Into the Fire

One thing I respect about literary agent Rachelle Gardner is that she frequently mentions the subjectivity of this publishing business. Yes, occasionally, she uses the customary platitudes about “great writing”, et al, but I’ve yet to hear a publishing professional who doesn’t.

So let’s examine subjectivity. Again. Briefly. And let’s start with The Shack, a huge bestseller written by a man who calls himself “an accidental author”, knowing his writing skills at the time of composing this little novel were limited. No matter. This novel took off like an unmanned missile locked on to a target bigger than expected. With accusations of heresy to claims of life-changing spiritual awakening, The Shack did in fact touch many lives—some positively, some not. But the more the controversy raged, the more the little book sold. So, like it or not, this not-so-well-written little tale erupted into a massive success story. And no one was touting it as being superbly written because they knew better than to make that claim.

My friend Dayle sent me an email regarding one of the novels on my “profound” list. For him, this particular book was anything but profound, and he explained why he held his opinion. Dayle writes, studies the craft, has completed one novel, and leans toward a literary style for his reading preferences. His reasons made perfect sense to him. We disagreed about the novel.

My reading preferences vary as far as style and voice are concerned, but I certainly do enjoy a well done literary novel. I consider Chris Fabry’s first adult novel Dogwood especially beautiful writing—even though the ending of the story didn’t particularly appeal to me. However, the Ty Buchanan series (Try Dying, Try Darkness, Try Fear) by James Scott Bell is absolutely magnificent: clever, hilarious, touching, amazing, brilliant. Totally different styles. Loved them both.

So, most of you know I read a lot. A lot. And I have read the superb, the good, the bad, and the really bad. Subjectively speaking, I really do like my own stories, my voice, my writing. Why else would I write if I couldn’t stand my work? And, yes, I like my style and stories better than many of the novels I’ve read. So what, huh?

Since I cannot seem to attract the attention of an agent, I can like them all I want with no results. In the big picture it means little. Yeah, it produces a lot of doubt. Yes, it makes me wonder what exactly God expects of me. And, no, I certainly don’t profess to have the answers because at this time the Lord has not given me specifics. However, I know God does have a plan, and it’s the one that’s best for me.

Through it all the strange views of subjectivity remain unpredictable and controversial.

Father, I remember what you’ve told me, and I can count on you always. Thank you for that. Always. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.