win Her Favor, she includes several intimate scenes between a married couple and she handles it superbly! I was not offended by it nor was it objectionable to me. I don’t have my head in the sand regarding this issue, but as a Christian, I want to read books that will uphold my walk with Christ and spur me on and bless me. I hope I’ve made myself clear without sounding like a prude.
July 16, 2015 at 11:24 am
Susan Snodgrass » Thanks Susan – appreciate your contribution. Yes, Tamera did an excellent job with the scenes in To Win Her Favor, I agree. We all have a choice to read or not read books and to decide to help promote a book or not. I admire your conviction and follow through. Everyone has different sensitivities – violence, intimacy, abuse, infidelity, etc. I do believe that what might offend one person, may speak deeply to another over the course of a book. That’s where I believe that accountability comes in – between the writer and the Lord. Bless you!
July 15, 2015 at 5:14 am
I did go to the websites and read the comments by Chip MacGregor, Rachel McRae and Steve Laube (including reader comments). All very interesting.
To answer your questions Rel – –
“Do inspirational novels meet my expectations?”
Answer – – A conditional “yes” – – the condition is “who is the author?”
There are some authors who will push the envelope – they will dare to write the “edgy” themes – they are willing to tackle the issues that are spoken in hushed whispers or not talked about at all. They make us think they can see into our personal lives or delve into the inner sanctum of our psych and speak the words that we will barely whisper to ourselves – much less speak them aloud. These are the authors that I will read. My personal preference is historical romance – – BUT I will cross the line and read contemporary or mystery or drama, IF I trust the author. When I trust the author, then I know whatever the storyline, it will be relevant, shoot from the hip, straight up, no holds barred – – I know that author will take me where I need to go and when I finish the book, I know I will be a better person for having invested my time with them.
Q: “Do I buy inspirational books”
A: Yes – – I think the reason we buy inspirational books is for one reason – “HOPE” – – we need to be reminded in this world of road-rage, senseless acts of depravity, evil infested imaginings that there is HOPE!
Q: “Has the depth and breadth of stories improved”
A: Yes – – but again with a qualifier.
I have found that there is a growing base of authors who are going indie for two reasons – – one is that there being pushed out of the traditional publishing market because of the reasons given in Chip MacGregor’s story. And the other reason, to me, is more important – – because the author has the freedom to write according to time schedule, and inspiration. They are not on a “watch clock” nor is someone censoring their text. Don’t get me wrong, there should be an internal censorship built into a christian author – He’s called the Holy Spirit. But with indie publishing an author has the freedom to tackle “edgy” issues or sensitive subject matter that a publishing house may deem “inappropriate”. But here’s a news flash publishing houses “There’s a lot of inappropriate things going on in this world both now and in the past (if you think today’s sexual content is bad, you need to study Rome and the days of Nero & Caligula)” At least if a christian writer voices or writes about these issues now he (she) won’t be sent to the arena for the next Roman game day. And there’s plenty of christians out there who were once the Mary Magdalene or woman at the well (both sexual sin stories) or Joseph (torture, lying, family dysfunction, slavery, sexual temptation, false imprisonment) or Noah (the crazy man who hears God and built a boat when the term “flood” wasn’t even a word in the dictionary – the “village idiot”) – – – all of these “issues” were real and relevant – and we have the luxury of READING about them after the fact. And there’s some pretty “edgy” stories in Bible if you read enough.
So. . . . why shouldn’t these issues be addressed today – – by writers who have the “hoozpa” (apologies to my jewish friends for the spelling) to pen them – stories of jealousy, rage, bitterness, abuse, sexual sin – and the consequences of them and how God can “work all things together for the good to them who love him” – – I’m not saying all things are good – – but God can work all things together for the good – and sometimes that doesn’t always mean a neat tidy bow – but the end result will be a better me and will glorify God.
There are certain stories that come to mind that had all these elements – “The Mark of the Lion” series by Francine Rivers – – there was cruelty, slavery, death and destruction – – but in the midst of all this was hope – Haddasah was the symbol of hope through the entire series – – and she wasn’t immune to the cruelty of life in the series – she experienced tragedy, loss, slavery, horrible disfiguration when mauled by a lion in the Roman arena – – but she remained trusting and believing in her God. This is the compelling theme throughout her books. Francine Rivers does not shy away from the tough issues, she hits them head on – but she shines a light of hope and truth to guide us through those issues.
Charles Martin is another writer who does the same – – tackles difficult issues but with the light of redemption threading it’s way through the story – there’s not always a “happily everafter” ending – – but life isn’t always happily everafter – – but he takes the reality of life and adds hope.
Tamara Leigh is my favorite all time champion of historical romance. NOBODY does romance better than Tamara. But she also takes the reality of life as it was in the medieval period and weaves God’s truth and light and (here’s that word again) hope into real life feelings and situations. Does she write so that feelings and inner turmoil are true to our today feelings – you betcha!! And she does it well!!
Final Q: “What are you looking for in these stories?”
Final A: See above
Thanks Rel – – Sorry for the long-windedness – – you obviously hit a question close to my heart. Thanks for outlet! You can go to the bathroom now – lol!
July 16, 2015 at 11:18 am
Pam – Florida » LOL! Pam, you make me smile…and think! Thanks for your insight and wisdom. You are spot on in many things – the Holy Spirit, Francine Rivers, Tamara Leigh, and Charles Martin. Great examples. I’m so glad you took the time to write these responses xo
July 15, 2015 at 10:42 am
Rel, Most of what I’d like to say has already been said,often by people whose names are already familiar to me. It’s encouraging for an author to read comments such as these. Keep up the good work.
July 16, 2015 at 11:14 am
Richard Mabry » Thanks Richard!
July 15, 2015 at 2:46 pm
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8
I was blown away this spring by Lori Benton’s “The Wood’s Edge.” In it, there is dishonor. There is injustice. There is immorality, ugliness, moral failure, reprehensible deeds. But when I finished it, it was God’s hand at work that I was thinking about, not the sin – how a dishonorable deed is redeemed to nobility; how that which was ugly is restored to beauty; how moral failure is washed clean.
That’s why I read Christian fiction. I don’t think I’m alone in looking for what’s pure, lovely, and noble. For what is virtuous, praiseworthy, and true. For some, God reveals it through the sweet, gentle romances of Janette Oke and Lori Wick, while for others, through the bold works of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. I don’t personally care for edgy fiction, but if it can hold to the standards of Philippians 4:8, then by all means, print it!
Like in all goods, demand for Christian fiction will ebb and flow; businesses will rise and fall. As long as the authors can say, “God, I’ve done my best to bring You glory; the rest is up to You,” I don’t think we need to worry about the downfall of Christian fiction. But I do think authors have to be careful to maintain standards – to consider what their readers will be meditating on when they’ve finished reading.
Yes, I continue to buy inspirational fiction (print, not e-book, unless print is not an option). Yes, that which I read generally meets my expectations – some stories fall short, but others surpass my expectations.
July 16, 2015 at 11:14 am
Rachael K » Great thoughts, Rachael – thank so much for sharing. I appreciate your comments on authors writing the story the Lord wants them to write. I think that is where readers need to be mindful that they can’t judge that. We know God uses all manner of things for good. It’s a fine line to tread in many ways and I think it must be incredibly difficult for writers who have truly written what God has placed on their hearts only to be criticised by readers.
July 17, 2015 at 12:14 pm
I love Christian novels, but enjoy the historical novel. I like books where a love story is not the main story line. I have enjoyed your first two books in th Raptor series very much and am about to start the third. Not sure what I will read while waiting for the next one!