After having worked for myself as a freelance writer, and now agenting, I don't think I could go back to a nine-to-five job working for someone else. Never say never, but seriously, the freedom I've enjoyed in both "jobs" far outweigh the benefits I'm missing working for "the man". Cafeteria food. Overpriced health plans. The opportunity to practice defensive driving during rush hour.
And, I'd totally miss out on responding to the questions folks ask about an industry I love.
It's my birthday, (and I'm on vacation) so I'm going to allow myself
the indulgence of answering this one often debated question which I
hope stirs up lots of discussion and other questions, from you.
Gina asked:
What kind of Christian fiction do you wish you could find more of?
Personally,
I wish I could find more Christian fiction that tells the story of
redemption and discovery through a focus on character vs. plot.
The trouble with these, though, is that CBA booksellers don't know how to describe them quickly, which makes them hard to sell. Several CBA publishers have success with authors who write in what is often described as a more literary style. But, they have to limit the spots for these because it often takes years for these authors to build a following. This makes them hard to find in CBA bookstores, specifically.
Take my favorite book - PEACE LIKE A RIVER by Leif Enger. A word-of-mouth book which took a couple years to grow into a
best-seller. It's one of the most "Christian" novels I've ever read,
but I've yet to see it shelved in a CBA store. The most obvious reason
for this is that sales folks who call on CBA stores sell CBA books.
Still ... I often wonder what might happen if Christian bookstores
stepped a little outside the lines and stocked non-CBA books. Gasp. I know. It's heresy. Like I said, it's my birthday. Indulge me.
The strength of books like PEACE LIKE A RIVER, TO KILL A
MOCKINGBIRD, EAST OF EDEN, is that the authors carry you away on the
strength of their prose and the breadth and depth of their characters.
But, they are hard books to categorize without using the L word. Literature. It's an oft ignored category in CBA for a very good reason. It doesn't sell well.
I know, I know. I sound like a snob. I'm not. I understand the
desire for commercial fiction. And, as an agent, I've learned to
appreciate this desire, and come to understand the enjoyment of reading
more commercial novels. Honestly, I've been pleased to learn that there
are more excellent writers in CBA now than I thought I'd find when I
started agenting two years ago.
And, literary or not, working with authors to help them entertain, encourage, and make a difference in the lives of their readers is not just a job. It's a dream job. In fact, it's like it's my birthday -- everyday.
Sandra
Hey -- while I'm here, I have a favor ... I've been racking my brain to come up with my own birthday blog tradition but so far the best I can muster is a fruity-drink recipe contest. Obviously, the islands are getting to me.
Anyone have any suggestions, I'm game!
The L word -- LOL. Happy Birthday.
Posted by: Derek | September 29, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Happy Birthday Sandra! I appreciate your honest opinion about the Christian literary fiction market. This summer I sat in a workshop with a panel of agents who told us what they wanted and what they didn't want. Four out of six did not want inspirational--in any way, shape, or form. It really surprised me, considering the growth of the Christian market.
After reading your post, I wonder if it's because there aren't tons of writers who write Christian literary fiction well? Thanks for the insight.
Posted by: Jill Kemerer | September 29, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Happy Birthday, Sandra! I haven't read Peace Like A River yet, but it's on my to-read list. Looks like I need to move it to the top -- you've me curious now! :)
Posted by: Cheryl Barker | September 29, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I was thrilled to see you mention Peace Like A River. I found this book by accident (really?) a few years back and fell in love with it. I would LOVE to see Christian booksellers include it, along with countless other classics. I am not a Christian writer per se, but I am a writer who is a Christian. What I write is not fiction, but is hopefully inspiring. I'm disheartened to know the suits don't want anything "inspirational." I wonder what they think they mean by that.
Posted by: mary | September 29, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Happy Birthday Sandra! Your dream is my dream. I’ve read about your wish to “find more Christian fiction that tells the story of redemption and discovery through a focus on character vs. plot.” In fact, that is a key reason why I keep coming back to this blog.
Also, I loved how you wrote that PEACE LIKE A RIVER is one of the most “Christian” novels you’ve ever read. I’d wholeheartedly agree and it ranks as one of my favorites as well.
Wish I could help you out with your favor. I’m just good at drinking the fruity drinks with little to no idea what goes in them. On the islands you even get little umbrellas in them! Enjoy.
~ Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | September 29, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Happy birthday. I loved Peace Like a River, and I love the way you describe it. I was wondering what the L word was, but I think you're right. I'd love to see more lit shelved in the Christian stores.
Posted by: Sheila Deeth | September 29, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Hi Sandra,
Hey--Sept. 29 is my birthday too. Congrats. Glad to hear you're on vacation.
Great post.
best,
--M
Posted by: Marcus Brotherton | September 29, 2009 at 04:13 PM
I loved Peace Like a River also. And I'd also like to read more Christian literary fiction, maybe even write some some day! A local Christian bookstore near me does carry non CBA books. I guess they are not the norm, though. But maybe change is coming...
Sorry I don't have any ideas for your birthday blog.
Posted by: Cindy Thomson | September 29, 2009 at 05:17 PM
How about a bad poetry contest? Oh wait. That's already taken. Maybe a flash fiction contest?
Posted by: Patty | September 29, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I love this blog but generally prefer to lurk. You hooked me this time, Sandra.
What a book I could offer you, to become a hard-to-describe slow-to-build-a-following CBA reject. Its spiritual warfare is played out on a psychological battleground, with all the action incorporating both. Redemptive themes are played out between the lines until brought to the forefront at key moments.
I already have a very gutsy agent with fortitude, though. Stay tuned! ;D
Posted by: Anne Lang Bundy | September 29, 2009 at 10:44 PM
P.S. Happy Birthday! Nice to see you at ACFW.
Posted by: Anne Lang Bundy | September 29, 2009 at 10:45 PM
I love character-driven novels as well. Plot is nice but I like getting inside and seeing what goes on with the character's emotions, motives, discernment. Could it be that the bookstores/CBA have just not stuck it out long enough with the "literary" side to establish that following?
Enjoy those fruity concoctions!
Posted by: Karen Robbins | September 30, 2009 at 03:54 AM
Happy Birthday, Sandra. Enjoy your holiday.
Re Christian Fiction, to quote you, I wish I was carried away more by the 'strength of an author's prose and the breadth and depth of their characters'. I think Jodi Picoult is an amazing writer, and I love her prose. character and story development, though her themes can often be rather too graphic for my taste. I've also heard her 'live' in the UK and she is very impressive, speaking with total authority and conviction.
Dare I say it, but it is good to read non-Christian authors and go to non-Christian writing conferences. We only have one Christian writing conference here in the UK and it is not geared up for published authors like myself. So I attend some amazing mainstream conferences - fiction and non-fiction. I'll be attending a literary festival in a few weeks where I'll will be one of thirty attending specialist three hour seminars with some of our top UK award-winning authors including Monica Ali (who wrote Brick Lane) and Sally Phillips (the actress who played Bridget Jones best friend in the movie and happens to be a Christian). This also gives me the opportunity to share my faith, as and when it is appropriate.
Posted by: Liz Babbs | September 30, 2009 at 04:02 AM
No questions. I just want to thank you for the informative post. After reading it I feel more than ever that we need to write from the heart and wait for the market to be open to our work.
Those who already write what the market is looking for are blessed.
Posted by: Sharon A Lavy | September 30, 2009 at 05:27 AM
Happy Birthday!! So great to be on vacation on your actual birthday, soak up the sun, winters a comin'.
Posted by: kim burgsma | September 30, 2009 at 06:07 AM
What an agent - sacrificing her vacation to keep in touch with her readers! So glad you're having a good time.
Good musings today and glad there is a movement (if ever so slight) toward "literature" in the CBA. I loved PEACE LIKE A RIVER and more recently THE HELP. Stunning prose that left me aching for more.
Safe travels.
Posted by: Carla Stewart | September 30, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Happy Birthday, Sandra! And thank you for answering my question.
I'll definitely have to read PEACE LIKE RIVER.
For a game idea to play on your birthday, how about an internet scavenger hunt where you give the criteria (i.e. funniest blog post about potato salad) and whoever finds the content that fits your criteria the best wins?
Gina
Posted by: Gina Logue | September 30, 2009 at 07:20 AM
happy birthday.
How about a contest involving a fruity drink recipe? It could be rhyming or to the tune of the Chiquita Banana song. The winner could recieve the "Fruitiest Prose Award", maybe a banner for their site or an actual award delivered to their doorstep that is a plastic lemon.
What say you?
Tricia
Posted by: Tricia | September 30, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Leah starts with L and so does loved your commments! Jan Karon is the perfect example of them, I think. As full of the gospel as any writing can be, every book containing a sinner's prayer offered up by a character, but they were literary and were not CBA. No, not until her books began debuting on the New York Times bestsellers list did they finally creep their way onto the shelves of my Christian book store.
This topic reeks to me of what is often true in other arenas; Christians in pursuit of excellence and beauty directed by the Coordinator of the Universe should be leading the pack in every avenue of life and it is my frustration to admit that we often do not. We are committed to representing heaven's best but are way too content with mediocrity, because after all God used a chicken. And a donkey. And you and me. I want to see excellence trump good enough.
This attitude of complaceny is pervasive. Just recently I began organizing a book signing of CBA authors and had 9 signed on in less than a week. I contacted my local Christian book store, part of a national chain just steps away from the church hosting the signing and was met with absolute apathy. These are their authors! I did the work and offered them the sales. I contacted headquarters and made countless calls offering to move the date into the spring of next year if I could get a committment. Disinterest prevailed. I finally shook the dust off of my feet and went to Borders who embraced me with an enthusiam equal to a left-at-home-alone-too-long dog. The secular corner of our market has more vision for this event then the business purported to represent ministry. It saddens me that this so fits the stereotype.
May there be an awakening of all that is fine in the Kingdom of God and let there be literature!
Posted by: Leah Morgan | September 30, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Happy Birthday!
The fact that you mentioned Fruity-Drink, Island, and Vacation makes me think you want my Lime Juice Recipe.
Here it is: Gently pull a lime from the tree outside your cabana. Cut it in half and squeeze the juice into a glass. Add water to taste. Stir in some honey to taste. Pour some of that honey onto a slice of fresh homemade cinnamon raisin bread. Breathe in the salt air, sit on a blanket in the sand, and enjoy your snack.
Posted by: Laura Domino | September 30, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Okay, Sandra, here's your can't-miss vacation drink.
Take two four-once glasses.
In glass number one pour three ounces of good Jamaican rum; the darker the better.
In glass number two place a third of a cup of sugar, a mint sprig, two ounces of spring water, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Mix gently until the consistancy is smooth.
Then toss the contents of glass number two and drink the rum. *G*
Posted by: John Robinson | September 30, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Sandra, since Chip does the bad poetry contest, what about the worst novel tag line? One of those "Missed the concept" things.
Posted by: Ane Mulligan | September 30, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Sandra,
For your birthday blog tradition I like the worst novel tag line or pitch idea. Limit it to four sentences. We should be able to come up with some entertaining prose to put a smile on your face.
Posted by: Rob Sargeant | September 30, 2009 at 05:11 PM
I find it veddy, veddy interrresting that our Christian bookstore carries Disney stuff. Now that's literary!
Posted by: Sharon James | September 30, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Happy Birthday Sandra! Have a great one -- and it's wonderful to do something you love.
It's a joy and honor to work with someone who truly loves what she does!
Have a great one and as for birthday blog tradition? I'm all for giving away a free trip to the islands for all of your authors! I think that would be a grand idea!
Posted by: Mary | September 30, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Happy Birthday, plus one day! A good blog tradition would be to write about all the things you are grateful for on that day. Amazing how each year could be different. At 25--I am grateful for my cute model boyfriend, my firm abs, my two seater roadster. At 35--I am grateful for my stable husband, my new minivan, my ten pound weight loss (only twenty more to go!) at 45 I am grateful for botox...anyway, you get the point!
Posted by: Therese Stenzel | October 01, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Happy Birthday, Sandra ... and thanks for your honest and interesting comments on this blog!
I hope your birthday proved less embarrassing than mine
http://millarlite.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/the-birthday-suit-blues/
... I'll never live this down!
Maybe you could try something along the lines of a limerick contest -- I'm currently having fun hosting one on my humor blog http://millarlite.wordpress.com
May God grant you many more Happy Birthdays!
Posted by: Judith Millar | October 01, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Sandra, I like Ane and Rob's idea - worst novel tag line. I think it'd be great to include the title and tag.
An example: Tree Bugs - a love story.
Now off to buy Peace Like a River. :0)
Posted by: Robbie Iobst | October 01, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Happy b-day a day late to my fave agent :) How about a short comedy blurb for your blog? Bizarre analogies to describe the mundane? One hit me today as the leaves are turning and falling: Cleaning up after the dog in the backyard is like playing a smelly game of "Where's Waldo." :)
Posted by: Darcie | October 01, 2009 at 12:10 PM
I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Sandra!! It was a pleasure getting to meet you and talk books at the ACFW conference during lunch.
I love literary fiction, or should I not say the "L" word, and refer to it as character-driven fiction? It's one of my favorite genres to read. I'm ashamed to say I've never read Peace like a River. I'll have to pick that book up. Right now I'm reading Havah, by Tosca Lee.
Posted by: Katie Ganshert | October 04, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Okay, Judith. You are the winner of my "what to do on my blog for my birthday" quandry.
Next year? The year's most embarrassing moment.
Better get busy, everyone. I'll kick it off next year with one of the most embarrassing moments I happen to experience just last week while on vacation. Trust me, I won't forget it.
Posted by: Sandra Bishop | October 05, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Jill, you mentioned listing to a panel of agents who were not interested in looking at inspirational fiction and then asked "I wonder if it's because there aren't tons of writers who write Christian literary fiction well?"
I'm guessing this was a panel of not-necessarily-Christian or CBA agents. As far as there not being "tons of writers who write Christian literary fiction well" I'll say that's not the case.
I have my own question. What, in your mind, makes up "Christian literary fiction?" Is there really such a thing? Or are we really talking about Christians who write literary fiction?
I ask, though I fear we may go into some far corners with this discussion and never come back...
Posted by: Sandra Bishop | October 05, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Therese's idea (and John's drink recipe) were close runners up for birthday blog ideas. I like the notion of counting my blessings on my birthday. I like better, though, the idea of inviting others to make us snort coffee through our noses while we read about their most embarrassing moments.
And, I'll admit, I like lime & mint, too.
Posted by: Sandra Bishop | October 05, 2009 at 10:19 AM
That is interesting, Sharon. Especially since I'm pretty sure Mickey Mouse is related to the anti-Christ or something.
Posted by: Sandra Bishop | October 05, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Leah,
You said "I want to see excellence trump good enough."
So do I. Trouble is, the masses want what I think you are referring to as mediocrity. The masses are who most publishers need to reach to stay in business. I know it sounds cynical, but it's the truth.
Oh, and I really need to send your sunglasses back to you. Thanks for the loan, but they look "excellent" on you. Not even "good enough" on me.
Posted by: Sandra Bishop | October 05, 2009 at 10:28 AM