Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

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Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

  • Commercial Fiction?

    Can you tell me what commercial fiction is?

     

    I think I’ve read a lot of it this past year. Generally easy and quick reads with limited character development. Sometimes the plot takes some outstanding twists but usually not so much.

     

    I think it’s possible to write meaningful commercial fiction like Vince Flynn’s novels definitely are, but most of it remains forgettable. Ordinary. Recalling their plots or characters blur with others and leave little to separate them from others of their kind.

     

    Successful commercial fiction seems like it would be an agent’s and publisher’s dream. Churn those puppies out to consistent sales and, yeah, keep the dependable income flowing. Successful being the operative word. Nothing wrong with writing stories that sell.

     

    I think I’m to the point where very few of the commercial novels appeal to me. Maybe I really have been reading too much. Is that possible?

     

    What’s your definition of commercial fiction?

     

    Father, you give the gifts and talents. Bless your writers, Lord, with the individual encouragement and hope that they need to continue to write the stories you’ve given them to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • “What is sacrificial love?”

    Continuing the promotion for Tedd Dekker’s Immanuel’s Veins, the publicity department at Thomas Nelson has requested participants in the CFBA Tour to ask and/or answer the thematic question of the story: What is sacrificial love?

     

    There is no sacrificial love like the One determining sacrifice of Jesus Christ. No one can equal it in any human sacrificial act, no matter how noble, how benevolent, how consequential. Soldiers sacrifice their lives every day for two reasons. They’re bound to duty. They’re bound to protect and defend. Whether or not they “love” those for whom they give their lives—and for sure they do love some of us—they love their country and for what it stands. But none of them can erase the evil that flows through the veins of the human race including their own. Their blood—and ours—is not holy and sinless and cannot eternally redeem those for whom their lives are sacrificed.

     

    Most decent parents would gladly give their lives if it meant saving their child or children. Many friends would do the same for their friends. And husbands for their wives, wives for their husbands. We desire to somehow extend the lives of those we love, and if in the mystery of survival their lives depend on us, sometimes we gather up the courage to offer up our own lives if possible. I think we make it too casual in our minds. The instinct God gave us to fight for life can be overpowering. Until it wilts and becomes secondary to whatever entices us to give it up.

     

    Sometimes we attach all kinds of meaningless definitions to “sacrificial love”. Words that don’t communicate the depth of what’s required in a sacrifice. Giving something up doesn’t cut it. Few things in reality cause an individual to willingly offer his/her life as a sacrifice.

     

    Religion creates a strange mentality. Strapping on explosives in hopes of umpteen virgins eagerly waiting after detonation is a curious inspiration for murder/suicide. I know little of what awaits a female when she explodes in a murderous act. Somehow a bunch of virgin men doesn’t create quite the same image. But something must, I guess.

     

    It’s quite a different element when you’re restrained and tortured and threatened to give up your faith. Perhaps this is what true sacrificial love is reduced to or elevated to. To stand firm in your faith in the face of terrible, excruciating pain, knowing death can’t come soon enough but awaiting the arms of Jesus Christ when it’s all said and done. Those who endure such horror for the Lord deserve that special place the Lord holds just for them.

     

    What is sacrificial love? Really.

     

    Thank you, God. Jesus, you gave it all for me. Spirit of God, you drew me to Him. Magnificent Lord of all.  

  • Immanuel’s Veins Promotion

    There was a mix-up at the book distribution part of publicity at Thomas Nelson for the CFBA Tour scheduled for today through Wednesday, so my review of Ted Dekker’s latest and apparently controversial Immanuel’s Veins will most likely appear next Monday since the book will likely arrive the final day of the tour.

     

    However, we have a *contest* scheduled beginning today and extending through the day of the eventual review. All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog. I will assign every comment a number beginning today. Simply add “T-shirt” at the end of your comment if you’re interested in winning. You can comment as many times as you like on any post. At the end of the contest, I’ll throw the numbers in a hat and draw the winner.

     

    The prize? A unisex T-shirt in dark grey with the anatomically correct drawing of a heart in black front and center with smaller red letters which say “SPREAD THE LOVE” on the lower right of the heart. On the left sleeve in small red letters you will find www.FaceBook.com/TedDekker. It’s cool.

     

    The winner will receive the T-shirt directly from Thomas Nelson after I mail them your address. If not for you, perhaps it could be a gift for someone. Christmas is coming you know . . .

     

     

    540091

     

    Lord, you are our biggest promoter. We honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Sunday’s Offerings

    Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have against Him.” These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

     

    Jude 14-16 (NIV)

  • God, please

    God, please remember your people in the USA. Hear our cries, our repentance, our sorrows over our own conduct and unfaithfulness and those of our fellow citizens. Lord, we repeatedly ask for your mercy on a personal level, but today we ask that those mercies you provide new for us every morning would prevail once again upon this country which was founded on your principles. We need you, Lord. We are desperate for you. We cannot survive without your guidance and your extended mercy. We have strayed far from your vision. We have allowed sin to multiply and dominate some of us. Create in us pure hearts and the compelling desire to serve you above all others. God, please protect us, your remnant, from further wandering and bring us back to your heart. Raise your banner of love over us and restore your standard to our lifestyles. Rescue us from the hands of the evil one. Remind us of the woes to those who call evil good and good evil. Reinstate our undying love for you. We plead for your mercy in the Name, Authority, and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

     

     

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    Remember 09/11/01 
      
     

  • Please don’t forget . . .

    Certain events in life take on memorable margins in our brains. They contribute to our history. We mark that spot. We remember where we were when they took place. We remember how we felt. These events can be as simple as a prom or as dramatic as a car crash.

     

    They can be September 11th, 2001.

     

    I talk a lot about different novels. I discuss writing them on this blog. I write about my passion for the Lord Jesus Christ. I include elements of my past and present. Once in awhile I comment on a movie. I’ve created “best” lists or given you recommendations for your next book-buying excursion. I’ve been serious. I’ve attempted to be funny. Occasionally I rant.

     

    Today I’m asking you not to forget that on September 11th, 2001, the United States of America was attacked by Islamic terrorists. Many people died in airplanes, in buildings, in debris, and became victims of a war they didn’t know existed.

     

    Today I’m asking you to realize that even though our great nation has made mistakes, we are not in any way “the Great Satan”. Quite the contrary we have a beautiful country that remains free because of the grace of God and His extended mercy. We have built this country upon the noble courage and bravery of those who shed their blood to defend and protect it. Gave their lives even for those who detest it and criticize it and seek to bring it to its knees.

     

    Remember those who are still fighting to keep this country safe. Who are still dying at the hands of evil men who seek to rule the world with their prejudicial controlling ways and to this day wish to destroy everything that has made this country great, a foremost faith in the One True God.

     

    Please remember those who died on September 11th, 2001.

     

    The world’s a crazy place. Atrocities exist everywhere. Sin flourishes. Grace prevails in spite of it. People still hear the Holy Spirit’s whispers of forgiveness and find Jesus to be the same today as He was yesterday and will always be. He gave it all and offers eternal life. There is always the option to refuse His sacrifice and risk an eternal hell. That’s the difference, isn’t it? You will not be forced to believe in God, to follow Jesus, to heed the invitation of the Holy Spirit. Not in real Christianity.

     

    Remember the damage of a wayward religion that preaches hatred and prejudice. Remember the murdering.

     

    Remember the sorrow and the heroism of those who forced down one of the planes and sacrificed their lives to save others.

     

    God, bless the USA. Please.

  • Coming soon . . .

    Review of Ted Dekker’s latest Immanuel’s Veins published by Thomas Nelson

     

    **Contest** 

     

    Win a T-shirt with the words “Spread the Love” and the anatomical sketch of a heart from the Thomas Nelson promotion of Ted Dekker’s new release Immanuel’s Veins. Banned by his Christian publishers in Holland (of all places) for being “too sensual”, we’ll see if Ted ventures into “the last frontier in Christian fiction” in his latest novel. (http://www.facebook.com/notes/ted-dekker/the-final-taboo-why-holland-has-banned-my-novel-immanuels-veins/431675774854)

     

    Review of Julie Lessman’s A Hope Undaunted published by Revell

     

    Interview with WordServe Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner

     

     

    Lord, you’re all I’m livin’ for.

  • When small things . . . aren’t.

    Anymore in the world, having convictions seems transitory. Particularly with politicians. Hearing direct quotes from even six months ago speaking the exact opposite of what they’re spewing today is commonplace. Many people don’t notice, don’t care, don’t believe it or make excuses for the misspoken words—or lies, if the truth be known.

     

    Developing convictions takes time and determination. And usually they’re a result of facing challenges in an area which requires a decision. Those areas can be muddled and difficult with all kinds of extenuating circumstances to complicate making a decision to believe in and defend without wobbling. Some areas are less important and don’t inspire too much thought—or even interest—so stating your conviction about the subject is inconsequential in your life.

     

    Needless to say, things which instigate arriving at decisions and then having to stand for them become big in your life. To others these particular items might seem small, but to you they take on an aura of bigness that translates into mega proportions. No one can really determine what those are for you or why they matter so much.

     

    What is so important to a 16 year old is rarely important to a 50 year old. That’s the way life happens. Growth produces new measures for your standards and amplifies your worldviews. In a way life becomes both more complicated and simplified simultaneously. The issues expand, the challenges increase, but the standing for something generally becomes easier.

     

    In the writing world I believe in my convictions. I’m not going to argue about them, but I’m willing to state my case for them. I realized in writing a few of the most recent posts just how much and how strongly these “opinions” mean to me. They aren’t “small”. And they’re not weak.

     

    In my faith I also stand on my convictions. Certain elements of my faith might not mesh with yours in spite of our agreement in the most basic tenets of true Christian faith. Your explanations will never convince me I’ve misread the Bible, but I’m not going to debate you on the Word. Or discuss them if there’s heavy disagreement.

     

    How ‘bout your convictions? Is there something in the writing world for which you’ve developed strong convictions?

     

    Father, keep me close to your heart. Let me be true to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • On being a rebel . . .

    Rebel: (in verb definition) To refuse allegiance to and oppose by force an established government or ruling authority. 2.To resist or defy any authority or generally accepted convention. 3.To feel or express strong unwillingness or repugnance.

     

    Rebel: (noun) A person who rebels or is in rebellion.

     

    Christians know that the term “in rebellion” is not good. I am not in rebellion to my faith in Jesus Christ.

     

    I am in rebellion to the generally accepted conventions of multiple specifics in my life. However, to keep this on topic of recent posts, I can say to you I am a rebel when it comes to writing as defined by “generally accepted conventions” in Christian literature. This does not mean I condemn those conventions or even seriously criticize them even though a few of them are repugnant to me. On the contrary I am for the norm but not if it retains an exclusivity that disallows certain types of stories which merely stretch those conventions without outright defying and desecrating them.

     

    The general fiction-reading public is huge. Diverse. The Christian reading public is also huge and much more flexible than current CBA publishing allows.

     

    The only way I can “justify” my rebellion is to believe it matters. At some level, my rebellion must exist because my convictions insist upon it. It’s not a source of pride, of individualism, or even of simple preference. It’s a required position I’ve not only taken but that which has been thrust upon me. Being a rebel isn’t a fun thing, but sometimes it’s a necessary thing.  

     

    Lord, you know my heart. Direct it constantly toward you. Apart from you I can do nothing. It’s all about you. Help me to honor you always. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

  • The Last Frontier of Christian Fiction

    How did you get here? No, really. How did you get into this life on planet earth? Yes, God breathed your creation. But after that? Those two people who are your parents—remember them? I know. Some of you don’t have the knowledge of who those two individuals are or were. I’m sorry for that. And some of you only know one or the other. But that’s not what I’m asking here. How did Mom and Dad come up with you? Yes. Okay, you don’t have to picture it. You don’t have to describe the mechanics of it. But this is what I’m talkin’ about!

     

    Most of us want to know how our parents met. We desire to know their “love story”. Girls want to know about their first kiss, the romance, the places they met, how Dad proposed. What did it feel like? Boys want to know if Dad knew he loved Mom and how did he know it? And when? And was it difficult asking her out or what about kissing her? All of these questions depend on the ages of sons and daughters. And, of course, if they feel like they have the freedom to discuss such things.

     

    The Last Frontier in Christian Fiction is the real love story with the real romance. The reason for this is because sexual concepts, actions, feelings, and reactions—all without graphics and explicitness—remain a tad taboo. Not to say we don’t get the heart-thumping, “deep” kisses, and the heat-producing stares or dialogue in Christian romance stories, but most of the sexual content of meeting, liking, loving, or simply being attracted to someone is imagined, handled with clichés, or . . . left out. And this is fine for some. However, for those who’ve been down some roads without a moral compass, who’ve tasted of desire only to have it get the best of them without experiencing the fulfillment it promised, the chaste stories of super control while with someone who wakes up every membrane and hormone within you don’t work. Don’t seem real. Don’t seem possible. Don’t also quench the nagging place that wonders if no one gets how it feels to be them.

     

    In the general market there are virtually no boundaries. There is “gay” literature for the homosexual market. There is “erotica” for those who indulge the rush of sexual activity in print form. There is enough crude language in some novels to fill a septic tank. These kinds of novels aren’t necessarily the norm or the bestselling, but they occupy their space in the market- and some would say they're on the uptick.

     

    Some Christian readers prefer to ignore the subject of sex. They don’t want to read about its powerful position in relationship. I’m not talking graphic depictions here. To think that contrasting the world’s views and reactions to God’s could be “edgy” baffles me.

     

    Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, written years ago and still on many bestselling lists, tells the story of a raped child forced into prostitution, who is eventually given a primitive abortion, who is rescued by a man of devout faith who marries her and fights every carnal desire he has to avoid a sexual encounter with her because he wants her to want him and to know that she’s not just a whore to him. It’s stunning Christian literature.

     

    In The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson the heroine of the story is directed by Jesus to love and embrace the man she’s known since he was a rebellious youngster. Within this powerful story written as a memoir, the subjects of incest and homosexual encounters provide a backdrop for an amazing love story. One of the best in today’s Christian literature.

     

    Obviously there is an audience for the underbelly of love stories. What about stories featuring ordinary people who must face up to their sexual attractions, behaviors, mistakes, or indulgences? I can accept there are those who prefer “bonnet books” to a more contemporary story of real-life dramas without hiding behind a structured religion, but it’s difficult for me to believe there isn’t a market for those books which capture the essence of love depicted in the world’s empty promises and the conflicts presented while trying to live the life God’s designed.

     

    Those readers are the audience I seek: those who’ve learned the hard way what the world has to offer leaves them lacking, disappointed, embarrassed, and often humiliated. Those people who long for a godly relationship within and without the bedroom. Those people who long to feel that somehow God, through the love and forgiveness Jesus offers, can restore some form of worth to their battered souls. Those who want to share the sensual pleasures with someone who wants to honor them before God regardless of the past. Those who’ve been broken and need repair. Or those who seek someone who respects what they’ve fought to keep. Those who desire passion in every area of their lives.

     

    I write stories traversing the last frontier of Christian fiction. They’re not all about sex. But the relationships are real, not only down-to-earth but here on earth. Real life. 

     

    Father, we’re all desperate for you. Heal us. Make us whole in your ways, Jesus. Holy Spirit, lead us into all truth. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.