Into the Fire

Yes, it’s true. We “voracious” readers possess an addiction. While it is often satisfied, sometimes it definitely is not. That comment is preparation for two upcoming reviews, one to appear tomorrow and one to be posted next week.

(As a side note to this post on fiction addiction, posting unfavorable reviews by Christian authors of Christian authors is unpleasant and unpopular. There are debates which address this very subject, and they touch on honest reviewing, the possibility of burning bridges with potential associates, offenses to writers who don’t deserve it, and establishing the credibility of a review. As I’ve explained before about my so-called reviews, what I’m really giving are my thoughts/opinions of the book. I recognize when a particular style or topic is not my favorite, and I will say so (i.e. my review of My Name Is Russell Fink). That doesn’t necessarily mean the writing isn’t admirable. However, I have two upcoming reviews for the CFBA blog tours which are . . . not good. Since this post isn’t about reviews, I’ll leave it at that.)

Back to the addiction to fiction. Add to that: reading. Reading is pleasurable. Sit back, lean back, sit up, recline, lie in the summer sun, wrap up in a winter fleece, however you choose to indulge yourself with a new novel and just read—what a treat. Hopefully. Expectantly. You tackle the new book. Some readers are frustrated within minutes, others get a little farther, and others throw the book across the room if they reach tedium. Whatever your process is for determining whether or not to continue reading—anticipation, curiosity, adrenaline rush, total engagement—you decide if the book is worth your time. I am s l o w l y arriving at the place where I just might abandon a novel if there is a point where I’m severely bored or disgusted. That point feels like it’s approachable now. It never has been in the past. I’ll sludge through the eye rolling, yawning, sighing disappointment but press on as I commit to a novel. Three of the last four books I’ve read suggest it may not be necessary and certainly not worth it. These novels did not cure me of my addiction to fiction. They simply kept me from others I could’ve enjoyed.

This fiction addiction is fed by the love of writing—doing it and reading it when it’s enticing and well done. Addictions are reactions to cravings and being ill equipped to deny oneself the satisfaction of fulfilling the craving. Seriously—and no disrespect intended to those who fight real addictions—writing novels cannot be easily satisfied by words and paragraphs. Novels demand our disappearance into new personalities—like-minded and total opposites—familiar or strange locations, thrilling adventures or neighborhood meanderings, and the entry into story. We know there is nothing new under the sun. People, places, things remind us of other people, places, and things. Plots can only vary so much, quirkiness can only linger so long, a far off time and place can only take us on a strange journey mixed with creatures we have to care about, and thrills must still contain substance in order for a good novel to gain our attention and attract new readers. Somehow, some way we have to be involved in the story be it familiar or strange.

If you’re a fiction writer in a writing “down” time, you have to be careful not to let the addiction rob you of intent to write. Using the down time for a productive reading break can be healing or inspirational, but if you’re not watchful, the addiction can run away with you creating an obstacle to get back to the keyboard or the pen. Beware.

Certainly it can be an expensive addiction—aren’t they all one way or another? These days, however, online and in-store sales can net some excellent buys, and there are many giveaways on blogs and authors’ websites, not to mention joining the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance if you’re prepared to feature the books you read on your blog. Lots of opportunities to read fiction.

The addiction to fiction doesn’t have to have ill effects. There can be some withdrawal symptoms if a reader inadvertently runs out of new novels. But books are just a click away. The only problem lies in exhausting your favorite genres and waiting for the new ones by your favorite authors . . .

God, once again I thank you for the joys of writing and reading. For those you’ve called to the written word—whether to write for your glory or to be blessed and encouraged by reading it—I thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.