I wanted to title today's post "where the map begins" for reasons that will hopefully soon become clear!
As we've discussed WheretheMapEnds the last 2 days, I've pondered the discussion of Christian speculative fiction we're having in the tour. It's not just this tour, but prior discussions at A Christian Worldview of Fiction, Speculative Fiction, and other places that have touched on it.
In Jeff Gerke's work at WtME, we have a true fan and advocate for speculative fiction in the CBA. He has a vision for further work in this arena. For those of us on the tour and other readers out there who want to see fantastic adventures in sci-fi and fantasy with Kingdom inspiration and execution, where do we fit in all this?
I think it goes back to Becky's posts on Promotion. The CBA has its constituency, and it serves it well. For the market to realize other niches are out there, those of us who desire good spec fic within CBA are going to, in part, make it happen.
First of all, the Lord in heaven is in control, and His will and ways are paramount. It is important for us to pray into this.
Also, I am reminded of situations like the series Firefly. A show that developed a following in its all-too-brief network life, it was given another chance in the movie Serenity because fanboys (and girls) clamored for more of Joss Whedon's world.
Without that passion and activism, it probably wouldn't have happened. That came to me today - all of the wishin' and hopin' for CBA to rise up to meet this groundswell of support won't happen. Unless we actively show this "groundswell".
We are doing are part by being part of the CSFF tour (Becky's probably doing more than her fair share :D). Can we do more? Maybe.
1- Writing awesome spec fic that the editors just can't pass on.
2- Letting publishers know our feelings.
3- Supporting the vanguards that are out there (Kathy Tyers, Karen Hancock, Wayne Thomas Batson come to mind).
That's my thoughts for today. I'm sure I'll have others some other time. No deadlines given. I've enjoyed this tour immensely, and encourage you to check out other tourmates!
Nissa Annakindt
Jim Black
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Tessa Edwards
April Erwin
Kameron M. Franklin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Leathel Grody
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Christopher Hopper
Kait
Karen
K. D. Kragen
Tina Kulesa
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John Ottinger
Robin Parrish
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver
Timothy Wise
Rachelle
D.G.D. Davidson
John W. Otte
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Wonderful post, Jason. Thank you for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteThis has been one of the most interactive tours yet, which makes them so great. This is the buzz that will move us and will draw more people in.
People have done a great job visiting other sites and making comments. It spurs additional thoughts and broadens the discussion. Good, good stuff.
Thanks so much for your part in it all!
Becky
Thanks for the link, Jason:)
ReplyDeleteKeep posting!
In Christ,
Eve