More than one of the conversations I had with different individuals at the conference was the ongoing claim of those professing not to read much Christian fiction because it’s “fluff”. Well, nothing stops me in my tracks faster and gets me going in a straight line to challenge their claims. And though I’m not in any way keeping score, I inevitably “win” those conversations and have the naysayers quickly writing down the slew of names of Christian fiction authors they’ve never heard of that I’m recommending to them. The truth be known they don’t know enough about Christian fiction to make those erroneous statements. Yes, they’ve probably slogged through a couple of mediocre novels and assumed the entire bunch must be the same. Simply not true.
Since I write Christian fiction, I get defensive at those patronizing writers who make the bold statements about how, yes, “edgy” their writing is and how it doesn’t fit into the CBA mold. Well, guess what? It might not fit into the Love Inspired imprint or even at Bethany House, but I guarantee if it’s not trash, there’s a Christian publisher out there who will consider it. The borders are open in a lot of houses, and you don’t even have to show your passport.
I can just imagine the next summons saying, “Define ‘trash’”. Look, I’m not going to go so far as to say erotica and f-bombs are acceptable to Christian publishers. However, if your work must include graphics in words or sexual intercourse, then you want to try the general market (ABA) anyway. Or custom publish your work.
But don’t try to tell me that the reality of “the world” is being left out of Christian fiction. It is certainly not. And there are some absolutely amazing writers putting together phenomenal stories distributed by major Christian publishers. Some of those publishers (Hachette Book Group’s Faith Words and Center Street divisions and Thomas Nelson for another) are publishing novels which stretch what are considered “safe” boundaries by others.
And if you think every Christian novel must declare the gospel or record a salvation experience, you are so behind the times in your Christian novel reading. There are myriad stories out there in Christian publishing where there is virtually no mention of Jesus Christ, no characters who exhibit lifelike Christian qualities or principles, and even the Christian worldview is vague at best.
Quality writing is there in Christian novels. You just have to know what you like and who fits into your ideals. Once you can qualify your preferences, I’m willing to bet the books are there for you. And if they aren’t, they’re on the way because there are houses in the industry trying to get outside the status quo.
Father, thank you for each writer who strains to write for you, to honor you with all they do. Thank you for pure hearts who strive to give their best in all things that you might receive the glory and praise due to you alone. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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