Into the Fire

Disclaim: To deny or renounce any claim to or connection with; disown. To deny the validity of; repudiate.

Disclaimer: A repudiation or denial of a claim.

Let’s say there’s a product on the market making claims such as “miracle cleaner”. Oh wait, there are such products. Okay. If you pass on this information about the product to someone else because of what you’ve heard about the product, the disclaimer you give is this: “But I’ve never used it so I don’t know for sure if it does what it’s advertised to do.” Fair enough?

Let’s do what I inevitably do one way or another and transfer this to the writing world.

The “miracle” claims on book jackets, through endorsements, or written within reviews by those who’ve actually read the book present the product for readers. Some readers base their selections of books on exactly those claims. After reading the book, they either join the “miracle” mantra or offer their own versions of a disclaimer.

We don’t hear disclaimers from the authors of their books very often. Why? Because authors need sales, it’s not a good marketing technique, and disclaimers do discourage some people while challenging others. Personally, I value disclaimers, or I should say I would value them by an author for a very simple reason: honesty.

I’ve stood in fiction aisles where Christian fiction is sold and asked those browsing the covers what kind of stories or what authors they like. When they respond with a few titles or authors’ names, I know immediately what kind of writing and storylines they prefer. I know instantly if my novels will fit into their reading world.

The importance of recognizing “your” audience as a writer is tantamount to me. I know my audience will not be found in the Amish/Prairie Romance crowd. Huh-uh. The last thing I want to do to a reader is offend them with my story or the way it’s written. Very few authors gain universal appeal. Many more novelists have niche readers even though that niche can be far reaching.

Many of today’s CBA thrillers contain a substantial amount of gore. Some readers think they like thrillers, but what they really like are mysteries or suspense novels. It’s imperative to know the difference in reading tastes before recommending a Robert Liparulo, Steven James, or Ted Dekker novel to someone who appreciates Terri Blackstock or Lorena McCourtney, not that they can’t intersect (because I like all of these authors), but some readers would literally be horrified and even repulsed by the former authors’ books.

Today’s point being: authors need to take responsibility for their “wares”. Even if only in their tag lines such as Brandilyn Collins has done with her copyrighted expressions: “Don’t forget to breathe” and “Seatbelt Suspense”. These suggest there might be a little more “scare” in the story than the average suspense novel. While these clever lines serve as an invitation to readers who love intrigue and some frightening plot elements, they also imply a subtle warning to those readers who’ve wound up joining Brandilyn’s “Big Honkin’ Chickens Club”.

More about disclaimers tomorrow.

Father, you’ve created all kinds of writers to tell the stories you’ve given to each one. You know the fears and struggles of your people, and your desire is to strengthen and encourage. To make us more than conquerors through your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to depend on you for all things. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.