tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post2075948829842984914..comments2024-02-13T08:31:03.541-08:00Comments on Terri Tiffany: Writing Stories You Remember: Secular or ChristianTerri Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-49564807454435294852011-05-16T09:29:49.678-07:002011-05-16T09:29:49.678-07:00I go through this every time I start a new novel, ...I go through this every time I start a new novel, Terri. My prayer is always that I reach unbelievers. I keep writing for the general market, hoping my novels will get picked up there. All eight books I've contracted in the last few years have ended up in CBA, although I did not write them for CBA. So I guess you write the story God has put in your heart, be true to it, and then let God place it. I do query both markets and still pray and hope my five unsold books will end up there. <br /><br />BTW, thanks for the mention of my novel you plan to read. If you are interested in getting on the list for the ARCs of my fantasy books as they release (next one in fall) in order to post a book review, please send me a private message with your mailing address! cslakin@gmail.com God bless!C. S. Lakinhttp://www.cslakin.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-45139778255245019552011-05-09T15:46:51.599-07:002011-05-09T15:46:51.599-07:00I faced that same fork a couple years ago, and I t...I faced that same fork a couple years ago, and I think I will face it EACH time I start a new book. First one: went secular but with deep Christian themes. Second: definitely written for CBA (and yeah, I know what you mean about how the Christian side felt forced, sometimes). Third: I'm back to secular with subtle themes. Fourth may be CBA again (I trying to pray more about where God wants to take my projects). I am really curious to see which path God decides to take me on, as far as publishing, someday. I know He has me write each book for a purpose thouugh, even if it doesn't ever get published.Margo Berendsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476308235642890474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-80811685303838838512011-05-07T09:00:46.421-07:002011-05-07T09:00:46.421-07:00Loved reading this post and these comments, Terri....Loved reading this post and these comments, Terri. I'm catching up on some blog posts, and I stumbled upon this gem. Such a difficult question, and one I've been thinking a lot about lately, so I know it's a tough crossroads you're standing in. I agree with the masses who say you must allow your story to form organically and in the end you'll just know. good luck.Heather Sunserihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12552506888985553471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-12979994284116997072011-05-06T10:44:52.470-07:002011-05-06T10:44:52.470-07:00I missed this post earlier, Terri, but just want t...I missed this post earlier, Terri, but just want to say I've felt that same uncertainty. I had no intention of writing for the CBA but each of my novels is written from a Christian worldview and one of my beta readers suggested I develop the Christian theme a little more and consider that market. <br /><br />The problem is that I don't do well at controlling my writing to fit the necessary CBA guidelines. And if I try to fit the constraints, the writing becomes stilted and artificial. If we can't clearly identify the appropriate shelf for our books to sit on in a bookstore, it's likely agents can't either, and will be reluctant to represent them. So the question becomes, how important is publication compared to just writing? Are we writing to sell, or just for ourselves?<br /><br />God has been nudging me in the direction of the Christian market but I'm not convinced yet that he intends me to write for the CBA so much as to honour him in general fiction that's written from my Christian worldview. That's where the reality of my daily life is and what I most like to read about. So I pray before each writing session and stay open to God's leading. I hope one day to find an agent who knows where my work belongs. :)Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-79606491801299645722011-05-05T20:43:00.502-07:002011-05-05T20:43:00.502-07:00That's tough. I think when you write from your...That's tough. I think when you write from your heart, the home for your words will come naturally.Saumyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08517289532769906489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-79600829028418129282011-05-04T18:19:32.175-07:002011-05-04T18:19:32.175-07:00How did I know for sure? I don't know that I k...How did I know for sure? I don't know that I know anything 'for sure', but this much I did know. I simply could not write a book for the CBA market. I have tried. It failed before it even got on the page.Like you said, it all felt too forced. And like you, the stuff I feel most comfortable with is more inspirational. So, maybe you know which market by the kind of book that springs out of you? I think God puts stories inside us. Not all of them are going to be for the CBA. God needs mainstream Christian writers too I think.<br /><br />All the very best deciding.Tabitha Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08196816108272065974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-33471200389995537502011-05-04T18:03:17.459-07:002011-05-04T18:03:17.459-07:00Hi Terri -
While I'm not pulled between Chris...Hi Terri -<br /><br />While I'm not pulled between Christian and secular markets, non-fiction and fiction creates a measure of conflict. I continually ask the Lord to lead me on His path.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />SusanSusan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-188463121230043302011-05-04T17:37:00.112-07:002011-05-04T17:37:00.112-07:00Follow your heart and try to write for you. See wh...Follow your heart and try to write for you. See what happens!Lydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-64854728555069354202011-05-04T14:20:53.591-07:002011-05-04T14:20:53.591-07:00Very tough question. I struggled with this, too. G...Very tough question. I struggled with this, too. God wanted me to write a Christian novel once - and I did. But after that, my writing went in a different direction. I'm not sure why He wanted me to write that one novel so badly, but I can remember the time when I finally surrendered to His will and the peace I felt. That book didn't sell, but I still love that story. My grandmother read it recently and she loved it, too. So maybe that was why I wrote it. I don't know.<br /><br />I write secular now, but my characters usually are Christians.Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-11623485659227373632011-05-04T13:37:33.014-07:002011-05-04T13:37:33.014-07:00Hi Terri. I haven't read all of the above comm...Hi Terri. I haven't read all of the above comments, but the ones I did notice said pretty much what I think. You cannot force your writing. Write what you want. Let your thoughts flow from your mind and heart onto your keyboard. Sometime during that process, you will know what to do! One more thing....since you've been so successful being published in Chicken Soup for the Soul...remember those stories are more inspirational than religious.BECKYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15184458949017900541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-92021617188745077962011-05-04T11:53:57.400-07:002011-05-04T11:53:57.400-07:00Terri, I wouldn't worry about seeing where it ...Terri, I wouldn't worry about seeing where it fits yet. I'd just write it and let what's natural flow out. You know how much things change in revisions anyway!! LOLJessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-66831100690268292322011-05-04T11:50:36.283-07:002011-05-04T11:50:36.283-07:00How do you know for sure? Get your Bible, go to a ...How do you know for sure? Get your Bible, go to a quiet place. Tell the Lord you are not leaving until you hear from Him. Then listen and take notes and write down what you believe He is telling you. Then obey. You may be surprised how He leads you by that still small voice, and His word of truth. And even if you hear wrong, don't worry. He can fix it.Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-54761729439082807342011-05-04T10:16:35.627-07:002011-05-04T10:16:35.627-07:00I think you just have to write from your heart. Th...I think you just have to write from your heart. There's no doubt that writing for the CBA market is different from writing for the secular one. But in the end, secular or Christian, we all liv ein one world and we all need to hear The Good News.D. U. Okonkwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12900694425526387930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-87710272723032460442011-05-04T05:10:47.929-07:002011-05-04T05:10:47.929-07:00Just reviewed this again. Interesting to reconside...Just reviewed this again. Interesting to reconsider. Either path you decide to travel, your Christian convictions will come through.Warren Baldwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17956713921509659993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-13780434269233465392011-05-03T23:21:56.478-07:002011-05-03T23:21:56.478-07:00I can certainly relate to your post - I too am wai...I can certainly relate to your post - I too am waiting for God's leading with my music compositions - where to go next? I am trying to listen:-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11633709570508990103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-83142839937075128852011-05-03T18:56:58.658-07:002011-05-03T18:56:58.658-07:00My first book sold to the Christian market, but th...My first book sold to the Christian market, but the book I'm writing now can go either way. I'm not holding back, and I'm just writing the story of my heart. Then when it's over, I will take a step back and look at the story, consult my agent, and decide. At least that's the plan!Gina Conroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13647753231391009981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-80657682969513952502011-05-03T10:35:44.567-07:002011-05-03T10:35:44.567-07:00I can only write what God gives me. Sometimes it&...I can only write what God gives me. Sometimes it's a clear call to faith. Other times, it's about dirty socks and socks that vanish and mommy hassles and why can't diaper changing be an Olympic sport with nary a Bible verse mentioned. <br /><br />I often ask Him to give me His message and then let it come out. So sometimes it's hilarious and everyone - believers or otherwise - can identify, and then other times it's serious. And people identify that way, too.<br /><br />Bless you as you write whatever He gives...Rhonda Schrockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05512423397478708632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-10822041184634107352011-05-03T10:20:25.617-07:002011-05-03T10:20:25.617-07:00Trust God to guide you, Terri. Go with what your i...Trust God to guide you, Terri. Go with what your inner voice says.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-66493729784469365082011-05-03T10:13:21.917-07:002011-05-03T10:13:21.917-07:00Once you start questioning the answer is already t...Once you start questioning the answer is already there. Take it inwardly and listen to what He says!Ginnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10576022783071536981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-43473961510996441232011-05-03T02:40:05.765-07:002011-05-03T02:40:05.765-07:00Terri, perhaps you are supposed to be in the secul...Terri, perhaps you are supposed to be in the secular market so that you can reach a group that would never touch a Christian book. <br /><br />I pray you'll have peace in your decision and hear clearly from the Lord.<br /><br />Love,<br />BethBeth in NChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17492590083823556624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-15419142391893779422011-05-02T20:11:12.948-07:002011-05-02T20:11:12.948-07:00Wow, that's a big fork staring you down. Prayi...Wow, that's a big fork staring you down. Praying you feel a sense of clarity as you seek the Lord's will.Sarah Forgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09101753891967001104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-35856989495352320372011-05-02T14:49:01.605-07:002011-05-02T14:49:01.605-07:00Terri, I'm saying a prayer for you that God wi...Terri, I'm saying a prayer for you that God will direct your heart and your words onto the page and that you'll know exactly where you and the stories you write fit. I've missed reading your posts!Jessica R. Patchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13614501794157211301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-43083682444390876032011-05-02T14:48:57.986-07:002011-05-02T14:48:57.986-07:00Terri, I'm saying a prayer for you that God wi...Terri, I'm saying a prayer for you that God will direct your heart and your words onto the page and that you'll know exactly where you and the stories you write fit. I've missed reading your posts!Jessica R. Patchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13614501794157211301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-53535364841028917012011-05-02T13:35:59.751-07:002011-05-02T13:35:59.751-07:00I agree with one of your commenters, Terri. Write ...I agree with one of your commenters, Terri. Write what is in your heart and then see where it falls. <br /><br />When I'm trying to make a decision, I always follow after peace. <br /><br />Colossians 3:15 says: <br />"And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]."<br /><br />Hope this helps. Praying God's peace leads you, my friend!Julie Gillieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16043208077641628180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-61037335874658762932011-05-02T12:49:22.858-07:002011-05-02T12:49:22.858-07:00Sally said it perfectly. God gave you the voice an...Sally said it perfectly. God gave you the voice and the stories to write. You can trust him to find just the right avenue to bring your books to the world.<br /><br />I wonder if there's a line where on one side a book is appropriate for the Christian market, and on the other it's not.<br /><br />On a personal level, I shy away from the Christian market, for fiction at least, because I don't want to be preached to in story form. <br /><br />On the other hand, I did read Jody Hedlund's first book from Bethany House and loved it.<br /><br />So probably the very best thing for you to do is to listen to your heart.Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.com