tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26401815.post5256631137704076983..comments2023-08-13T04:25:27.199-06:00Comments on Spoiled for the Ordinary: Opinions on Christian FictionJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18363518142334125056noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26401815.post-20564133267088446082010-08-08T20:35:43.955-06:002010-08-08T20:35:43.955-06:00If as an author you're writing for a (Christia...If as an author you're writing for a (Christian) subculture, the result is apt to be formulaic. Narrow demographic targeting tends to weaken the quality of the fiction. In a genuine work of literature the author should have something to say of universal significant. And it can't be preachy. Please visit my blog and leave a comment.David A. Bedfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17547787738605175886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26401815.post-15515376605266451832010-08-08T14:33:16.074-06:002010-08-08T14:33:16.074-06:00As a Christ-following speculative fiction writer, ...As a Christ-following speculative fiction writer, I'd say the CBA suffers from a lot of problems. Honestly, I'm not sure they can be fixed.<br /><br />First, the CBA is a counter-culture industry. The whole reason there is "Christian" publishing, music, magazines, and so on is because we decided to give up on popular culture and instead focus on our own version. The problem with isolating yourself culturally is that in time you are so unlike the popular culture, no one outside your little group has anything in common with you. It's hard to grow like that. The CBA has been promoting the same mix of fiction for years now, catering to the same dwindling mix of people - women in their mid-40's. A narrow focus doesn't lend itself to much risk-taking. <br /><br />The CBA's second problem is that they are woefully unprepared to handle change. Maybe that's due to their myopic market focus. Their main distribution model is based on Christian bookstores, which are closing left and right. While the rest of the world is buying nearly 2 million digital readers a month, the CBA is just now beginning to talk to booksellers about developing a solution (see: http://christianretailing.com/index.php/news/industry-news/21798-e-book-option-for-stores-sought).<br /><br />I could go on and on, but as a writer I have three choices: hope for reform in the CBA, go mainstream ABA, or go independent. For me, going independent seems like the best way to go. I can interweave my faith to the level I desire in the genre's of fiction I enjoy. At the same time I can take advantage of the opportunities digital change is bringing to target a different audience than the CBA chooses to focus upon.<br /><br />Thanks for keeping up with this debate. I'm glad it's getting a lot of attention - not just from fans but from those within the CBA.Edward D. Caseyhttp://edwarddcasey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26401815.post-1475602351692736402010-08-06T16:51:40.663-06:002010-08-06T16:51:40.663-06:00Jason, thanks for your generous words and for link...Jason, thanks for your generous words and for linking to the posts. As you pointed out here, the insiders "hear" the objections, and some agree with them. Changing them? Well, that seems to be another thing entirely when both editors and authors choose anonymity because of "their publishers".<br /><br />If this discussion facillitates any kind of growth, then it will have been successful. If it's only thought provoking, progress will have been made. Many of these authors have multi-published works. These aren't wannabes and pre-published hopefuls.Nicolehttp://hopeofglory.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26401815.post-32466537772680407872010-08-06T16:34:41.210-06:002010-08-06T16:34:41.210-06:00Nice aggregate here, Jason. Appreciate your tracki...Nice aggregate here, Jason. Appreciate your tracking of this important discussion.Mike Duranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02223354088258809968noreply@blogger.com