Into the Fire

Most of you writers who are seeking publication, or who have been published, are far more familiar with various categories, genres, and definitions of the rules governing those specifics than I. It seems every year or so new names for individual genre classifications arise adding more confusion – and rarely clarity – to the mix. And with those new classifications come a variety of new identifying rules for writing them.

Astute writers pay attention to these rules and make conscious decisions as to what categories their fiction adheres to. Perhaps one of the clearest and long-standing arenas of novels is the "category romance". Boy meets girl, boy and girl fight attraction, eventually succumb to said attraction, and find their way to love and the usually happily-ever-after syndrome. Statistics prove this formula is mucho successful in both the general market and the CBA market.

However, in the CBA market the rules for writing romance can be stringent and super specific depending on which publishing house is producing the novels. These rules are designed for a demographic which expects certain elements in their fiction. Whether or not this demographic established itself by expressing their expectations via communication with publishers or if it came by way of purchases which led to further precision in the design, it is a potent force in determining how romance novels are written in this Christian-based publishing leg of the overall industry.

I understand the necessity for formulaic writing. A lot of fiction readers enjoy predictability. Especially in their romances. This might be just a bit exaggerated in the CBA market because sexual references are tightly monitored by religious readers. And I use the term "religious" here for a specific reason. There are those in the Christian fiction market who will not tolerate those elements which make up sexual attraction and consequential dialogue. Period. They protest loudly and pass judgment on the books and authors who include anything not meeting their personal standards for "clean" and "righteous". Editors and publishers have been cowed by this majority in their chosen demographic and have actually constructed moderate changes to their products in second printings, eliminating the words or situations which raised the ire of their readers claiming such things were "inappropriate for Christian novels". Somehow the reality of sexual attraction and the challenges presented by normal human behavior is "inappropriate for Christian novels".

Although the general market provides category romance with all kinds of perverse liberties in their fiction, there is no immediate danger of the rules changing in Christian fiction to accommodate even the slightest bravery in writing honestly about sexuality. Romance is still generally predictable and formulaic to please the majority of those readers who have snuggled themselves comfortably into the prominent CBA clientele's sterile bedroom.

For the record, once again, I am not advocating graphic sexual content in CBA romance novels. I'm also not in favor of rewriting any rules for classifications or genre definitions, mind boggling as they sometimes can appear. Nor am I suggesting that publishing houses should lighten up or de-amplify their chosen restrictions because it's their business, their money, their profitability that's at stake. Therefore, it's their choice how they conduct their businesses.

But, and there's always a but when it comes to this topic, I choose to ignore the accepted rules for CBA romance novels, rewriting the rules of romance in my own kind of love stories. And accept the consequences of my actions. Fully.

Father, humanity corrupted what was once pure and lovely. You've redeemed love and romance. Help us to write that beauty in a fallen world. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.  . . .  The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.

Galatians 5:7-8;10b

Up for review this week from the CFBA Tour is Ward Tanneberg's novel Redeeming Grace published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

You know I'm an unabashed fan of large novels. I recently did a post on the value of sagas and epics over at Novel Rocket. Pointing out that the longer novels allow for more detail and potential character development, on the down side, if poorly done, they can result in wordy repetition, events or scenes which fail to contribute anything to the storyline or characters, and they might produce the desire to skim or abandon the story by the reader. Redeeming Grace is guilty of all three of these properties without being a total failure as a novel.

Editing needs proved abundant. Three paragraphs appeared one right after the other three times on the same page. A Datsun became a Plymouth within two pages. One character "Ilene" through the entire story briefly became "Irene". And a heretofore phantom wife of the primary villain was mentioned in one sentence in the final chapters which contributed nothing making it an unnecessary and unbelievable addition.  

Grace Grafton is "coerced" by her two girlfriends (Ilene and Bonnie Jo) to do something daring while celebrating their college graduation on a trip to Savannah. Invited by a charming stranger to travel on a yacht owned by a wealthy potential VP candidate to an estate party on Daufuskie Island with a senator who plans to run for president and a Lebanese diplomat while being provided with a lot of money to purchase appropriate attire and a room at an upscale hotel to get ready for the event, the girls give in to his request and go on a shopping spree. All the while, Grace maintains an uneasy feeling but keeps it to herself after her exuberant friends insist it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The truth of that is sadly realized when other guests fail to materialize, the wealthy owner shows flashes of his cold and ruthless demeanor, the senator is a narcissist, and the too quiet diplomat proves a challenge for Ilene. When things turn dangerous, Grace is faced with an hellacious run and swim for her life.

The account of that horrifying evening and subsequent events is presented in long flashbacks, opening up a whole new cast of characters who reappear in the later chapters to help Grace – who has been under a different identity for seven years – rescue her fiancé and his children from the man who has been searching for her since that fateful evening.

Some of the story is told from the omniscient POV giving different looks at the many characters involved in this tale. Third person POV picks up Grace's story when she's on the run or formulating exit strategies.

My difficulties with Redeeming Grace are primarily expressed above where I listed the potential dangers in writing a long novel, mixed with the faulty editing, but there is one more. Grace Grafton isn't a particularly likable heroine. She has her tender moments, but she demonstrates a prickly personality and her demands in dangerous situations seem improbable. The improvisation during her escape comes across as believable although much too repetitive. Her temper drives her courage in the end, but her circumstances seem a bit too overwhelming for such bravado.

However, the story itself is entertaining in spite of the unnecessary elements and the lack of fine-tuned details. Mr. Tanneberg will capture the bulk of the CBA demographic with the preachy overtones in places and the style of writing for this genre. Redeeming Grace has its redeeming moments for those readers who expect what is considered the "norm" from their Christian novels.         

Father, you know Ward's heart, the efforts put forth in multiple ministries. Continue to supply what he needs to do what you've called him to do. Bless and encourage him all along the path you've designed just for him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

We discussed the stereotypical villain on Tuesday, but isn't it just as difficult sometimes to write the protagonist?

We've all read those stories where the hero is bigger than life. The largest protagonist in my world is Mitch Rapp, Vince Flynn's magnificent hero. What an amazing creation he is. Because of his occupation as a spy/assassin, the built-in flaws established in this character's persona make his huge presence on the page believable. At least for me.

And we've all read those stories where the hero is just too good. Almost flawless. Does all the right things at just the right times. And we scoff at his heroism because it doesn't ring true.

Then there are those protagonists who lean the other direction – and we can't bring ourselves to like them, ruining the reading experience. It takes a gifted writer to risk an unlikable protagonist and to be able to garner any kind of empathy from the reader. (Chris Fabry's protagonist comes to mind from Not in the Heart.)

Nothing wrong with crotchety heroes if done well.

At times we need a good hero, one that does rescue or says the right things. He just can't be too perfect because, as much as he might appeal to our desire for perfection, we know it doesn't realistically exist.

These same concerns apply to female protagonists.

Your thoughts?

God, we're all so flawed. I'm never heroic. Maybe that's why I appreciate and admire heroism so much. Thank you for those who are real heroes. And thank you for allowing us to create them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

But whose? Hree are a few of the various perspectives of Christian (CBA) publishing people:

If marketed well, you can sell anything. (In light of some of the mega-hits with shoddy writing, we could believe this.)

Only the best writing gets published. Good writing, good editing, good story = published. (Wow. Have these people read what they've sold or published lately?)

Fantasy doesn't sell in the CBA market. (Then why do so many Christians buy it and write it?)

We need to be careful that doctrinal issues are sound. (Um. Can anyone say "Amish"?)

Romance novels should follow a formula and not include sexual elements besides a kiss here and there. (Yeah. That makes romance real, huh?)

Please feel free to add your own.

Father, your perspective is so far above ours. Plus you know the end from the beginning. We thrash around down here, so foolish and cocky at times, thinking we've discovered all the answers to various topics. We're so often clueless. Thank you for loving us in spite of us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

From my novel reading I've found one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish is to take the stereotype out of the evil character. More than anyone else, the antagonist is portrayed similarly in so many novels. It's understandable. Although evil appears in many forms, sociopaths and psychopaths definitely contain comparable personality traits resulting in some predictable leanings or actions.

Toning it down to the less threatening antagonists such as mean girls or ladder-climbers or those who like to sabotage their acquaintances, it's still a battle to create them with unique characteristics.

Why is this?

Possibly it's because inherent in evil is the ultimate selfishness manifested in dramatic self-serving behaviors. Add perversions or murderous tendencies and mix those with the inability to feel remorse, the author is obligated to demonstrate those common denominators of evil. Originality doesn't come easy other than in the possible surroundings or weaponry used to inflict maximum harm which is where the depravity of the villain can be exploited.

When writers loose their imaginations to explore evil, the possibilities are endless in spite of their being "nothing new under the sun". And perhaps it's that very observation way back in Solomon's time that explains the stereotypical antagonist in stories, be it a man or a spirit. Sin has been prevalent for a long time on earth. All kinds of it have been apparent and flourishing in this fallen world.

Do you notice the evil stereotype in your reading? Have you fought to produce a villain who appeared "different" in his makeup or actions? 

Father, help each of us to write with authenticity. Help us to look inside of ourselves and write from the place of honesty. May we always honor you with our stories and be grateful for the opportunity to tell them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

If you could ask any professional in the publishing industry a question (or two) who would you ask and what would you ask?

Father, so many questions. And you have all the answers. Some we will most likely never know the answers to – no doubt for our own good. Thank you for being omniscient. I need that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

As it is written:

"There is no one righteous, not even one;

there is no one who understands,

no one who seeks God.

All have turned away,

they have become worthless;

there is no one who does good;

not even one."

"Their throats are open graves;

their tongues practice deceit."

"The poison of vipers is on their lips."

"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."

"Their feet are swift to shed blood;

ruin and misery mark their ways,

and the way of peace they do not know."

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Romans 3:10-18 (NIV)

                                       COMING THIS SUMMER!

Lord, I know there are so many in the entertainment business who choose not to know you. It's heartbreaking, but there's still time. I pray for revival in the land and souls to be saved. We're all desperate for you whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Lord, bless these guys. May the skills you've given them be attributed to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.