In Defense of Clean Speech in Christian Fiction, Part 1

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8. Over the last year, many Christian authors have participated in virtual blog debates about what language should or should not be permissible in Christian novels published for the Christian marketplace. Some folks have appealed to common sense and logic, others to audience and publisher guidelines, some to realism and freedom of expression, others to what they “think” crude language/cussing is and isn’t. All well-meaning folks who are brothers and sisters in Christ, whom I truly love. But often discussions have been bathed in the soothing balm of relativism. You’re okay, I’m okay. What you think is okay for you is okay for you. What I think is okay for me is okay for me. As if no one could possibly stand up and say, “I know the answer.” Getting to the Core Very few of the debates I’ve seen…

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Where Do My Ideas Come From? Part 1

A Discussion about My Next Novel, The Tenth Plague Putting my finger on where exactly the original idea for my upcoming novel, The Tenth Plague, came from is difficult because the novel began forming in my mind probably five or six years ago. The idea for the main plot, of course, emerged from Revelation 22:18-19. In those verses God proclaims a curse on anyone who adds to or takes away from His Word. Given the state of our times and the church today, that seems like a relevant theme. In some quarters of Christianity at large, some can’t even agree on what truth is anymore. One day when I read those verses again, they grabbed me like never before. My imagination began playing the what-if game, and the story began taking shape in my mind. I envisioned someone turning on a bathroom faucet and blood gushing out. I consulted several theologian friends for their thoughts,…

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Endorsements for The Tenth Plague

Are you afraid of what others think of you? If you say no, then you’ve never worn the author’s hat and been in the position of seeking endorsements for your next novel. I’ll be frank—this is probably my least favorite part of the whole novel-writing business (because yes, I’m a weenie when it comes to what others think). Sending one’s novel manuscript to several authors (some well known) and requesting an endorsement for promotional purposes is an intimidating process. “What is a novel endorsement?” someone may ask. Frankly, it’s simply something nice someone has said about your book. Publishers often use these blurbs inside the front cover or even on the back cover. Nope, I didn’t pay or bribe anyone for these, and I gave each author an easy exit if he or she decided, for whatever reason, not to endorse the book. No one bowed out of the process.…

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When Life Happens

Have you ever had one of those weeks? I know it’s a cliche, but truly when it rains, it pours. At least it does for me. Have I told you about my rather odd work situation? I guess it’s a “God thing.” In 2006, I was laid off from my editing role at a Christian university in northeastern Wisconsin. Through various circumstances (which I’ve documented in other articles), God opened the door for me to start editing for various clients from home. The interesting thing is, this venture has truly been one rocky road, a true faith journey. Some months, I frankly have no idea what I’ll be doing  for income. I just pray, and God provides. It’s almost mystical. Meanwhile, as my daughters get older, the more expensive their needs become. Hence, the pressure. Hence the hot flash I get every few months when I see the bills, look…

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