A lot of writers will tell you they write because they can’t “not write”. Some writers will tell you they’ll write regardless of whether or not publication becomes a reality for them. Other writers will search out those identifiable clues which attract certain publishers and work diligently to produce the topics and styles which appeal to those houses.
Writers come in as many flavors as Baskin & Robbins ice cream. Maybe more. While styles and voice sound similar, each writer produces something he calls his own. Publishers often ask writers they’re considering for publication who they resemble in their writing. And while each one of us might not think we write like anyone else, we most certainly are similar to someone who’s picked up the pen or used the keyboard to compose a story. “Unique” is a matter of opinion.
One of the most unique novels I’ve ever read is Tosca Lee’s Demon . . . a memoir. Written in elegant prose, it’s one of the most amazing first novels you might ever read. Not only is the writing sterling, the concept is so insightful it warrants being described as “anointed”. Set apart. Holy, even. Yet I would guess Tosca had to compare it to something to pitch it, so possibly she might’ve mentioned C. S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters or Randy Alcorn’s contemporary version of the same, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, but that’s just a guess, neither of which comes close to Tosca’s splendid storyline as far as comparisons go.
Anointed is a term I reserve for very special novels. Something which separates them from the crowd and puts them in a space all their own. It isn’t always the writing itself. It can be the conceptual brilliance of the story. Now as I’ve just said it’s next to impossible to actually deliver a unique product because Solomon reminded us centuries ago that there is nothing new under the sun. What we can have is either an old concept with magnificent writing or an inventive concept with satisfactory writing or the luster of both.
Here are a few of my votes for “anointed” novels not in any particular order:
Demon . . . a memoir by Tosca Lee
Redeeming Love, And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers
This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Prophet, The Oath by Frank Peretti
Deadline, Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
Secrets, Unforgotten by Kristen Heitzmann
Zora and Nicky by Claudia Mair Burney
Breaking Point by Karen Ball
In High Places by Tom Morrisey
Plague Maker by Tim Downs
Firestorm by Jeanette Windle
If I Gained the World by Linda Nichols
Defiance by Don Brown
It isn’t always the writing which qualifies a novel for this special description. Sometimes it’s the creation and execution of profound spiritual elements, principles, and/or experiences within the story boundaries.
I know this will offend some of you because it sounds arrogant, but I in no way can attribute this to my own importance or abilities which are severely limited. Having said that, I know the personal experience of writing The Famous One underwent the anointing process. Those of you who’ve read it and either picked apart the writing or weren’t particularly moved by the story, I understand why you would question my claim. I’m not professing that the novel was exquisite, I’m professing that the anointing was there while I wrote it. Some who’ve read it have experienced that kind of experience. Some have not. No matter. It was a special experience, a spiritual blessing to write it and to be involved with its conception.
Whatever your reasons for writing, God is involved in the process. The only problem arises when we turn from his directions and pursue our own. True “success” is only found in obedience.
Father, you do anoint your servants’ hands to do what you have called us to do. Help us to be obedient to your call and direction. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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