Into the Fire

So. How did Christian publishing become what it is today? All we really have from authors like myself are opinions. Lots of them. When I was introduced to Christian Fiction, it might've started before Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness, but that's what started Christian Fiction for me. His blockbuster duo of TPD and Piercing the Darkness hooked me to his work but also to exploring what Christian bookstores were offering instead of the typical general market fare which offered little hope, morality, or conscience.

Those two Peretti novels, bold and brash for their time, turned out to be a huge success for both author and publisher. Believers and unbelievers alike were challenged and awed by these stories and depiction of spiritual warfare. Few novels of those days made such a crossover impact without even trying. Powerful in their storytelling and definitely Christian in their theology without apology, Peretti ignited and set the stage for Christian Fiction.

Although we've "come a long way, baby" in years of Christian writing with many successful and talented authors published by various Christian houses (successful and talented not necessarily synonymous), I can't help but wonder if the evolution has been as good as it could've, maybe should've, been. What does it say about CF when many of its editors and other professionals primarily read general market material? And knowing that, why are the restrictions and requirements of some Christian publishers so rigid?

The answer to that seems simplistic. There are some very loud and proud Christian readers who demand their versions of "clean" stories and threaten with ultimatums to "never read another book from so and so" if they don't quit publishing such objectionable material in their fiction. It's a catch-22. The publishers have created this mode of story-telling and the readership they've generated who keep the coffers full demand they kowtow to their expectations. If they deviate from the expected norms, they hear about it. I'm not casting blame on any publisher who wants to make the maximum profit from their businesses. However, what they've ushered into the domain of Christian Fiction are inflexible readers with unvarying tastes who aren't afraid to voice their displeasure in somewhat mean-spirited one-star reviews on Amazon or elsewhere.   

Some areas of Christian Fiction remain stagnant. Predictable, formulaic, routine. Certainly not all of it. There are some fabulous writers of Christian novels in all genres. Talent galore. Some have had to go the independent route to write in the genres of their choices (i.e. sci-fi, fantasy), and others, like me, have had to choose self-publishing in order to write the way they prefer.

Some exceedingly talented Christian authors have been dropped from mainstream Christian publishers after a few books, leaving many of us wondering why. These were exceptional writers with excellent stories. Good reviews. It was hinted that their stories might've been a bit too edgy. Considering the depth and value of their writing, it was impossible to accept that reasoning.

There's more to this. Part Three will follow.

Father, we're all desperate for you. We need to obey you above all else. We need to use the talent/gifts you've given each one of us for your glory. Help us all to do that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.