Into the Fire

Some writers are gifted in unique ways. It’s like their words come out in splendid form and create incredible pictures of people, places, and circumstances which thrust a reader into an emotional reaction, be it gradually or with a pop-pop-pop assertion. This is how they’re designed to write, not of themselves but by God. Some of them may never realize their source and will attribute it to their “muse” or luck or blankety-blank hard work. The “rules” dissolve into nothingness when they put words to page—no one cares because there’s just too much to admire and experience.

Other writers demonstrate determination, even grit. They’re obedient to their design, but they might never be lauded with compliments of greatness. They’re not the superstars of literary creation but they’re definitely recognized for their abilities to tell a good story. And they will certainly accrue their share of faithful fans. The “rules” are used sparingly at times and staunchly adhered to at others. They’re knowledgeable about the craft and establish their own voices.

The next group is an interesting one. For me the best way to describe them is to call them the utility writers. They have learned how to write a novel. They seem to have one particular strength with a noticeable lack in another area. They might or might not have a firm grasp of the “rules” because for whatever reason, they have been allowed to break them. When they do, it stands out because their writing has certain weaknesses which are difficult to ignore. Assuming their appeal is to a particular niche of readers, that niche does not require a high standard for their reading pleasure. Even so, these writers are answering a spiritual call.

I’ve said before there are readers for nearly every kind of writer. The high maintenance literary types demand beautiful language framed around a fascinating/emotional story. The largest group of all wants recognizable talent with a dynamite story. Other readers simply don’t care. They read for pleasure, and that pleasure is all over the kingdom of writing—although probably not in the literary realms.

I’ve read some fantastic novels over the last year, but in almost the same breath comes the “but” I’ve also read some inferior books with genuine writing weaknesses—either with plot problems or vapid characters or basic, unimaginative writing. Professionally published novels. Books that must have been designed to fulfill the reader demands at the utility level. Which is fine with me. Everybody needs a book to read.

If you read Jeff Gerke’s interview here on Tuesday, you noticed a very important point: CBA publishers primarily target what they consider a niche market consisting of conservative, evangelical women in a particular age range. From that model they contract the bulk of their books. Not all. But most. So what does that say about that niche? For me it says that the publishers don’t give very high marks to the intellectual capacity of that segment of their readers. But since they attribute the majority of sales to those readers, a good portion of the books produced for that niche fall into a set type of story and a more simplified writing style.

You might think I’m putting down the utility writer in this post. I am not. They are to be commended for answering the call to write for a market they can fill. They have every right to write however God has intended for them. It’s just that simple.

Once again I fault the platitudes of some publishing professionals for insisting that the “best” writing makes it into royalty publishing when what they mean to say is that what they deem the best to fill a certain niche, thereby making the most in sales, is what makes it into book form. There’s a huge difference.

Father, thank you for writers. Thank you for the calls you give to individuals to fulfill your will in their lives to be used for your kingdom. What an honor and a pleasure. All the praise and glory goes to you in the process. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.