Into the Fire

It seems I'm perpetually giving "disclaimers" concerning my novels to new readers. I tell them my tagline is: Raw Romantic Redemptive and then try to designate the differences between my books and other Christian fiction they might have read. Because there is a difference, and rather than allowing them to be unpleasantly surprised upon reading my work and figuring out that they are not necessarily the audience for my storytelling, the disclaimers prove to be the only method I've discovered that either softens the blow, prepares them for something different than perhaps they're used to reading from Christian novels, or to ensure that they're game for the way I've chosen to write. 

But it's tedious, awkward at times, and disappointing to feel I have to do this. 

Nothing in my novels is graphic sexually. Severe language is inferred. 

What I do is accurately portray the contrast between "the world" and those who are Christians. "Accurately" is the key word. I would guess some Christians read "clean fiction" because they seriously want to escape the world for the time it takes to read a novel. I don't blame them. However, my pointed mission is stated in the first sentence of this paragraph. Contrast. And I am compelled to allow readers to see a portion of the world they might not have experienced but that is just another part of what causes the dire need for salvation. We are all in need of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. 

I explain this because I freely admit my novels are not for every kind of Christian reader. Most novels don't have universal appeal although a few have achieved that status. 

I'm truly unashamed regarding my novels. They are redemptive. The Gospel is there. Characters capture both ends of the spectrum. I know I couldn't write a single word without the direction of my Lord. Apart from Him, I can do nothing. So a reader might not prefer my style of writing which is any reader's prerogative, but I can say I write to please the One who gave me the opportunity to tell stories since I was a child and am so grateful to Him for the privilege and pleasure. 

Father, thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.