Into the Fire

My two favorite ice cream flavors are Pralines and Cream and Daiquiri Ice. Otherwise, I’m not much of an ice cream fan.

What does ice cream have to do with writing? Nothing really. It’s just that if you’re a fan of vanilla fiction, it’s logical to assume that any stories which incorporate “weird” flavors will not appeal to you. You might ask if I’m putting down those lovers of vanilla fiction, and to settle that debate before it starts: I am not.

In fact I tolerate most kinds of fiction (not all) because people need to be able to read what they like. Would you believe I know many readers both personally and from the e-world who love sagas? And not just the genre-types of historical, fantasy, and other speculative fiction. They would love to read contemporary sagas—in Christian fiction.

It’s a well known and much discussed topic that some readers still believe Christian fiction to be “intolerable”. They read a handful of novels from years past and decided they were unworthy to be addressed as “good” literature. You can always tell they’ve not read a CBA novel in years nor have they read some of our “classic” authors. To each his own. To those of us who’ve read literally hundreds of CBA novels, we know the flavors and talents of those who’ve chosen to write it. I’m not going to enter the circular debate about what Christian fiction “really” is. It can simply be broadly defined by those who publish it.

What I will say is there most likely is a flavor to satisfy every palate from the talented ranks of Christian writers no matter what your favorite is.

Vanilla: Bland, appealing, and sweet

Chocolate: Sharp and smooth

Strawberry: Fruity and full of flavor

Pralines and Cream: Nutty and rich in texture

Daiquiri Ice: Exotic and bold

What flavor are you in your reading and/or writing?

Father, you’ve made us in all flavors. Nothing restricts your creativity. Thank you for your love of variety. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.