What is Christian Fiction—Is it Alive & Well? Part One

by Elva Cobb Martin

As a writer or reader of Christian fiction, what do you look for in a book from a Christian publisher or Christian author?

What do you hope to see?

What do you definitely NOT want to see?

What is Christian fiction?

This month Colleen Coble, award-winning author and CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and her friends at Harper Collins sent out a fiction survey asking similar questions.

Publishers, editors, agents, and writers are asking these questions anew today as the Christian fiction traditional publishing industry struggles to prosper or even, in some cases, to survive.

As a writer, I'm sure you’ve heard “Every CBA agency and publishing house has a slightly different idea of what’s okay and what’s not, so study their guidelines.” Does this prove a problem for you even after you research guidelines? If so, you're among quite a few for whom it does.

Do you have a bucket list of things you would like to do in Christian fiction you write or what you would like to see in Christian fiction you read? What about a list of what you do not want to write or read?” We’d love for you to share your comments as we continue with this series. 

Part 2:  Can We Define Christian Fiction—in more ways than one?  

Part 3:  How Alive or Well is Christian Fiction?

Elva Cobb Martin is president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have published her articles. She is currently polishing her second novel, an historical inspirational romance. A mother finally promoted to grandmother, Elva and her husband Dwayne, and a mini-dachshund Lucy reside in Anderson, South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site www.elvamartin.com, her blog at  http://carolinaromancewithelvamartin.blogspot.com on Twitter @Elvacobbmartin and on Facebook.