Into the Fire

Obviously, there are differences between Christian Fiction and General Market (Secular) Fiction. Although certainly not in every General Market novel, many contain expletives/cursing/profanity, and some contain graphic sexual calisthenics which could qualify as literary pornography. To find either of those in Christian Fiction would be shocking to most Christian readers and is perceived by almost all Christian authors as a necessary difference between the two markets. 

But let's discuss the genre differences between the two markets. First of all, as most of you know, I read mostly thrillers, mystery, and suspense. I think it's fair to say that Christian Fiction offers far less of the thriller genre even though several authors/publishers have labeled their novels as such. It might be, in some cases, the differences in thriller content and style between the two markets are subtle, but for the most part the Christian thriller novels do not presently offer an outstanding thriller-concept author for the genre. Instead, they produce some intense mysteries with some violent and/or fast-moving action scenes, but to sustain the level of thrillers, it's not consistently reached or met even in those Christian novels touted as thrillers. 

There are those Christian readers who might ask how anyone can read secular literature. I know that because I was one of them for a long time. So. I will tell you why I decided to go to the general market for certain genres. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, at present there are few pronounced thriller authors in the Christian Fiction market. I do hope that isn't taken as a slam to those authors who've attached the "thriller" labels to their work. Truly, I mean no offense. However, there's a distinct quality to thrillers that doesn't always include a romantic element, a completely "stable" hero, more mystery than action, and predictable reactions to certain circumstances. Now I understand that these are somewhat vague descriptions, noting that even non-Christian thrillers can contain these factors – but in the General Market these will usually show up in one of many novels in a long series featuring a particular hero (i.e. Mitch Rapp, John Milton, Scot Harvath, etc.), not in every thriller novel. 

Yes, there is a 100% chance there will be profanity in these novels, in some more than others. Do I expect it? Yes. Do I like it? No, but from the standpoint of accuracy and keeping with the established character(s) and actions, it's understandable until it becomes obsessive. Then it's particularly annoying. Rarely in genuine thrillers does graphic sexual content appear. Those are the few pages which are skipped if it shows up. The thriller authors I read are outstanding craftsmen in the genre. I'm usually always sorry when the book comes to an end. 

I would like to say at one time before the great "transformation" of Christian Fiction, there were more thriller authors available. My personal favorite was Robert Liparulo who had the incredible ability to write stories at a frenzied pace that kept you tightly involved in his deep and intense stories. Truly one of the best. 

So, yes, there are necessary differences in the two markets. However, if you're a lover of genuine thrillers, you'll probably have to go to the General Market to find them. 

Father, thank you for the talents and gifts you give so generously. Please continue to bless those who use them to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.