Into the Fire

If you look to your left under the archives, you will see one line which reads “My Novels”. If you click on that, it will send you to Amazon.com where you will see pictures of my two novels. If you wish, you can read two reviews of The Famous One there and order if you so desire. 🙂 You will see the picture of my first novel (which is very much a first novel), the most comprehensive story of American horse racing written for adults. I wouldn’t suggest (as if you were remotely interested) ordering Hope Of Glory from there. You can get it from me for free. (If anyone is ordering outside the USA, they must pay the shipping.) That vendor is selling a previously inscribed and autographed copy for over the full retail price.

Some critics of Christian fiction accuse it of being limited to sappy romances and mediocre writing. These are readers who have not read much of it. In fact, they’ve read very little of it. While I’m not suggesting that these characteristics are absent from CBA novels, I can cite two important facts in regard to these accusations. Number one, in proportion to the books produced, ABA books qualify for this very same assessment in larger numbers. Number two, there are some incredible writers in CBA who have written in nearly every genre and covered some very difficult topics/themes in the process of storytelling.

CBA novel readers are occasionally disappointed by what they perceive as a lack of realism, heavy on the fluff factor. In fact if you don’t know what authors to search for, the novels which often get maximum exposure or prominent placement in CBA stores might be those prairie romances or Amish stories or short romance series.

Many readers seek out novels with three-dimensional characters involved in multi-layered situations which involve hard decisions, faith challenges, and relationships which seem “real”. The word “real” has been the single echoing attachment from many who’ve read The Famous One. Believe it or not, I’m not trying to boast about that commentary. I will admit to it being a welcome, affirming relief to hear, but if the book did not cover the God-less worldview accurately, there’s no way it could seem “real”. Both men and women have determined it to be “real”. If you’re looking for a novel to give someone who is considering the things of God, who has spent time sampling what the world has to offer and is coming up empty, may I suggest this book? It tells the story, almost like a fictional biography, of a kid who has no knowledge of God, growing up without a role model, hope, ambition, or direction. He experiences sex, alcohol, drugs, and acute loneliness, gets discovered and moves into reluctant fame. It’s a journey many people make in the world minus the celebrity. It’s not your typical Christian novel.

Father, you know all I want is what you want. Use my work for your kingdom however you decide. I know you will–you have a purpose for me and what you’ve given me to do. Thank you so much for that. “You’re all I’m livin’ for . . . ” In the Name of Jesus, Amen.