The Direction of Christian Fiction

Denise wrote to ask, "What's the most important thing I need to know about publishing?"

Well, this morning I opened up my email today, and received a message that began: "If you could give me ten minutes of your undivided attention, the information you're about to view will CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE LIFE." 

Well. I certainly could use my entire life changed. (For example, I'd like to be able to dunk a basketball.) But it turns out the author isn't going to make me taller or more athletic, nor is she going to help me glow in the dark or see God. She just wants me to look at her manuscript. And, unfortunately, it's not for a book. It's a play. And, um... we don't handle plays. And it's a "gospel play," though I don't know if that's really a genre. AND the writer is not only looking for an agent, but for "investors."

People wonder why agents and editors sometimes get cynical about projects in their mailbox? This is why. It's like the people who write to tell me about their poetry. I don't represent poetry. There's no way for an agent to make a living selling poetry. Even if I LOVE your poetry, I won't represent it. 

So while the details of my answer to Denise's question might change from day to day, the basic answer remains the same: Learn the industry. Every few days I get a proposal from someone that has been sent to a bunch of agents. We'll all be listed in the "to" line, sort of the publishing equivalent of asking for a date to the prom by posting an ad on Craig's List. A ten-minute search on the topic "how to prepare a query letter" would have helped this person understand that it's bad form to cc every literary agent in America. (Unfortunately, it seems whenever I've tried to educate writers about this practice, they're always cranky. I wrote to someone recently and said, "This is the wrong way to go about getting published. Spend a few hours researching how to do this before you send something out." The response: "And you call yourself a Christian!")

Sandi wants to know, "Do you read the comments people make after your blog posts?" 

Absolutely. I try to read all of them, and I try to respond back to the person, though I'll admit I don't get to everyone. On my last post (which had to do with a list of great books writers should read), the comments were wonderful. Insightful, strong suggestions for other books, good notes about the books I had listed. I find this to be a conversation, and I learn from others.

It's funny, but I've noticed we've been getting strange spamming stuff as comments in older posts lately. I got this sentence last week: "It's not so simply to make a the best already written essays, preferably if you are busy. I consult you to notice buy essays and to be free from query that your work will be done by custom writing service" (no, there was no punctuation on the end of that crappy sentence). Um... I don't even know what that means, though I suspect the author is trying to sell college essays. But who buys from a person who can't even write a coherent marketing sentence? Yikes.

On a favorite topic, Lisa wrote this: "Are you worried about the direction of religious fiction?"

Concerned? No. I'm excited about the direction of Christian fiction. Lisa, you may want to explore the new directions of religious fiction. Start with some authors like Charles Martin, or Lisa Samson. Take a look at Claudia Burney, or read Susan Meissner. Pick up some books from Elizabeth Musser and Penelope Wilcock. You'll discover contemporary stories that deal with the bigger questions of life, not simplistic views with a slapped-on Bible verse. There are all sorts of new directions CBA fiction is heading -- thrillers, romance, historical novels, literary fiction, you name it. 

Some of the discussion regarding recent CBA fiction is that it's moved away from its roots. I don't agree with that -- I think it has expanded, which is exactly what happens to a movement as it grows and develops. That's not a bad thing. I could argue that, at one time, CBA fiction offered a santized and unrealistic perspective of art. I'm not opposed to doing nice, sweet books (in fact, I represent some of those very titles). But think of it this way: If I were a songwriter, would I always have to write a song that had words praising God? Couldn't I write about love or friends or struggles or the beauty of the Oregon coast? If I were a painter, should I feel constrained to only do religious art -- Christ on the cross, the Last Supper, the glory of His return? If I were an actor, is it imperative I only take roles that allow me to be a good guy, a redemptive character? No. This is art, and we're allowed some significant leeway in our artistic calling.

Frankly, I think a lot of the talk about fiction needing to be clean and holy is overblown. Some of the best novels I've ever read have characters struggling with their choices, not always acting redemptively, sometimes making bad decisions. It's the struggle with those choices that offers depth and insight and value to my reading. (And, to be fair, sometimes I read merely to be entertained, so I want action and fun and interesting characters -- and I don't see much in the Bible that condemns that desire.)

In all honesty, I feel there is a certain theological perspective, and accompanying behavioral mores, that are sometimes promoted as "good fiction" in CBA, while things many evangelicals are not comfortable with are being discarded as worldly and evil. And I find that a shallow perspective of literature. Art is about letting go, reaching out, and stretching boundaries. The current fear much of the culture has toward rigid evangelicalism is that it's turning into modern day phariseeism -- i.e., "If you do THIS, you're a Christian; if you do THAT you're not. If you believe THIS, you're a Christian; if you can't check the correct boxes on our theological chart, you're not a Christian." That's not how I view the faith. I especially don't want my faith evaluated by a list of behavior I don't do. (Maturity isn't found simply in refusing certain things, but in actively doing good.) What's odd is that some people are raising this about fiction at a time when the church is growing in new directions, embracing grace, and understanding that the world needs more than behavioral platitudes and bumper-sticker thinking. So here I am (a Talbot Seminary grad and an ordained pastor), struggling with the direction of modern American evangelicalism and the desire to limit artistic expression. I'm pretty conservative in my theology, but I see the art of writing as stretching beyond the safe boundaries of an ultra-conservative American church.

So let's end with something much more fun. My son sent me this link, which is a hoot:  http://www.11points.com/News-Politics/11_Most_Painfully_Obvious_Newspaper_Articles_Ever

Take a look at the sort of insightful writing you can find in America's newspapers! (My favorites: "Homicide Victims Rarely Talk to Police" and "Death is Nation's Top Killer.") Take a peek and share a laugh with me. 

Comments

[patriciazell]

Although I consumed novels when I was younger, since I returned to the classroom as an English teacher in 2002, my reading has been mostly non-fiction. However, I do agree with you that Christian fiction should mirror reality (excepting, of course, fantasy fiction) and the problems that people encounter. Holiness is not found in rules and regulations, but in choosing God's absolute love and extending that love to others. The more ways we can show that, the better off the world will be.

[Rosslyn Elliott]

Chip, I just reviewed _The Book of Eli_ on my blog. The movie develops and supports a Christian worldview, but it also contains graphic violence and profanity. I hope you will go see it and review it for your blog readers. It's a movie everyone in the CBA should see, and I think it has interesting ramifications for our ongoing debate about what we can include in CBA novels.

[Lauren Sylvan]

There was a time when you didn't need specifically Christian publishers to have novels written from a Judeo-Christian worldview. I was raised on books that had a Christian message, but expressed it through story. Heidi and Robinson Crusoe, Little Women, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Les Miserables, the classics are almost all there.

And then came Christian Fiction beta. I tried one of those books back in the '80s, and it was essentially a novel-length gospel tract. I don't find SHORT gospel tracts all that entertaining. Why would I want to read 70K words of one?

many years later, I tried another Christian novel. It was more of same. I already knew the plot: person has problem, finds Jesus, problem solved. Or long sermons interspersed with action, as in the Left Behind series. So for years, I avoided CBA entertainment like the plague.

Only lately, because of a bookclub, have I forced myself to read novels put out by Christian publishers. What a difference! Cahrles Martin's Catching Fireflies; Plague Maker by Tim Downs; The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner -- these books actually told a STORY! No gospel tracts! no packaged platitudes! They could even be (gasp) mainstream novels!

That's great for the Christian reading public. But I wonder how many readers are still in the place where I was, thinking a Christian imprint by definition means treacly sanitized story? How does one overcome this perception in getting these books out to a more general readership?

[Alisa Hope Wagner]

I LOVE your answer to to the question on the direction of Christian Fiction. It almost brought a tear to my eye!

-Alisa Hope

[Gina]

Great great answer on the direction of Christian fiction. I think the reason you and I get on so well is because we feel the same way on this point. Some of us actually struggle with sin and didn't grow up in Christian homes and fall down now and again. I love that there are stories out there that are raising questions that we don't always have the answers to.

[Sharon A Lavy]

Thanks for the chuckle, Chip.

Now about Christian Fiction. I really like the new realistic Christian Fiction. Where real people struggle with real problems, just like you and me and the neighbor next door.

[Cindy Thomson]

(Maturity isn't found simply in refusing certain things, but in actively doing good.)

Too good of a statement to be parenthetical.

[yarnbuck]

"I'm pretty conservative in my theology, but I see the art of writing as stretching beyond the safe boundaries of an ultra-conservative American church."
Chip - Permission to use as a bumper sticker on my 'not so green' 4WD???

[E.C.I. Trust]

I agree. I believe that as Christian fiction expands, it allows for others who have not felt God's grace to understand why we are Christians, and thus consider the fact that there are changes as a good thing. We shouldn’t try to see eye to eye because each of us is different; it would probably be best if we just kept to our personal calling and let God work with others as He wishes.

On another note, thank God these people aren’t writing books! Although it’s good for a laugh, I would have never thought that teen pregnancy drops after age 25!

[Jan Cline]

I consistently hear from Christian readers that they like contemporary themes in Christian fiction. I personally like historical fiction (my WIP genre), but I know that reality fiction (yes, that's an oxymoron) is reaching people with a message - maybe more than anything right now.

[Martha Ramirez]

Great post--great answers! Thanks for sharing, Chip!

[AimeeLS]

In the middle of trying to figure out how to say (regarding Christian fiction) about what I really felt I saw this film this morning that talked to me more about Christ and His love for us than any other piece of film I've ever seen - without ever mentioning His name or showing a single Christian iconic image.

Talk about Christian fiction that speaks to real life! This is what I want to do with my books (and what I want to read from other Christian authors).

Check out my blog (linked from my name below) or Mike Hyatt's - it's on both.

Seriously. It makes you feel VALUABLE.

[Sandi]

Loved your post, Chip. I'm with Lauren. How do we let these folks know that Christian fition has changed for the better?

I used to loathe, despise, yes, even hate, Christian fiction. I know, I know. "Hate" is such a strong word, but well, that's how I felt. I had one bad experience after another with it, and the last experience made me want to drop-kick the book (I seriously contemplated throwing it away, and as ticked off as I was, I couldn't bring myself to do it; there's just something wrong about throwing away a book). Anyway, I became a writer because of it. You can read about it here: http://sandirog.blogspot.com/2010/01/im-going-to-be-honest-here.html.

But I must say, I'm discovering that the world of Christian fiction has improved 100 times over! I love authors like MaryLu Tyndall, Julie Klassen, and the list goes on. I'm finally able to lose myself in a story, rather than wading through sermon after unrealistic, predictable sermon.

The world of Christian publishing is changing for the better, but how do we show those cynical readers like myself that it's expanded its horizons?

[Sandi]

By the way, I said I became a writer because I couldn't stand Christian fiction. Well, I have to say, it isn't as easy as I thought! If you want to be a writer, study the craft. A musician doesn't expect to play Mozart just because he can bang his fingers on a few keys. The ability to write a sentence does not mean your work will be bestselling material. Learn, study, and practice the craft. And then, learn, study and practice some more.

[John Robinson]

Great post, Chip. And this: "Maturity isn't found simply in refusing certain things, but in actively doing good" needs to be shouted. Loudly.

[Rachel]

Chip,
Loved this post, particularly your view that CBA fiction shouldn't (and doesn't) always offer a santized and unrealistic perspective of art.

When I began working in CBA, I struggled to reconcile my background (grad work in literature at a secular, liberal arts institution) with the Christian fiction I was working on. But I came to the same conclusion as you have -- "Christian" art is should still be ART. As the great theologian Abraham Kuyper said, "There is not one square inch of the entire creation about which Jesus Christ does not cry out, 'This is mine!' " I've always loved this quote, because it recognizes that God sanctions everything in creation as fodder for our exploration, study, and appreciation.

Finally, I've long bemoaned the fact that so many Christians define their faith by what they stand AGAINST rather than what they stand FOR. Let us be people of action, not reaction.

Great post.

[Ellen Gee]

What would happen if Christian authors wrote incredible stories that reflected the heart of God, then let their lives be their testimony? Maybe we should censor that Bible. Let's see, Ruth has to go, it doesn't mention God enough. Oh, and 1 and 2 Samuel, they need to be cut, all that cheating, stealing, and violence. And what about those parables Jesus told. They're kind of confusing and He didn't even explain a lot of their connections to God. What's with that anyway?

My life is such a mess, I feel very connected to most of the people in the Bible. So, I think I'll just keep writing about real life since it's all I know.

[Cindy Thomson]

To tag onto the post about real news headlines, I just read this in a book:

Every hour that he lived increased his chances of survival.

No kidding...

[Angela]

If you stand for nothing, then you'll fall for anything. Great post, Chip.

[David Todd]

What, no jokes? I'll tell one on us engineers.

The pessimist says the glass is half empty.

The optimist says the glass is half full.

The engineer says the glass is 2.0 times as large as it needs to be.

[Jason]

Chip, first time reader, first time commenter. :) (I'm in a writer's group in Nashville with Kaye Dacus and she keeps gushing about you.)

THANK YOU for your comments on Christian fiction.

I had felt for many years led to write Christian fiction that wasn't sanitized, didn't have the main character getting saved at the end every time and sometimes actually had the death scenes involve more than "Bob shot Al. Al died."

Until I moved to Nashville, I had been told repeatedly by Christian writing groups that my work wasn't "Christian" enough or too graphic for a Christian publisher because of the violence within it. The MTCW group that Kaye Dacus runs was the first place where people said "no, everything you've been told about the genre you want to work in isn't true."

Every comment like yours just gives me a little more encouragement to keep moving forward and to work harder.

[Ron Benson]

Good discussion of "Christian fiction." It begs the question: do we need the title anymore? I think at one time the designation "Christian" for fiction may have been necessary, but now?

Some of the best fiction I've ever read didn't have the official stamp--"Christian"--but now probably qualifies. Some of the worst bore the label with religious pride. So what does it mean? Is it only based on the publisher? Or the faith of the author?

[Monica]

Chip -

Like most of the commenters here, I want to thank you for what you wrote about the changes in Christian fiction. I grew up reading whatever books my Christian school library would carry. (All CBA material.) But I got tired of all the thinly-veiled preaching in the stories. By the time I was in high school, the last place I would even consider purchasing reading material was the Christian book store.

Now I'm nearing 30 and am disillusioned by any work of art or entertainment slapped with "christian" on it. I sometimes wonder why I can't even see a picture of the sunset without someone signing God's name to it with a scripture verse!

I'm still an avid reader, but read more along the lines of titles by Jodi Picoult. Sure I disagree with a lot of her conclusions, but she is not afraid to write about issues from many angles, not afraid to face the pain that exists.

I know that these publishing houses wanted to publish books that would make a difference in the world with all their books. It'd be nice to see that happen again! A post-modern audience can smell preaching and insincerity mile away!

If there are publishers willing to take chances -- and if there are Christians willing to think and not just react with silly boycotts -- then I will give Christian fiction a chance again. But Christian movies, well, as long as Kirk Cameron is involved...no. lol.

Thanks for mentioning these authors. I'll try to give them a chance.

[Deb Kinnard]

Well said, Chipster. Since it's true that the fiction continuum is expanding, I'll be hoping to hear more "can" from publishers than "can't."

[Robin Archibald]

Chip, this morning's NY Times Sunday mag "On Language" is a fitting addendum to you son's link to obvious (or not) newspaper headlines. It, too, is a hoot!
The problem, according to the author, is the lack of inflection of English words:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/magazine/31FOB-onlanguage-t.html

[Karen]

I just want you to know I love your blog because it provides a wealth of knowledge about the industry and because you make me laugh so much (well, rather, the crazy people who write you make me laugh!).

[Uniquelyawesome.wordpress.com]

Hi Chip! I'm new to your blog, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading your past and future posts. One of my Facebook friends posted a link to your article about Branding. His comments were, "if you're a writer or have a blog this is a good read." I immediately clicked on his link. As an aspiring author that was definitely a good move! There's so much great stuff here!! Anyway, thanks for your comments about the Christian fiction. I'm aspiring to write fiction and non-fiction (currently have things in the works in both cats.), and although I've never been concerned about the direction of Christian fiction, it's good to know that what I'm doing will be acceptable. I like to be different and make people think, so my book isn't your typical "nice" Christian story. Anyway, thanks again, and maybe in the future I could use your business' services.