A Fresh Look

Well, I'm now 50. Older and wiser (hopefully). Please let me offer one short rumination...

Recently I made some comments about Mike Hyatt, the Thomas Nelson decisions, and the direction of CBA. That caused a couple people to write and ask me, "Why are you down on CBA?"

My response: "I'm not. Not at all." But their questions got me to thinking some things...

First, I love Christian books. My life has been changed by books I've read -- I can point to some titles (The Ragamuffin Gospel, In the Name of Jesus, etc) and say with all honesty, "My life was never the same after having read that book." It's the ministry a book can have in the life of a person that keeps me excited about words. When I read, I learn, and that changes me. And I'm one of those ignorant types who needs to learn a lot, since I've got a lot of changing to do.

Second, I love CBA and the things associated with it -- authors, publishers, booksellers. Honest. I've been part of CBA for more than 20 years. I feel as though I know it inside and out -- both its strengths and its weaknesses. I will sometimes poke fun at the stupid stuff (Armor of God pajamas and Standing on the Promises Insoles, for example), but let's face it -- those things are funny. Still, I don't want anyone reading this blog and coming away from it thinking that I'm not supportive of great Christian books. I always want to remember the people I work with are trying to change the world for good.

Third, this is the Golden Age of Christian publishing. There have never been so many good books, done with such quality, and at such an affordable price. Some day we will all look back on this time as an incredibly rich season of Christian writing. I dare say there are more good writers, more training opportunities for those writers, and certainly more outlets for those writers (thanks to the web) than ever before. That's a wonderful fact.

Fourth, I've been remiss in talking about the GOOD part of CBA. The fine writers. The skilled editors who spend their lives just trying to locate and foster talent. The publishers who risk large quantities of money and time to produce life-changing books. The sales teams that spend hours reading the books on their lists in order to best talk about them with people.

Sure, there are things I don't like. I'd prefer a CBA bookstore to be an actual bookstore, rather than a store that sells trinkets and kitschy art. I think there's abundant evidence that Christian bookstores began their decline when they started turning their focus away from books. We live in a specialized society, and I'm one of those who believes "Christian books" is enough of a niche to do well. But...well, I've had plenty of bookstore owners say that, in fact, they can't make it on their book margins -- they need the t-shirts and necklaces to pay the bills.

So I'm trying to take a fresh look. I was really touched by the note a former colleague posted on The Writers View (a web resource for Christian authors). The individual admitted having fallen into a trap of using cynicism, ego, sweeping generalities, and over-the-top snarkiness to criticize CBA. And all that cynical crud began to have a corrosive effect on the spirit. So, despite normally being a positive, sunny type, the author admitted acting like a teenager -- using attitude and a faux sophistication to criticize and act cool as a way of impressing people. And it was stupid -- the author needed to repent and be appreciative of all the good things in life; all the good things God has wrought.

Well... I'm there. That's me to a T. I've been overly critical and snarky. I've exaggerated the facts. I even got to the point where I found myself rolling my eyes when somebody told me to "not let unwholesome words come out of your mouth, but only that which is helpful for buiding others up." That's right -- I was rolling my eyes at Scripture. Yikes. (In case those words are new to you, Saint Paul wrote them in the First Century. It's pretty good advice; you've got to admit.) It seems like there was this image of me (snarky, negative, curt) that I didn't like at all. But maybe it was accurate.

That's when I realized things had gotten off track. I'm normally a positive person, and I don't know why I felt a need to act like such a freakin' know-it-all. I'm not negative -- my wife will tell you I'm the eternal optimist. I've been forgiven much, and I guess hitting 50 made me remember all the blessings God has given me, and that I need to appreciate His grace anew, and be humbled by the fact that I'm getting much better than I deserve. And stop ragging on the parts of CBA I don't like. Because there's a lot of great things happening in publishing. It's not just a matter of "speaking the truth" in this life (another thing I've had issues with), but "speaking the truth in love." So I very much appreciated reading the post from that author (as well as the honesty it took to say those things). It moved me to take some time and reflect. And make sure I change.

So this is me -- with a fresh look. Humbled over my mistakes. Sorry for my out-and-out bad choices. But ready to move forward.

And if this is sounding a bit too personal for you, here's the fact you really need to know: I love books. I love writing. I particularly like books that have the potential to change people. And while I'm not sure there are many books that can change the world, I believe very much that words can help stir small changes in the lives of individuals. And it's essential for me to believe that books change lives on an intimate level, because my own life has been changed by them.

Here's to books that make a difference.

Comments

[Keri Wyatt Kent]

Great post, Chip! I appreciate your honesty--I too have a tendency to criticize the Jesus junk a bit too much. Thanks for the reminder to focus on the positive!
And I too believe in the power of words. That's why I'm a book gal. As Anne Lamott wrote, "What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave."

[Kristi Holl]

First, a belated Happy Birthday, Chip!

I saw the same post on the View, and it got me to thinking too. You're in good company (or bad, as the case may be) in remembering to speak the truth...in love. On the other hand...8-) If there really IS such a thing as "Standing on the Promises Insoles," I think a teeny bit of snarkiness could be forgiven. That's really over the top!

[Nicole]

Thank you, Chip.

[janet]

Wow, Chip. Serious transparency. I'm really proud of you. Really. There's a phrase I always remember from Ragamuffic Gospel. It says we're all just, "beggars at the throne of grace." That's it... you and me and all the rest of them...beggars who've been adopted. Thanks for sharing your heart here. Now I want to hug you:)There is a lot I question about CBA and the place of Christians in the art world, but you are right; it's easy to get cynical, and what God really cares about is our hearts. My heart needs some inspection too. Like I really needed to be convicted this morning... I haven't even had my coffee yet...thanks a LOT, Chip...nevermind that hug...

[Richard Mabry]

Chip,
At fifty, you've only just begun. You're not old, you're maturing--as your post shows. Thanks for your honesty and transparency.
That having been said, I hope you'll continue to share your wisdom with us. A bit of snarkiness can be forgiven--nay, it's sometimes necessary--but give us the inside word. We appreciate it.

[Pam Halter]

Wow, Chip ~ you have no idea how much I needed to hear that today. I think we tend to lean to the snarky side to get a laugh. I, too, have rolled my eyes at Scripture. Sigh. But there are times when a pat, Christian answer is NOT what I need. What I need during those times is simply compassion and a hug.

The book that has influenced me the most is Hind's Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. I find myself grasping the hands of Sorrow and Suffering daily - and not because I want to.

You know what follows repentance don't you?

Revival!!

[Mike Dellosso]

Chip, I appreciate your humility and honesty. It's hard to see yourself as others do and realize, "I don't want to be that person." The other day my wife held that mirror up so I could see myself and how I was behaving, and I didn't like the person I saw. It bothered me.

I have a new respect for you.

[Sharon A. Lavy]

Thank you for today's post. God Bless~~

[Rhonda McKnight]

Happy Birthday, Chip!
Honesty is refreshing. Don't mellow, it's a benefit that comes with aging.

[Creston Mapes]

Chip,

Thanks for a humble and thought-provoking post. It really got me thinking. Although I haven't been one to diss the CBA per se, your post helped confirm that I have been somewhat negative about the whole "Christian" publishing process--the big business end of it.

You see, I'd been writing professionally for 16 years before I felt God leading me to try my hand at writing fiction. Had been making a good living writing. I got into fiction to share with people compassionately, through realistic, gritty stories about the transforming power of God. My hope was to draw people closer to Christ, believers and unbelievers.

All three of my books have received great reviews and wonderful feedback from readers around the world. But they haven't broken any sales records. Your post helped me realize, I've been negative about that....thinking my books should have gotten more marketing attention, questioning whether we should have done things differently...upset because of how many books todays' publishers pump out, knowing my books only have a small window of opportunity to "make it."

The fact is, God is in control. He has used my books in life-changing ways with people in prison, addicted to drugs, etc. Can I not be content with that? Can I not trust him that if I'm faithful in the little things, faithful with what he's given me, that he will entrust more to me?

When I got into this business (publishing) it was for ministry. But the amount of time I've spent on writing, editing, marketing three books in three years has made it imperative that we start earning some money to pay for the time spent....all this has just worn me out mentally, spiritually...

Your post confirms what I've been thinking lately. It's something author Robin Jones Gunn told me a long time ago. Forget the numbers. Get back to your first love. And that was to share Christ through the pages of a gripping story...no matter what (forgetting all the obstacles in the way). Before I received a three-book contract, the "obstacles" centered on finding a publisher. Now that we have books on the shelves, the "obstacles" involve building a readership/following, keeping the mindset to write what he asks me and not necessarily what is going to "sell," and finding time to do all that while making a living and shepherding a family.

Ahh, this has felt really good, to vent a little bit. I feel great now. Time to get off the black couch and get back to work. What do I owe you, Chip?

I appreciate your post and check in on it whenever time permits. Thanks for your good insights.

Your friend,

Creston Mapes
www.crestonmapes.com

[Tiffany Stuart]

I've been lurking on your blog for quite sometime. Loved this honest post. Thanks.

Your words touched me.

[Sibella Giorello]

Chip,

Thank you. You took a milestone birthday with a humble and incisive persepctive, and wound up revealing for all of us the fulcrum that rests beneath writing and faith. Most Christian writers, it seems, have to constantly work out the teeter-tottering sensation that goes between critical analysis and just plain critical, between authentic Jesus and religious piety (which often arrives when the teeter-totter is high and great and, sadly, a whole lotta fun). Essays like yours are wonderful magnetic points on the compass, pointing us back to the real source of everything. Again, thank you.

But let's not deny the bald facts here: all that bad poetry was what had the real affect on your soul....

[Julie @ Word Chicks]

That words have the power to touch souls and bring change is evident here, Chip, on this post.

I so appreciate your transparency, humility, and your tender heart. Well done.

"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love."
1 Corinthians 16: 13, 14

[Camille]

Thank you for articulating the confession I think I need to make. Just in time, too. Here I was poised to launch a load of my own brand of snark onto the publishing world - hey, if Chip can do it, and he's the king of cool...

As visible and audible a fixture as you are, perhaps your transparent look inward was needed for more than just a Chip-check.

Here's to finding a new way to be funny without tearing anything down.

[Karen Rabbitt]

Chip,
Who accurately balances that "truth in love" ethic? Thanks for showing us your rebalancing act.

Blessings,
Karen Rabbitt
www.karenrabbitt.typepad.com

[Danica/Dream]

See, Chip, you really can be a nice guy. :)

So now that we know books about God speaking through cats will probably not change our lives (or will they?), what are some of your favorite life-changing books?

[Beth K. Vogt]

Chip:
Birthdays are often about the gifts people give the person celebrating their birthday--that would be you.
:O)
Thank you for sharing your new perspective with us.
It was your gift to me--and to others.
A different--and much appreciated way--to celebrate your birthday.

[Daniel Darling]

Chip,

Thanks for being honest and transparent. I love your blog, you always provide rich, thought-provoking commentary on the CBA world. I check it often and recommend it to others.

Dan

[Dee]

Happy Birthday again, Chip. I've been licking my wounds over not winning the bad poetry contest, but I'm good now.

I appreciate how you defined the thin line between being critical and being a cynic. I never thought you were a cynic. Last year I remember you saying something similar on The Writers View, so I take this as your annual cleansing thing you do.

Nonetheless this issue with publishing isn't just a CBA issue. I take issue with the racism in modern day Christianity. I'm not a cynic, but I am critical of those who aren't edifying the Body of Christ, because they can't see past the color of someone's skin. And I will continue to champion AA Christian artist until the comes.

On the other hand, this year past year I felt a change in the tide with Christian publishing. The books I've reviewed the end of the year and the books that I have on my review stand right now are very, very good. I feel like maybe I shouldn't write, because they are so good. And that is so good to know, because it's easier to defend when I'm talking to RT about why we need a Christian booklovers party at the convention. I love what i'm reading. And you should feel very good, because many of those books belong to your clients. Yeah, Claudia. I love her.

Hey, Creston.:)

[Ashley]

Well, I'm going to agree with pretty much everyone in these comments. This was definitely an honest, thought-provoking, and yes, convicting post.

I've read other bloggers in this business who tend toward a snarky side and they seemed arrogant and rude in an unnatural way. You never came across that way to me. Yes, you have a cynical side, but those things were funny. I never felt like you were being overly negative just to get attention or win laughs. Especially about the crap sold in Christian bookstores.

What are we Christian's saying to the world if CBA bookstores are mainly supported by cute bracelets, flashy t-shirts, and bible candy? Personally, I don't see your thoughts on that as negative. I see the reality as negative. And your sarcasm makes it funny.

But I do see your heart in this and it made me think... how often do I focus too much on the negative instead of approaching things/people with love?

Anyway, one thing I can affirm is that you are an encouragement. You've helped me so much and I'm not even your client. That says a lot about you. And you love what you do, you love the people you work with, and you love this industry so much that you want to see it improve. You want to see people hold life-changing books instead of Armor of God pajamas.

You take time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions and write lenghty blogs to help us learn more about the industry.

How's that for words of affirmation?

But really, Chip, you are an encouragement. And although you sometimes have a sarcastic view of things, you still speak things in love. At least I've felt that way many times.

Thanks for taking the time to share your heart. It pointed me toward Christ and made me realize how often we see things through negative lenses, when we should see things through His eyes.

[Cindy Thomson]

Thanks for speaking your mind, Chip. You always do, and you sometimes get called out for it. But you often say things that we writers need to hear and no one else will tell us. You're entitled to your opinion on "Jesus junk." It doesn't bother me that much, and that's just my opinion.

You have the passion of a Celt--St. Columbanus, maybe? His zeal often got him in trouble, but if you don't throw the baby out with the bath water, you can learn from people like that. Today is St. Brendan's Day, by the way, another great example. (I wrote about it on my blog: http://celticvoices.blogspot.com).

At any rate, you have the right attitude when you say "So this is me -- with a fresh look. Humbled over my mistakes. Sorry for my out-and-out bad choices. But ready to move forward."

Good advice for us all.

[Cheryl Russell]

Good, honest post Chip. Thanks for the transparency. :-).

[Stevie Rey]

Brother,
My favor-right southern dish is CROW! I have it purt near everday! LOL! I done had it fried, boiled, skewered, and raw!

All kidding aside, Chip. Thanks for your honesty and humility. I am convinced that the two most important words in any relationship are "I'm sorry". So, I'm sorry as well, for being "high falutin'" on occasion.

May God continue to bless your ministry,
Stevie Rey

[Megan DiMaria]

Hi Chip,

Happy birthday!

I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for being so transparent.

BTW--IMHO, men start to get more interesting after they reach 50!

A prisoner of hope,
Megan DiMaria

[Gina]

I really appreciate this post, Chip. You're a passionate guy and that manifests in different ways. The picture of Jesus turning over tables in the temple comes to mind. So, while we are to build each other up, which I know that you do, we're also to hold each other accountable, which you also do. What I've felt in the last few years is God wanting us Christians to take off the masks--in our books, in our lives. To be authentic with each other and show the world our fallibilities, weaknesses, struggles and then finally the hope that is in us despite it all. You do that and that is so very cool.

I hope that you won't white wash all of a sudden but let your true colors continue to show.

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free... I love that verse!

[Stephanie Reed]

I just sent you this link via e-mail:

http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php?topic=16666.0

I just linked this post back to it. Thanks for refreshing my faith that my books are in the right market.

I do wish that more Christian agents repped children's and picture books for the CBA. Kids deserve the same commitment to excellence that you devote to adult books.

[Scoti Springfield Domeij]

Convicting and encouraging post, Chip. My neck is beginning to feel like Linda Blair's in the Exorcist. I'm experiencing writing whiplash due to the impact of changes in publishing...and sometimes life in general.

Even though it seems like some doors are closing, like you, Beth Vogt and I use our blog to encourage writers to pursue the passion God placed in their hearts. Today, the heart of the industry—writers and editors—and their families are experiencing the financial impact of layoff decisions, which touched my heart to pray.

Editor and Publisher reports that Mike Koehler, a sports editor for The Oklahoman, has launched a blog called Praying for Papers [http://www.prayingforpapers.com/]. The blog offers prayers for those in the industry who are losing jobs. There are also prayers to help guide the newspaper industry's leaders.

[Christina Berry]

You became even more human in my eyes by posting this, Chip, and I love it. You know, we authors can be somewhat intimidated by witty, powerful people like yourself.

Interestingly enough, the topic of why "Jesus junk" takes up the majority of floor space was a large part of Bill Carmichael's workshop at the last OCW meeting. He directly connected the shrinking shelves for books with the rise of book sales in big box stores. He said that some small bookstore owners even resorted to buying in bulk at their nearest big box chain, removing the stickers, placing their own on the book, and reselling it.

[Susan Wales]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHIP! (A DAY LATE SORRY)

Ken joins me in wishing you a very Happy Birthday and hope that this will be the best year and decade ever!

Blessings!

Susan Wales

[Rita Gerlach]

I have you beat, Chip, by two years. Being 50 is like fine wine. You get better with age. You also gain wisdom and see what is most important in life. Fifties may bring us moments of Ecclesiastes-musings, but we come to the same conclusion.

Happy Birthday.

Rita Gerlach
http://www.freewebs.com/ritagerlach/index.htm

[Rita Gerlach]

I have you beat, Chip, by two years. Being 50 is like fine wine. You get better with age. You also gain wisdom and see what is most important in life. Fifties may bring us moments of Ecclesiastes-musings, but we come to the same conclusion.

Happy Birthday.

Rita Gerlach
http://www.freewebs.com/ritagerlach/index.htm

[Linda M Au]

You do realize you're ruining my chances of a career as the Christian Don Rickles, don't you?

Linda M Au
http://www.lindamaubooks.com