When I was a romance novelist, a few authors who weren’t published looked down on me. They didn’t think I belonged in rarified air with authors consistently writing larger books. Interesting fact: I never felt slighted by those known as “big” authors when I was writing category romance. They understood the difficulty and work in being published. At. All.
One of the best sayings attributed to St. Teresa of Avila, is, “Comparisons are odious.” Since I have been found wanting at times, I try not to compare. When I’m on top by the world’s standards, I’m even less likely to compare myself to others. I have better things to do with my time, starting with trying to draw closer to Christ to reduce my faults.
As a reader, I don’t like every book published. I don’t have to. I also don’t have to denigrate and dismiss other Christians with sound teaching who are called to a writing ministry. That’s like saying missionaries to China are superior to missionaries in Virginia. Oh really? Why is that? Yes, for an American, being a missionary in China poses a different set of challenges and difficulties than being a missionary in Virginia. But who says reaching other Americans for Christ is easy? My pastor often preaches that the body of Christ is made of many different parts, that no part is superior to another (1 Corinthians 12:20-27). Likewise, we should acknowledge the same about our fellow Christian authors, whether or not we enjoy their books.
Authors criticizing other authors are:
- As explained above, saying that author’s ministry is less worthwhile than others.
- Opining that the writers are not using their time wisely.
- In the case of traditionally published authors, declaring that the publisher has low status and/or is wrong to publish the book.
- Proclaiming the authors’ editors are not discerning.
- Stating that the authors’ readers are making poor use of their time and should instead be reading what the world calls “great literature” that often was not written by Christians. By the way, our readers are already studying truly great literature. It’s called the Bible.
As a reader, you can say, “I enjoyed Book A more than I did Book B.” You can share your opinion to edify others without dismissing brothers and sisters in Christ who are called to write books you don’t prefer.
Let us always be mindful of those who toil for the Kingdom with us. Let us uplift one another.
It’s every night of fever dreams
now, in these bewildered days,
and, sometimes, it really seems
that all my life was just a maze
to no purpose, no bright goal
that I ever did achieve,
a crippled scarring of the soul
that sought so badly to believe.
But it is not the accolade
that defines God’s holy will
for us; no, it’s the choices made
to make the roiling heart quite still
and listen closely, to life’s end,
to be comfort for a weeping friend.
YES, Andrew!!!
I’m amazed how little Christians fiction authors support one another. They’re all about “support me, support me.” Spicy romance authors and erotic romance authors are the best at sharing books, yet ask a Christian author to do the same and you hear crickets. If we could get Christian authors to support and review each other’s works, Christian fiction would take over all these other genres. It’s really sad how we’re willing to share the word of God in our books, but not by supporting authors in the genre.
Thank you for this uplifting post. Just this weekend, I was talking to a dear widow from our church who mentioned how much she enjoys reading a popular series of Christian mystery romance novels–possibly seen by some as not being “real literature.” But what joy and encouragement she finds in them, including their messages of faith. We each have unique callings and ministries! And different books reach different audiences.
Yes! Community, friendship, encouragement, and support—that’s what we should find among Christian writers. I’m always flabbergasted to see anything different. Very sorry you had a bad experience but I’m so glad you are using it to encourage writers to love each other better.
Amen! I’m always careful when reviewing a Christian book I didn’t particularly like. Maybe that ministry and message weren’t for me, but it is still God’s work. And I’ll be honest, I cringe and get embarrassed at some of the writing that qualifies as Christian or even literature for that matter. But that’s just my personal opinion. Who am I to say those works won’t touch the right person’s heart or maybe even bring them to salvation? As someone who does Christian hip hop and Christian horror, I have to remember that not all Christian works are for all people, but they can all reach the people they were meant to reach if the Holy Spirit is guiding the author.
It’s never a good thing to compare yourself to other writers or speak negatively about them. Compliments and support show the type of person you are. Every author is on a different playing field and must run the race before them.
I love the St. Teresa of Avila quote. Thank you for the reminder.
I love it, too! Odious. What a GREAT word!
Excellent post, Tamela!
My mother was always very encouraging to others, and I’ve tried to honor her memory by always trying to uplift and encourage others—especially my writer friends.
I like the quote you shared, too!
In this world of complaints and comparisons it is refreshing to be reminded of what really matters as a Christian writer. You words and thoughts should be bringing us and others closer to Christ. Even Christ’s disciples complained when others were casting out demons.
However, and whoever tells the story of God’s love for us deserves to be recognized.
I’m reminded of something I read YEARS ago that Mr. Rogers wrote. He was visiting a church and felt the sermon was dull and not well presented. After the service, the woman sitting in front of him turned around. She had been weeping. She said, “I needed to hear that sermon!” (I’m paraphrasing.)
Mr. Rogers was immediately convicted. Not every sermon was intended for him.
It’s the same for us as writers. We don’t write for everyone. We write for OUR readers, whoever they are and wherever they are. I repeat that to myself a lot. And I work to remind myself of that after I read a book I think was fabulous and I can’t even begin to measure up.
Comparison really is odious. It’s paralyzing and wrong and oh, so hard to stop doing.
Right! I try to focus on the tasks God gives me and not be concerned with what others are doing unless there’s a practical way I can help.