Maybe that's the point. I'm not necessarily catering to the 'typical' readers of sweet Christian romance. I'm more interested in portraying seriously flawed people, in all their rawness and humanity, in an attempt to show that God doesn't expect us to have our lives in order before coming to Him. My writing style has been termed 'edgy inspirational' - a tag that I am quite happy to embrace since I feel it best describes what my books are about.
In the case of MAN-EATER, potentially controversial topics range from prostitution, pornography, and sexual abuse, to drug use, violence and organized crime. Sometimes it's difficult to write about these topics without becoming too graphic or explicit. As a Christian author, I try to be sensitive to this, and do not include what I would consider 'gratuitous' elements. But sometimes, in order to get the story across, certain words must be used. Take for instance, the use of mild swearing. A mafia drug lord would not exclaim, "Oh darn!" This doesn't mean I have to include obscenities in every breath (as he probably would in real life) but I believe there is a place for some cursing in order for it to be realistic. Having said that, I feel as if my writing is quite tame in comparison to many others that I've read. (And I'm talking about Christian authors here.)
I am also aware that there are many Christians who do not share this view and who will not tolerate any form of cursing - mild or otherwise - in the fiction they read. I'm okay with that. The dilemma comes when potential readers purchase a book and then feel blindsided by what they believe is inappropriate content. The assumption is that all books with an evangelical message should be squeaky clean. For me, this just doesn't work. I prefer books with a moral message that also have some edge. A dose of stark reality helps to give more impact to the message. The very paradox - the juxtaposition between 'Good and Evil' is so much more poignant when the hero or heroine isn't perfect to begin with. Of course, this is just my opinion.There are many that would argue with me, and as I said already, they are free to do so.
I have heard it suggested that a rating system might be in order. The problem with this is, whose standards would prevail in such a system? (And please don't come back with the platitude "God's standards!" I know that, but 'God's standards as interpreted by whom?) It is certainly a question that continues to be debated among readers, writers and publishers. No matter the solution, and no matter one's personal opinion on the matter, 'edgy' Christian fiction is here to stay.
Next week on 'the Issue' I plan to discuss some controversial topics raised in AND THE BEAT GOES ON. Leave a comment if you'd like to joint the debate.
9 comments:
Tracy, I agree that our characters need to be real. Flawed. Because we are. I also think if a character in a book isn't a Christian they shouldn't behave as one and Christian characters should mess up and as good writers, we need to show this.
When I read the sweet books, I may enjoy the story to an extent, but I rarely identify with the characters on a level that makes me want to change or pray about my circumstances.
I like to write the gritty myself. I haven't used any swear words, but I have written, "He swore a string of obscenities and slammed his fist through the wall." Or something to this effect.
I read Christian and ABA market reading and I can handle swear words in either, but I cringe at the "F" bombs and using Jesus and God as a swear word.
I think it takes guts to write it raw. Kudos.
Jessica, I also often use a similar 'explanation' as in your example. I also do not use the 'F' bomb in it's entirety, or Jesus name. Words like 'Sh*t, b**ch, damn, hell, etc. I find acceptable. Of course, not everyone agrees ... :)
Tracy, thank you for your post, and for saying this so much more concisely than I could. I've been told "can't" in Christian fiction more times than I can count, and I don't even write that edgy! Ask anyone who's read my stuff. Anyway, I'm busy rewriting the book of my heart because my heroine "can't" be 15 (though marriageable women were 15 and sometimes younger in those long-ago days) and that she "can't" be in love with one man and forcibly married off to another.
Basically I'm gutting my story because of all these "can't" situations. I wish sometimes that I had the guts and time to go direct to reader with my "can't" stories. But that's not for me at this time.
Kudos to you for telling YOUR story, YOUR way.
I read My Mother the Man Eater and, as a Christian, I was not offended in the least. What I saw were real people trapped in real life issues in need of a Savior none of them knew they were crying out for. I found the book to be very entertaining and loved the happy ending!! margie at mijares dot net
Thank you for those kind words of encouragement Margie! I appreciate it so much.
Deb - I think there is a market for something different - even if the 'mainstream' is saying 'can't'
I definitely agree with you. There's clearly a place for safe fiction or it wouldn't be doing so well. But didn't CS Lewis say Aslan wasn't "safe"?
Ah yes, sheila ... this is a very good point. and who can argue with the likes of CS Lewis?
I think my uncle and my father would find it hard getting past the use of any profanity... even if it's true to the characters.
It definitely takes some thought and prayer to decide on just how much 'profanity' is acceptable. I have enjoyed Dan Calabrese's books (he writes supernatural thrillers with a strong christian message) but he definitely doesn't hold back. Some people are offended by his work but since I went in with my eyes open I knew what to expect.
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