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For many people not familiar with Christian fiction there’s sometimes the preconceived notion that if it’s Christian it must be boring.
I remember once being asked why I wanted to write for the Christian market rather than the secular one.
“Well, a Christian is who I am,” I responded. “I think what I write would be best suited to that niche.”
“Don’t you find that Christian fiction limits you?” this person asked. “I mean everything’s always so neat, nice, and perfect.”
It was obvious she had never read some of the books that I had. “Actually, for me, writing what I write is very liberating. The characters I write about aren’t always neat, nice, or perfect, and most of the ones that even come close still have their share of flaws.”
I wanted to share so much more with this fellow writer, but I could tell I wasn’t going to change her perception of Christian fiction in a sixty-second conversation.
What I would have liked to have added was this—
Writing inspirational fiction is far from boring. I get to create characters with real needs and real hurts struggling with the same issues that even non-Christians experience. My characters aren’t fuddy-duddy prudes, wimps, or push-overs. They don’t always sing in the church choir or plant pansies in their backyards for recreation. Many of my characters are vibrant and colorful and passionate. They may lose their tempers. They may even question God. Their paths may take them high on the mountaintop or low in the valley.
And the best part about writing Christian fiction? I can let the reader witness how God can take an imperfect character or situation and still use them for His glory!
I still read many books in the secular market. I especially like good versus evil twists, with of course, good prevailing in the end.
I love a great romance (not the rated R and beyond stuff), and I enjoy humorous and literary works, as well. I don’t like to hear my Savior’s name taken in vain, so I don’t knowingly read that type of thing. Just personal preferences.
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A question for you to ponder…
What’s something you’d like to communicate about the misconceptions of “boring” Christian fiction?
Blessings Always,
Comments 5
I think the problem is that the average Christian fiction book blurb and cover look identical. It goes like: Jane has an issue. Usually a mysterious problem. Then, during all of this, usually moving to a new town to start over, she meets John. Handsome, eligible, and obviously going to marry her by the end of the book or series. Their faith will be tested, someone will try to kill Jane and/or John. Will God get them through this?
Not saying this to be mean. I literally combed through the local Berean Christian fiction section because I was debating trying to enter the Christian fiction world as a writer. While there were some exceptions–and some really goods ones that I did end up buying, even though they went more or less by that same plotline–the majority had a girl, usually Amish-looking or on some prairie, and a sexy guy or some dark person in the background. Usually just her and the sexy guy.
That’s the face the average person sees from Christian fiction. It sucks because I know and have read authors in the genre who are just amazing and talk about real issues and create real, dynamic characters. The mainstream viewpoint, however, is the one that sells. And many women love those books and are publishers like Zondervan’s target audience. Why print a book that won’t sell? Chances are the average Joe won’t hear about that awesome, outside-the-norm Christian fiction book.
But I digress. Hope this doesn’t offend you, and I wish you luck with your writing.
Author
Elisa, no, you didn’t offend me. I do think the Christian market has evolved over the years, though, and you might give it another chance. Karen Kingsbury is an excellent example of an author who writes Christian fiction, and her novels often involve many twists and turns until the final conflict is resolved. She’s one of the many gifted writers I would recommend. Thanks for commenting.
I’ve heard about Karen Kingsbury. I think the answer to the solution is, for me at least, to stick to word of mouth. Berean tends to carry the same stuff that sells–and that makes sense. The shop here is struggling and they need all the money they can. It’s just a lot of repetitive stories.
I had a talk about this with my non-Christian friend the other day. She pointed out a lot of what’s published by the bigger publishers doesn’t have a lot of depth in terms of struggles with sexual problems, adultery (a common thing in today’s world), rape, drugs, alcohol, and all the other bad things. She has a point, but I think some authors are willing to “go there”. I would like to see more Christian authors tackle harder subjects just because, back when I was younger, I definitely could’ve used such books. I know others probably feel the same.
Anyway, sorry for rambling (again). Thanks for posting about this subject.
Oh! And I do think you’re right. I think the Christian market is evolving over time.
Author
Hello, Elisa— I would still recommend Karen Kingsbury. A case in point, one that definitely “goes there” is Divine. This book, published several years ago, deals with battered women, abuse, promiscuity, and God’s loving mercy and grace. Karen Kingsbury writes about a variety of topics that are relevant to today’s times, and deals with it all in a blow-your-socks-off kind of way.
Another book recommendation is Francine River’s Redeeming Love, which deals with prostitution and God’s ultimate forgiveness. Both books remain top sellers in the Christian market.
No need to apologize for “rambling.” I agree that all the issues you mentioned need to be tackled, and what better place than in a Christian venue? My novels will be set in a small town, but I plan to tackle “big” issues.
~Blessings