Into the Fire

Sometimes it can’t be avoided. After all, it is the first one. Some writers pull it off: a breakout, well-written first novel. Others of us stumble along writing for all we’re worth trying to produce a story ready for reading, maybe for publication, first time out of the box. I’m tempted to think that the only way a first-time novelist can pull that off is if the author waits a considerable amount of time after finishing it to go back to reread it. I’m also fairly convinced that the writer must be a voracious reader—by my previous definition in “Types of Readers”. I believe, too, that they must be a polished writer, a student of writing in their own right—even if it’s by the metamorphosis accomplished by their reading habits. However, with God’s anointing all things are possible even with the first effort at writing a novel. And there’s the crux of it all right there: the purpose God has for this first novel.

Off the top of my head, two outstanding first novels that come to mind are Robert Liparulo’s Comes A Horseman and Tosca Lee’s Demon . . . a memoir. Now Robert was a professional writer before he penned this novel and one of those devoted reader types. Tosca Lee has a BA in English, attended Oxford, and works in international relations which require the ability to communicate well.

Two of the best all-time Christian novels are This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Francine was a novelist long before she wrote Redeeming Love, but she wrote for the general market. Her first Christian novel was written to the Lord to acknowledge the incredible mark He had made on her life. This novel signified the end of secular writing for her, and she has since had all of her previous novels taken out of print. Although Peretti was an English and film major at UCLA, he insists his first best seller was not particularly well written from a technical standpoint. No matter—the story trumped everything. And like Redeeming Love, it’s still selling.

But my point is this: everyone has to start somewhere. The important thing is to know in your heart that you’re supposed to write. Then do whatever you must to learn or hone your established abilities because, as much as I rail against the “rules of writing”, you still have to know them well before you can effectively break them and not look/sound ignorant. Basic grammar cannot be ignored. Ultimately you must write. If you have a story, tell it. Don’t let anyone tell you the method for writing it. There are as many unusual formulas for putting together a novel as there are writers who write them. You must do what works for you. Just make sure you’re committed to it because there will be some rough spots, some fearful breaks in the rhythm, some doubtful admissions and concerns regarding your ability, and some moments which will make your heart soar in triumph.

First novels will often not be your best, although for some they definitely seem to be a top effort. In the technical aspects of writing, an author can’t help but improve. Sometimes a writer of several published novels modifies his voice, perhaps adjusting to new trends for storytelling or trying a different approach. Fans find it less appealing while new readers are more engaged. The results are unpredictable.

The thing about writing is that readers might not recognize the technical improvements made after writing that first novel, but if they’ve decided they like the author’s voice, they’ll grow with them in each new effort.

Even though an author’s first novel usually has a certain feel to it, that feeling doesn’t have to be a bad one. Readers in general—and I’m not talking about writers who are readers—don’t tend to notice inexperience. If they’re engaged in the plot with characters they like or love, they’ll buy the second novel by the same author and won’t even notice the technical improvements.

Yes, we recognize the role editors play in all of this writing business. Some editors are heavy-handed, others lighter. Regardless of their contributions to a book, some first novels still have that first novel feel . . .

Father, for those you’ve called to write, help us all to do just that. Encourage us with your Spirit and urge us to be obedient to your call. We need your encouragement and your grace in all we do, and give us hope to continue in the paths you’ve laid before us. Thank you, Jesus, and in your Name, we pray. Amen.

*Please remember Kristy Dykes and her family.*