Although it’s a familiar and well-used cliché applied to situational arguments with teenagers, in politics and relationships, and in corporate boardrooms or custodial closets, it’s a valid instruction, its intent recognizable by all who hear it.
In my world it can also apply to those matters created by writing novels. Authors subject themselves to all kinds of decision makers. If they make it to the level of having their work on the threshold of publishing, they face the editing process. From ordeals to pleasurable experiences, writers must face certain battles to preserve or eliminate words they’ve strived to get just right.
I can’t speak for most authors, but I know that some are far easier to work with than others. And, sad to say, I’m probably from the latter category rather than the former because of the strong convictions I hold regarding realism in Christian literature. I’m not speaking of arguing for inferior writing, but I’m definitely not into compromising truthful depictions of life portrayed as it is. And sometimes that is precisely what we don’t see in CBA novels.
Even in the committed lives of Christians sin is warred against, sometimes resulting in a victory for the sinful nature. That’s not to say we don’t read of adultery, divorce, drunken or alcoholic behaviors, physical abuse, or other such sinful conduct in offerings from Christian publishing. Specific novels from good authors and selective publishers have dared to produce some fantastic literature dealing with difficult issues in their characters’ lives, giving readers meaningful portrayals of sinful people in need of saving grace.
However, more often we read of characters who hide secrets which seem unqualified for such drama. No one uses hell or damn or smokes or drinks. Any romantic attraction consists of lingering looks and heavy sighs. And some readers of these novels are not only pleased with such stories but rant against those which are quite the opposite of them.
I guess I’d face a few battles. Not sure I could win any of them. Not saying I’d accept defeat.
Lord, your plan for me is a single path. Designed for my steps, custom-made. The only one I want. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
