I’m going to insert an observation here which is hugely unpopular with the professionals, but I have seen it, heard it, watched it expressed in the e-crowd of readers and writers innumerable times: It is the “unknown factor”.
So what is this “unknown factor”? The unknown factor contains an immeasurable statistic regarding what is missing from the ranks of the published Christian novels which keeps a significant number of readers pursuing secular novels not in addition to but instead of Christian fiction. Now for Christians who want more of an “intangible” in their reading, and not particular graphics in sex, violence, or language, without knowing these readers, it’s difficult to suggest which CBA authors to recommend to them. And since there are writers of CBA thrillers, some horror, now paranormal stories, supernatural, fantasy, and some mysteries which include a healthy dose of violence, no one can fault the CBA for not including plot-fitting violence.
The “unknown factor” includes the subject of marketing CBA fiction. Oftentimes I’ve heard from Christian men who read fiction that they had no idea there were so many offerings for them in CBA bookstores. Until they learned to look for them on the fiction shelves, they simply bought their choices of secular authors’ novels online or at the usual bookstores such as Borders or Barnes & Noble, etc. If they have an awareness of the Christian novels which appeal to their tastes, they can now purchase them online, too, if there are no CBA stores in their vicinities.
The “unknown factor” also reminds those who ultimately select and produce the novels that sometimes they are clueless as to the potential readership of their books. Yesterday we looked at “platform”. We touched on the fact that some, and perhaps most, of those who read fiction are not truly concerned with what kind of sterling qualities a writer brings to the composition of a novel. Writers, however, have learned to check out other writers with a critical eye both as to their platforms and as to their writing (see my previous post “The Unforgiving Writer”) because both of those areas have specific requirements for them to become published.
There are some audiences which are as predictable as the practice of brushing one’s teeth, but there are other audiences which tire of the same old, same old, and want new challenges in their reading. What kinds of challenges? That’s just it. Who knows? While we know and understand the professionals in the industry read an enormous amount, some of us out here in writerland or fiction-loving land do, too. While I read exclusively Christian fiction now, I know many Christians who read both CBA and secular books. I have switched from predominantly reading romance to thrillers, mysteries, adventure, legal suspense/thrillers. Since my own novels lean on romance, you might wonder why I switched. It’s simple: most of the CBA romances are so similar it takes an exceptional story to break free of the formulaic. The writing is similar, the conflicts are similar, the characters are similar, the stories are similar. The authors are not similar other than having strong values in Christ. Well, you might argue there is a formula for each genre, and adhering to that formula is what readers want. I would suggest it is simply what they’ve come to expect and since there is little variation offered, they buy what is available to them. This is precisely the “unknown factor”, impossible to confirm.
You know what is truly disappointing? Buying a novel and wishing I hadn’t. I’m very s l o w l y arriving at the place where I just might not finish one if it fails to hold my interest after a significant time of reading investment. I’ve always finished novels. It’s just what I do. Give the author a chance to make an impact no matter how long it takes by pulling the story out of the pit. Maybe not in the near future. Too many books to read. Too many which fail to ignite a passionate response. Too many which leave me unsatisfied. These are the novels which have been “proven” to surpass the dreaded pub boards’ inquisitions. These are the novels which have been insinuated as examples of “great” writing. These are the books which industry professionals hold up and keep pushing “new” writers to achieve at this level.
This probably sounds like I’m complaining. Really, I’m not. Those who’ve persevered to become published deserve recognition and applause. Good for them. It’s not an easy road for many of them. But some good ones have been cast aside for a number of variable reasons, poor sales often being the prominent one. Books that I’d like to read are not generally found on the CBA shelves in large numbers and that might be why so many of the ones I read feel formulaic. My desires as a reader are pooh-poohed and ignored for the most part for reasons of cultural malaise and cost to produce. We live in an ADHT society, it’s argued. Nobody spends time on large novels anymore. The costs of paper and printing, etc. make the gamble cost-prohibitive. Yet, there are some thrillers produced which break the 80-100,000 word counts by up to 50,000 words produced in hardbound! And cheers for that fact!
The “unknown factor” encompasses all the unknowns in the industry which are uncharted and possibly un-examined. I don’t really know what the publishers and their staffs hash out in their private brainstorming meetings about how to boost sales, produce “great” books for readers, how to minimize the guess work, find new authors—those intangible fresh voices which all of their “official” site releases inhibit—and make their piece of the industry continue to thrive.
The biggest unknown factor is the true influence of God’s voice in the Christian publishing industry at the corporate level down to the newest author. What is the real motivation of individuals? Is it to please God and in the process have a career? Does it become confused in the process of trying to reach and establish the balance? Do we all remember that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father? Do we ultimately write to please Him or produce products to please Him? Do we pray over these labors of love and dedication—not necessarily for their success, per se, but rather that whoever reads them will close the cover having received something small or large from the Lord, be it as simple and wonderful as a fun ride through the pages of a novel that chose to honor God? Will you honor Him with your writing even if you fail to be published? Will you accept that He has chosen another avenue for your words?
Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Not reach, not touch, not entertain, not motivate, not minister to, not anything . . . Do you really believe that in your heart? That is the ultimate unknown factor.
Father, you are the One who makes us and breaks us, only to fashion us to be more like your Son. We need your hands forming us, massaging us to be transformed to your Son’s likeness through the Spirit’s words and urgings. Thank you for loving us enough to direct us, to keep us steady on the course to draw nearer to you. I love you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
*Please remember Kristy Dykes and her family.*