You know, I’m forced to wonder why people actually read fiction books. Don’t misunderstand. I understand the enjoyment of the story, the desires to be entertained, etc., but according to the publishing world, we have zero time and energy to do it.
Mothers are too busy with their children. Fathers are too busy with their jobs and their children. Singles are too busy period with everything life has to offer. Older people are either too busy with their grandkids, their infirmities, their second careers, their volunteer activities, or what else?
Apparently, our attention spans are shot. Our demands are keen. Our tastes are fickle. Doesn’t the publishing realm remind you just a bit of socialism? These poor readers don’t know how to pick out books for themselves what with their busy lives and all. So those of us who know how books are supposed to be written will provide them with exactly what they need to read because they aren’t wise enough to select a book which best fits the mode of today’s society.
This isn’t a direct hit on Christian publishing. It’s a caricature of it. However, there seems to be a fair amount of complaints to warrant some hard-hitting self examination. When even the young editors are complaining about the industry, it causes one to wonder if there’s trouble in “paradise”.
Personally, I think Christian fiction has some excellent authors. And I think that envelope everyone seems to want to push is getting stretched and tattered fairly well. There are a lot of subjects addressed in Christian fiction now–the hiding heads in the sand thing is a moot point. Maybe those who haven’t found the books they’re looking for subject-wise, attitude-wise, or the approach to those ideas the way they’ve wanted should look a little deeper into the offerings. There’re a lot of them out there.
Anyway, the “literary” folks are hacked, citing a total lack of “accomplished” Christian fiction. The SFF readers are crying out for more of a selection. If the historical novel readers make one peep, I’m going to jump out of my skin because those books have dominated the shelves forever! I want more depth of character development, long stories which tell me the minute details of motivation and desire with cause and effect. So what do you want? And what are your thoughts on my thoughts? BE KIND.
Father, we honor you this day and submit our thoughts and dreams to you for your glory. Let us be worthy and willing servants, listeners to the Spirit, and please help us to fulfill our obedience, our calls, our directions to bring you pleasure and to bring souls to your kingdom. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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