Out of 32 fiction books listed as winners, I have read 4 of them. Four of them. If you read my post “Overkill”, you’ve got a sense of how many novels I’m reading on a fairly regular basis. Since that particular post, I have hunkered down and got busy with writing my eighth novel. So I’m only reading one non-fiction book at the moment for my contribution to a blog tour in the middle of October. When I read “appropriately” for me, the novels inspire me to work on my own.
But . . . four out of 32 novels on this winner’s list at the big fiction-only conference, heralded by all “professional” Christian novelists because it addresses only fiction, seems rather odd to me. Now, granted, I don’t do historicals, fantasy, sci-fi (with the exception of Austin Boyd’s trilogy), novellas, or lits. I do read suspense, mystery, thrillers, adventure, and the like. And I do read some romance, but in light of the categories of these awards, I guess that’s blended into “Women’s Fiction”, whatever that is. Why then isn’t there a category for “Men’s Fiction”, huh? C’mon. Fairness and political correctness being what it is and all. Besides, I think most of what I read would fall into that category.
So, I’m a writer. If you think I’m a lousy one, you’re entitled to your opinion. Nevertheless, lousy or not, I have managed to write (aka “finish”) seven novels. Occasionally I even write a thoughtful blog post. Not sure if this is one of them, but, hey, it intrigues me that most of what I’ve read and liked or admired over the last couple of years in the CBA haven’t managed to secure an award. Nominations, and second or third place finishes but not “wins” that I know of. While a few of the novels I’ve read and liked less for varying reasons—some of which have actually been the writing skills—have garnered awards. Weird. No wonder I don’t fit in.
Subjective business for sure.
So, writers, let this be a lesson to you. Yes. A lesson. Who knows or cares what appeals to you as a reader and writer? Maybe you’ve read all the books on the awards list and agree 100% with the selections of winners. Am I odd to stand amazed that as much as I read in a year—exclusively in the CBA, mind you—that few of those novels even appear? And then to find that some of the novels in my personal evaluation were of a slightly lesser quality/caliber than others that I’ve read are the ones placing in the contest awards? Huh.
The real lesson is it doesn’t really matter. Congratulations to all those who placed and won. They’ve worked hard and were recognized for it. Good job. This business is based on subjectivity from start to finish, and not one of us can swear one book is better than another if we loved it and someone else hated it. Such is the life of writing. Those who are “successful” must answer to God just like I have to do. We all are here to serve our Lord. To whom much is given, much will be required. We would all do well to carve that into our psyches, not to mention imprint it on our hearts. God will do what He intends to do, and we need to follow Him and be glad to be involved however He determines.
Father, thank you for each one who is following you in their pursuit of writing, who is not afraid to proclaim Jesus is Lord, and who work so hard to make their literature matter in the Kingdom. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of touching those lives that I get to reach. It’s all about you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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