Into the Fire

I’m coming late to the blogosphere party on purpose. Late to the “safe” discussion in Christian literature. Late to give my “real” opinion on the matter of “safe v. edgy” because of the connotations of both words when speaking about fiction. My post “You can always tell . . .” speaks of those who assume “safe” things about Christian fiction without having read much of it. “Edgy” has been the buzz word in recent times when referring to stories which confront or pertain to things such as alcohol consumption or addiction, drugs/addiction, sexual issues, demon/vampire/horror topics, language concerns (cussing/swearing/some kinds of slang terms), and the not-so-Christian attitudes and characters.

You’d be hard pressed to come up with universal definitions—or even descriptions—of either of these two words to satisfy the bulk of those who have opinions as to what they mean in fiction writing for the Christian writer and reader. It seems these words continue to amplify concerns from those who wish to put an end to speculation and come up with a definitive category for each. The only thing I’ve concluded from reading the multiple opinions on the subject is this: neither term brings a cohesive resolution to what is “acceptable” in Christian fiction. While most people will agree that there is not only a market for the “safe” literature, there is a real need for it since it is supported by the age old definition of success: dollars and cents. While those who purchase “edgy” novels in the CBA market appear to be growing in number as they learn of its existence, neither “safe” nor “edgy” fans can coordinate a compromise either in definition or tolerance of each other’s preferences.

In the interview with Mimi Baker (at Woven by Words) in my “Advertisement” post, she referred to my novel (The Famous One) as edgy—especially the way I described the term—which was: “Edgy” is a term which conjures up all kinds of debates and controversy. If by “edgy” you mean it’s not “fluff”, it addresses sinful issues plainly without judgment, and it shows the lifestyle of a young person growing up without God in his life, then, yes, without a doubt it is an “edgy” Christian story.

The gist of the controversy squares on personal taste or good ol’ subjectivity, the catch-all word for why we all like what we like and don’t like what we don’t like while trying to convince others our preferences are the “best”. Which is useless. And silly.

Honestly, I think the extremists in either camp, the ones who argue and champion either/or instead of both entirely miss the objective of “story”. The ability to create a novel is a talent given by God even if it isn’t recognized by those who write them. As Christians who are writers, we are subject to our Lord’s approval, and no man can assume to tell us how He has asked us to create. If we sin in our writing, we answer up to One far more powerful than the editor’s or reviewer’s or critique-r’s poison pen. Obedience should be the goal of all we author.

Now in being obedient to the One who has called us to write, we are not in a position to guarantee publication. Where we decide to make creative concessions or editing cuts belongs to us and no one else. What’s it worth to us? How important is a cuss word as opposed to implying that cuss word? Yes, I guess it could be said if your fiction is “safe” but well-written, the amount of doors open to you are greater in quantity in the CBA, but rest assured there are plenty of doors now open to “edgy” Christian stories. Much depends on how those stories are written, who they grab along the way to publication, if you have an agent who is passionate about your writing and who is able to find an editor willing to go to the mat for your manuscript. But in all correctness, it isn’t just about the writing. There are other factors such as platform, a recommendation from another professional along the way, what a particular publisher is looking for at the time . . . a lot of things matter besides just “good/great writing”, “fresh voice”, and all the other platitudes we’ve heard repeatedly by nearly every professional who’s ever “coined the phrases” on a website or blog.

If you want to read more about the safe v. edgy topic, it was covered in depth by Rachelle Gardner, Mike Duran, and Rebecca Luella Miller on their blogs last week.

Feel free to voice your opinion here.

Father, you give us our directions if we pursue you and listen to your voice. Our “job” is obedience to you. Help me to be just that. It’s really all that matters. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please pray for Kristy Dykes and her family.*