Blogger: Mary Keeley
The challenging events in the publishing industry oblige authors and publishers to think differently about how they can reach new readers. Two studies offer insights that may stimulate ideas for books and marketing for those willing to break out of the status quo and appeal to untapped audience groups. Demographics and diversity present opportunity.
A study on the use of Christian media from LifeWay Research, sponsored by the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), found that Christian media, including Christian books, are “barely reaching beyond the faithful.” The study included an online survey of 2,252 Americans and a phone survey of 1,009 Americans. Researchers found that “many Americans have little contact with Christian media.”
The study found that about 33 percent of Americans say they “frequently or sometimes read Christian books,” while 65 percent “rarely or never read Christian books.” I suppose that isn’t surprising. Apparently the survey didn’t request reasons these Americans don’t read Christian books, but the finding points to opportunity for authors and publishers who develop creative new ways to reach readers among that two-thirds group. You can read the complete report here.
The question is, who constitutes the two-thirds majority of Americans that don’t read Christian books? Publisher’s Weekly recently posted an online article, “CCBC Stats Show Children’s Books Shifting Toward Diversity,” by Natasha Gilmore. She offers insight into one segment of that population. The article focuses on how the work of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) at the UW-Madison’s School of Education attracted the attention of general market publishers. As a result diversity is slowly coming to secular children’s books.
A parallel shortage of adult diversity books exists. As books become available for these audiences in the secular market, the need for diversity books with a Christian worldview increases. And that presents an opportunity for CBA authors and publishers: nonfiction books that incorporate needs and interests of people with disabilities, novels with a disabled character, multi-cultural books, and novels in genres such as New Adult and Baby Boomer Lit, which are popular in the general market but have yet to be embraced in CBA.
Writing books for diverse groups has various degrees of challenge, for sure. The prospect may be way out of your comfort zone. Huff Post Books blog posted an article, “America lacks Multicultural Literature,” by novelist and librarian Tejas Desai. It spells out some of the challenges writers need to be aware of before diving into such a project.
The challenge for Christian publishers is learning how to successfully market and distribute product to new demographic and diversity groups. Editors need to learn mores, customs, and speech patterns of various ethnic and racial groups. But challenging circumstances require a can-do approach to recognizing and embracing the opportunity to reach the other 65 percent of Americans, not only to increase sales, but also to spread the Gospel.
How do you feel about writing for diverse groups and demographics? Does this discussion inspire fresh ideas with a powerful hook? What do you find most challenging about writing books within your genre that incorporate diversity?
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Very interesting. I’ve attempted to write from the perspective of characters from different cultures on several occasions and smacked up against a huge wall. I’ve researched Assyrian Christian’s in Chicago and Russian orphans and talked to my Russian/Canadian friend via facebook and come to the conclusion that I am irreparably American. I am a product of my place and time and not just that, I am a country girl too. I know mountains and meadows, wild elk and bear, but put me in a city, even a small one like Seattle and I am totally freaked out. But that doesn’t mean I can’t put diversity into my writing. I may have a hard time making the viewpoint character Russian, but I can take an American girl and plop her down in Siberia and have her experience and encounter a Russian winter and fur trapping and valenki boots and the Christmas eve fast and -40 degree winter evenings. I can have an American girl whose dad is Assyrian clash with her traditional grandparents. I can have a kid in a wheelchair struggle to be included at camp. All these I can do. I just need to know my limits and who I am and then write from that perspective while exploring the larger world around me.
What great ways to incorporate diversity in your writing. I haven’t tried much of this yet, but your suggestions are spurring on some ideas on how I can do this in my writing as well. 🙂
Thanks Jeanne. I’ve really struggled with this because I’ve longed to bring other folk from all over the world into my stories, but after actually hanging out with believers from other places, I have come to see how very American I am. That is OK, but it pushes me to find other solutions than a POV character who is Polish or Nigerian.
Russians are flat-out different. Don Harward’s book “Distant Thunder”, about his experiences with 160 SOAR and beyond, has a chapter about meeting some Russian helicopter pilots in Afghanistan.
Talk about culture clash; these people just have their own way of thinking…like, to go from point A to point B in a high-threat area, they are interested in one GPS waypoint – DESTINATION…and that’s where they go, come what may. Straight through.
That’s the idea, Kristen. Those are excellent ideas for incorporating diversity.
I love your ideas, Kristen! We don’t have to become different from the way God made us–just find ways to include in our stories all the other different ways that He makes others. If that makes any sense. 🙂
Kristen:
Your creativity is inspiring. I think this is a brilliant approach to incorporating diversity and opening up a new world for people.
This was a great reminder, Mary. In my current WIP, I had a page crying for diversity. It was sort of there, but not fully. It’s fully there now just by simply adding a few extra descriptive words.
Writing a full manuscript for a diverse group would prove challenging. I think of Jennifer Major and her writing.
Thank you, Shelli.
I’m not sure if you’ve read any of Lori Benton’s books, but she is amazing, simply AMAZING. Her knowledge of the cultures of the Six Nations Confederacy is simply astonishing.
And she writes like….well…she won 3 Christys for her first book, Burning Sky.
Jennifer, I haven’t read her works yet … but she’s on my list!! I’m so loving experiencing everyone’s (from this blog) writing styles … diverse writing styles …
It’s a beautiful thing.
Reading your post gives me some ideas on how I can bring in some diversity to my next story. It’s mostly brainstormed, but not a word is on the page. And I think I know just how I can add a character (non-POV) who will add diversity to that story. Not that a writer can simply add this element into writing. It will require some research and talking with people who can share their insight with me. In doing this, it will help me to grow as a person as well.
Absolutely, Jeanne. Employing diversity in Christian books requires tons of research, as Jennifer points out further down. But your comment that it will help you grow as a person is important for all writers to remember because the growth will be reflected in future work.
I’m not at all sure I agree with this; the incorporation of diversity may be disguised tokenism, and it may be following a false trail when it comes to bringing more readers to Christian books.
I have a couple of disabilities; illness that often requires the use of a wheelchair (in my last year teaching I used one constantly), and severe PTSD.
I don’t want to read about being physically disabled. I hate it, absolutely loathe what illness has done to me. If others want to find out what it’s like, vicariously, well, okay. But don’t ever think that the incorporation of a disabled character is “reaching out” to me. It’s just a sop to the conscience.
I know my limitations all too well. And I know my possibilities.
Combat-induced PTSD is actually a more sharply defined issue. You can’t write about the effects of combat on the soul without having experienced it, full stop. Someone who wasn’t there cannot say what it was and is like, and using third-hand narrative as a resource doesn’t work, however well it may have been meant. There’s always a judgement factor, which can’t be helped; and worse, a pity factor.
Desai’s article is on the mark when in reference to stereotypes, especially where PTSD is concerned. Everyone has their images, the veteran who hits the deck when a car backfires.
I don’t do that. I scan for threats, and reach for my sidearm (yes, even when I have to use the chair). I’m not a victim; I’m trained to respond. But the general public doesn’t really want that. They want to see me as broken, and hurt.
And that’s why I don’t read about “PTSD characters” either. I live here. I want my heart and mind to go somewhere else.
My take on why Christian books are not as popular as they should be in an ostensibly Christian culture is pretty simple; we are viewed as exclusive, patronizing, and self-righteous, and we drive people away with the message “Accept this or you’re going to hell”.
C.S. Lewis made the point, both in his apologetics and his fiction, that we are likely to meed people in Heaven whom we did not expect to meet; and that some of those we expected would be conspicuous by their absence. And yes, he was talking about people of other faiths who nonetheless serve Christ.
“Do this for the least of them, and you do it for Me.”
THIS is the diversity we reject; this is the wall we build, when we presume to speak for thew Almighty.
I can promise you that I will not write about PTSD in all of my ignorance. But what about the perspective of a woman who is married to a guy in this situation? I might be able to pull that off if I talk to my friend who is an army chaplain, maybe? What about my Asian friends who grew up ticked off that all of the heroines in Christian novels were always blonde. I can provide a character with dark hair. I cannot become everyone I wish I could, but I can encounter the diverse group of folks around me. I myself have done that, met people from other places and learned new things, grown a little in how I’ve viewed the family of God. I can at least try.
Kristen, thank you.
To write about the wife of a combat veteran with PTSD also presents some problems, because it induces what’s sometimes called “secondary PTSD”. Life with this individual can be traumatic enough to bring out the symptoms in the spouse.
My feeling is that you would have to talk to several wives who are in this situation, if they are willing to share their hearts, and let them read and edit what you wrote until they felt it portrayed their lives accurately.
Talking to a chaplain may give a good start, but I do not think it will be enough. I never told a chaplain everything. There is still a disconnect of experience that can make one stumble, badly.
Since I’m Asian, I can relate to the hair-colour issue, but it’s honestly never bothered me as an adult. In my youth I tried to be a peroxide blond, and it was in the aftermath of that experiment that I learned the comfort of a shaven head.
Kristen, some further thoughts, if you want to write about the wife of a character with combat-induced PTSD.
Concentrate on details; avoid the broad-brush.
If you you ask my wife what life is like, she would probably say some of the following –
* When we went to restaurants, we always had corner tables, with a view to the doors.
* I could not walk through the toy aisle or children’s section of WalMart without getting upset
* No real celebrations for Christmas or Thanksgiving or anything
* I’ll risk my life to save a stray dog, and give a homeless person everything in my wallet, but frighten people with silence and a look that she calls the Dead Man Stare, and she has to make sure no one bumps into me in a crowd, because she knows I will react forcefully.
If life in made up of anecdotes, these are probably typical for many lives in this place.
Hi Andrew!
I have a slightly different view, from another perspective.
As a mom who spent countless years living in and out of hospitals with our oldest child, I would have given anything to read CBA books that addressed my felt needs at the time–say with a mom/heroine who was experiencing the same things I was. No–I didn’t necessarily want to linger at that lifepoint, which at that time, was the land of illness, treatments, and surgeries–but I would have liked to read about vibrant, interesting characters who’d walked that same valley, and not only survived, but thrived!
I can certainly see where you’re coming from though. And see–that’s why we need diversity! 😉
I can see that point, I think…that feeling that you’re not alone, and that there’s a path to the light.
Something like that?
Andrew, that view of the door must be militarily instilled somewhat, too. My hubby has always insisted on that. Because … you never know who will walk through that door carrying a loaded weapon.
Andrew, you make a good point. Much depends on how accurately a writer portrays a character of diversity in his or her specific circumstances. Coming from your particular realm of experience, wouldn’t you like to read a book that develops a veteran with combat-induced PTSD correctly? On the other hand, a character with PTSD induced by severe abuse or traumatic life event needs to be portrayed accurately to that realm of experience. That’s part of the challenge and the opportunity for writers.
It may be true that Americans outside the Christian culture view us as “exclusive, patronizing, and self-righteous…’Accept this or you’re going to hell.'” Incorporating diverse characters presents an opportunity to change that old Christian stereotype while quietly showing them Christ’s love and sacrifice for them accurately, don’t you think?
Mary, you raise some good points – I do read a lot of memoir, almost exclusively by combat veterans, and the commonality of experience is something that keeps me sane. (Especially for the past two days – some memories are best kept boxed, but they don’t stay that way.)
I suppose I’d like to read a novel that accurately describes combat trauma, but I haven’t found one yet. A couple of films do it some justice…”The Hurt Locker”, Hamburger Hill”, and Gran Torino”…but no book I have seen accurately picks up on the combination of social disconnect and high environment-specific functionality that are the hallmarks of what I live with every day.
I won’t write that book. It would require facing altogether too many ghosts.
And there is the question of PTSD from other causes. I would not presume to understand the perspective of someone who has been through a major car accident, for example. Not that I have not had several, but before that I was trained to CAUSE car accidents, and they are nothing very special – just interesting.
Incorporating characters that implement diversity to help spread Christ’s message is an intriguing thought, but I’ve found that my faith was often enhanced by those characters who were both devout and secure in their own faiths.
An example from a memoir, Al Sever’s “Xin Loi, Viet Nam” – he met a Cambodian sergeant who was composed in the face of a mission that would probably kill him, but as a devout Buddhist, he simply said “It no matter I die. I Buddhist, I come back.”
I don’t do the scene justice, but when I read it – and on re-reading – I feel a surge of faith and optimism, that God loves ALL of us, and that…in the words of John Wong, from Barrett’s “The Left Hand Of God”:
“Christ die for all.”
I have worked with several clients who have been diagnosed with PTSD. It appears that PTSD can result from experiencing and/or witnessing (vicarious trauma) a life-threatening event. Sometimes, they present with symptoms that have occurred after military combat, natural disasters (Hurricane Katrina), terrorist threat (Boston Bombing) or physical or sexual assault. What I have learned is that the experience is always unique to the individual. With that said, I believe it would be nearly impossible to give an accurate portrayal of PTSD that neatly fits all sufferers of this disorder. However, I think one could write a relatable story that offers encouragement and hope. Not just for those who have endured the traumatic event, but also for those who need to better understand what this population is going through. I have some clients who are not ready for group therapy and talking openly about the trauma; yet, they are willing to participate in bibliotherapy. This allows them to make meaning of their personal experience. It helps them to safely process emotions/behaviors in session that a character might manifest which may be similar or different from their own. All that to say, I think we need characters representing such a complicated psychological condition. Even if it’s not on-point for everyone, it’ll prayerfully help someone.
Sandra, you’re of course absolutely right; PTSD can be caused by many things, and I am only qualified to address what combat trauma looks like from the inside…and in my particular case.
The only bibliotherapy I used was reading Jonathan Shay; “Ulysses in Vietnam” and “Odysseus in America” gave me insight into the nature and scope of the issue, and a methodology for living with it.
I can imagine a situation in which a novel featuring a character with accurately-drawn PYSD might be therapeutically helpful, but I have yet to see one – and I have looked.
Memoir has, for me, provided some sense of solidarity and acceptance of place. A couple of movies do, as well – “The Hurt Locker”, “Hamburger Hill”, “Gran Torino”.
Movies have an easier time in sketching character, I think. They need not delve so deep into thought and nuance, and can cover symptoms and effects surficially (NOT ‘superficially’).
Sandra, thanks so much for sharing your professional input. It’s valuable for all of us because you point out that some aspects of a particular diversity group are unique to individual people. Writers need to be aware of this and not be too quick to generalize when writing about diverse characters and topics. The result will be a demonstration of respect.
Preach it, Andrew! I totally agree with you.
I do include aspects of PTSD in most of my fiction, usually by accident. It comes from my experience as a domestic abuse survivor, though, and my passion for giving a voice to male rape victims.
Addressing combat related PTSD is not something I’d ever want to do. Like you said, it’s so individual and specific. My crit partner, though, who’s a National Guard wife and so glad her husband’s finally out, did it beautifully with a heroine who was in the Marines.
In my case, I do want to see characters who have come through a crucible like mine and become stronger. Not something I’m likely to find in Christian fiction, which is sad. And it was actually while I was recovering from this that I started leaving Christian fiction behind. It wasn’t providing what I needed.
I’m not a Christian who writes. I’m a writer who happens to be a Christian. It’s a subtle word difference, but it makes ALL the difference in reaching people in our modern world.
Rachel, I completely agree with you…the crucibles through which so many of us pass are not addressed under the CBA umbrella.
Combat-induced PTSD does not have a happy ending, and while faith is an important part of dealing with it…it generally does not bring things back to normal.
Nothing can. and therein lies the definition of a new normal that may not fall within the CBA worldview.
We survive, and survival is not pretty.
Hey Andrew,
I see the difficulties in writing about PTSD and interviewing several wives is a great idea. Your examples of details are wonderful. What brings a character to life? The details. The details make a character live. Much research required, I think. I do want to tell you that you need not fear encountering my terrible rendition of a PTSD story on the bookshelves. That kind of story would be woman’s fiction, which I do not read and am pretty sure I cannot write. Humorous romances, YA fantasies with snotty teens conquering the world, middle grade about dinosaurs rampaging through suburbia, that you might have to put up with some day, but I think you are safe from a PTSD story. Thanks for your thoughts, this is informative.
I’m so glad you’re addressing this…
Mary, hear-hear!
I have a soft spot for all things “feel good,” romantic, and bursting with rainbows. The stirrings of young love will always make my heart do handsprings.
Now–that being said–yes, I do think we need diversity in Christian fiction for the very reasons you stated (esp in your 2nd to last paragraph). You sum up the “why” beautifully: “…challenging circumstances require a can-do approach to recognizing and embracing the opportunity to reach the other 65 percent of Americans, not only to increase sales, but also to spread the Gospel.” TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL–our mission in Christian fiction.
Change is hard and sometimes it takes time to percolate, but today’s market demands that we think outside the box. One area I feel we’re sorely lacking in is Boomer Lit. Every week I hear ladies at our church (and we have a fairly good-sized congregation at 700+ members) express their desire for more heroines who face the same challenges/life points they’re at. Some (aged 40+) have experienced the death of a spouse, divorce, the loss of a child, empty nest syndrome, kids returning home, a career revamp, and the list goes on. Many of these women “think” young, but they’ve experienced life in ways that younger women haven’t yet. And they’d like to read great, inspirational fiction that reflects their life experiences.
And, concerning romance, just as one dear friend put it, “Age is relative when it comes to love. Why do they want to put us out to pasture at 55 and beyond?”
And what about others/unbelievers who are on the fence about their faith? Surely, they might be drawn to Christian fiction if there were more books with characters who were “like them.”
I write Heartfelt Homespun Fiction, yes. But for me, that will always include tugging the readers’ heartstrings in ways unique to their situation, regardless of age or station in life. I just hope that one day we’ll recognize and address some additional needs of our readers rather than our perceived views of what it is they want
I feel very passionate about this. Can you tell? 🙂
And now–coffee and chocolate bars for all!
Your passion is my inspiration this morning.
Chocolate helps, too.
Oh, Andrew. You do make me smile.
Cynthia, let’s pray that CBA publishers see the vision and embrace the challenge and opportunity.
YESYESYESYES!!!!!
And since I am DECADES away from 55, or not, this is SO TRUE!!
My husband still flirts with me, and no one, NO ONE, makes me laugh as hard as he does.
Romance and real life does not end at 25.
If anyone is interested, I have a couple of suggestions for good portrayals of disabled and PTSD-affected characters in movies.
In the 1993 (I think) Clint Eastwood film “In The Line Of Fire”, there is a minor character – who appears in one scene – who is wheelchair-bound. The chair is a part of his characterization and his interaction with the villain, but the character transcends this, and is truly a man, not an icon of disability.
For PTSD, watch “The Hurt Locker”. The character of Sgt. Will James is…well, in many ways, he’s me. He only fits in a combat environment, and both his responses and values are completely attuned there…but hopelessly out of place in The World.
Overlook the technical stuff. EODs don’t work that way. Look at the character, and the things about which he truly cares.
(The publicity for the film…”War is a drug”…got it wrong. Totally. War is the most horrible thing there is, except for abandoning the innocent to die in its maw.)
Good morning, Mary! This discussion inspires me to pull a book out of a drawer and dust it off, a novel with a character based loosely on my father, a paraplegic for more than 56 years. He (my father) passed away over five years ago, but I wish I could ask him how he would receive a novel with a handicapped character.
Thank you for this discussion, and I look forward to the rest of the comments.
Meghan, you have a ready opportunity to help readers understand the life of a long-term paraplegic with accuracy, depth, and compassion. Hopefully also from the perspective of overcoming faith.
Great topic Mary, and one that hits home with me. Because the characters in my novels are born and live in the 1700s, every one of them is a challenge to portray in a manner that doesn’t come off as 21st century people in costume. Even a character as similar to me in every way possible isn’t going to view her world as I do. So I’ve grown used to stretching beyond my own world view and experience when crafting characters. It’s still a challenge. I read as widely as I can, nonfiction, historical fiction, as well as contemporary fiction written by the descendants of whatever ethnic group whose POV I’m attempting to write from. I’m always looking to understand world views, attitudes, prejudices, vulnerabilities, hopes, visions, hurts, strengths, and absorb a unique rhythm of language, etc. Because similar types of cultures pop up in my writing from book to book, it’s an ongoing, soul-stretching study.
Lori, thanks for offering suggestions on researching other time periods and world views from your own writing experience. Your hard work has surely paid off for your wonderful novels.
Thank you, Mary. It really comes down to diligent research and being willing to question my assumptions, and to maintain a teachable spirit.
Since I was BLESSEd to read Burning Sky, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, and The Wood’s Edge, I say with some kind of authority that your work is exquisitely beautiful, and so immersed in the culture, that I was awestruck.
*Hugs* You are such an encouragement, my friend. Thank you. As we’ve talked about before, there is so much history that isn’t taught anymore, that’s being forgotten. So many stories I want to give voice to. I can’t ignore the diversity of cultures that make up that history and be truthful to its telling, so I learn as much as I can to portray them to the best of my ability, with all honorable intent, and the hope of gaining and passing along the deepest understanding possible.
Reading today’s comments makes me think that we don’t need Christian authors spotlighting more diversity in their characters. We need diverse Christian authors.
Take Andrew’s comments: his wisdom comes from a core of Christianity contained in someone whose experience is waaaay outside my circle. And that’s exactly why I eagerly read his words. They bump up against my boundaries and broaden my viewpoint.
You got it, Shirlee…C.S. Lewis once wrote that we need authors who happen to be Christian, and not a group of bishops who decide to become novelists to produce Christian fiction.
Same sort of thing.
So true, Shirlee. We are all diverse … if we write from where we are, what we know, what we’ve experienced …
So true, Shirlee! I hope that soon more opportunities will be opening up in the CBA for writers from minority and other backgrounds–for indeed, they can write about their culture and experiences like no one else can.
Shirlee:
You make a valid point. I’ll explicitly add the CBA needs more culturally diverse authors to give voice to more culturally diverse experiences. As I read the CCBC stats from the link embedded in Mary’s post, I was appalled and saddened to see the disparity between books written about African-American in comparison to books written by African-Americans. I’m certain the CBA has an even larger gap than this one. It seems to me that writing about a particular group is necessary and honorable when the group is marginalized and voiceless. I am thankful that Harriet Beecher Stowe heightened awareness of the deplorable conditions of slavery, even if she saw her mission as a cause. I spend countless hours at night reading slave narratives, so I’m very grateful to whomever recorded those accounts. It was necessary and highly appreciated from folks like me. This approach might also be helpful for today’s immigrants and refugees just to make Christians more sensitive to their plight. But in the Millennium, this very year of our Lord, we ought to be able to do better with other ethnic groups who have resided on American soil for centuries. The door should be wide open for those who are willing and able to tell their own contemporary stories. After all, they’re the ones living it.
How do you feel about writing for diverse groups and demographics?
LOVE it!!
What do you find most challenging about writing books within your genre that incorporate diversity?
Okay, get comfy…
All that I say here is from *my own* experience, take from it what you will.
When writing outside one’s own culture, or day to day experiences, requires the writer acquire an “steel toed boots on eggshells” level of care and sensitivity.
One CANNOT assume or hope any guesses made and put in a book will pass muster. Do not ever wing it when it comes to another culture. I have seen this, and it is ridiculous in its level of audacity.
For pity’s sake, do NOT make up a tribe of Native Americans when there are 600 in the US alone. If you do, you will insult a whole whack of people.
Before anyone thinks I’m speaking outside my field of experience, I’ll recap…I grew up in a multi-ethnc family, in a multi-ethnic, urban church. Anyone who thinks that as a white girl I don’t understand racism has not spent 5 minutes asking me anything.
Oh, did I mention that I also grew up with a parent for whom hearing loss was a daily issue.
So, a quick review: Mom is 95% hearing impaired, my great-great grandmother was Cree, my adopted Dad is Arab, from Gaza, (there’s some wicked PTSD there), big brother is hearing impaired, was severly abused as a child, little sister won’t speak to family, I live with chronic pain, in-laws are both deaf, oh, and I’m not skinny, therefore I get judged in a rather silent but easily interpretted manner.
Not everyone is nice.
So, when and if you feel God calling you to write about a culture other than your own? Be prepared to do at lest triple the amount of research you think you need to do. And then more.
Pray for a connection to open the doors for you. Because, as I learned even as a kid, one cannot knock on the door and just walk in. Even I am well versed in putting up a very polite wall when someone eagerly but insensitivly starts asking questions about Arabs, deaf people or even Canadians.
Earn the right to ask the questions.
How does that happen?
Once God has provided your connection, make friends with persons from that culture. Tell them why you want to speak to them. Be honest and respectful. Get to know them as people. Respect their traditions. Eat their food. Study their traditional beliefs. If you can, go to their homes. Meet their families. And when they are ready, they will sit you down and tell you their story. Don’t interupt when they are speaking, in most cultures, that is considered quite rude. Let them open the gates, and I promise, once they do? You will learn far more than the books will ever tell you.
Remember, in your writing, YOU are the guest in THEIR world. Not the nice Anglo who comes along to set things to rights. You are to convey their story by using your words, not validate your writing skills by using their history as a means of advancing your name.
The hardest thing? Research is hard. Really, really HARD. It’s emotionaly draining, whether one can approach it as a clinician, and simply take notes, or read with an open, and bruised, heart. Reading about how 10,000 people walked 400 miles, mostly in winter, and knowing it actually happened.
Oh, Jennifer. You made me tear up. In a good way.
The world needs your books!
thank you, I’m humbled.
Well, there you go again…
“You are a guest in their world.”
Genius. I am in awe, Jennifer.
One thing about making up tribes…perhaps the exception that proves the rule –
In writing “The Tribe That Lost Its Head”, Nicholas Monsarrat not only made up a tribe, he created an island in the Gulf on Guinea on which they lived.
There was good reason for this; he wanted to show what Communist influence did to the norms of African tribal culture, but he didn’t want to single anyone out, because it would have given the ones NOT singled out moral ammunition, so to speak.\
Tribalism isn’t all “let’s beat the drums and chant”; sometimes it’s “let’s go KILL the people on the other side of the hill”.
The book isn’t as effective, I think, as “Something Of Value”, but it is a valuable if harrowing read, and it’s something that resonates today.
Dude! You had me at “Genius”.
Jennifer,
I have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of your book release. We live in the center of three Native American reservations, we go to church with Native Americans, and we have fostered Native American children. Still I find it difficult to understand the complexities of the rich and painful history. I’m really looking forward to reading 🙂
thank you!!!
Which reserves? How COOL is that!!!
Beautiful, Jennifer. You were the first person I thought of when I saw Mary’s title.
I grew up in a city where the railroad tracks divided racial groups. And good ol’ boys made sure no one ventured over. When we first moved there, a family had been brave enough to venture to the “other” side of the tracks … the father was a doctor, yet had to permanently install posts around their front yard because the richest person in town’s kid constantly ran his truck through their yard. So sad.
Things have improved though through the years, I’m so thankful to say.
Shelli. me, too. When I saw the title, I thought of Jennifer.
Your memory brought back one of mine…a good one.
As an Asian who’s rather well-trained in some arcane methodologies, I had a fairly unique position in dealing with prejudice, toward me, or toward others.
One delightful night, some good ol’ boys, in their new truck, tried it on, targeting some friends.
They learned a few things –
1) Change underwear
2) Get a new truck
3) Be glad that some devoted followers of M. L. King were there to save them
They were invited to join the ‘other’ church…and they, and their families accepted.
Being a Christian can be FUN.
That may find its way into a book.
Oh my word. WOW.
Thanks, Jennifer. Your own background, which gave you understanding in how to build relationships with people of another culture has benefited everyone in our conversation with profoundly important advice.
Thank you, Mary.
I’m truly honoured to be of any help.
So, so good, Jennifer. Your heart AND commitment to research and accuracy show why your stories are and will be so powerful.
You are so right that if we are going to take the step–which can feel awfully audacious–to write from the POV of someone from another culture and history and set of values and, often, historical trauma, we have to be so careful. We have to listen and learn, and not just superficially. I am amazed over and over again how what I thought I “knew” about a specific cultural group is actually quite off-base. And I remember how terrified I was when I had a Navajo friend read a very early draft of my first story with a Navajo hero–I was so afraid I’d done it “wrong” and might be causing more hurt rather than helping take steps toward healing. And yes, I did get some things wrong–but he was so gracious to help me correct them, and when he told me he could relate to my Navajo hero, well, that may have been the highest praise I ever received. 🙂 But it’s only by the grace of God and of people being willing to open their hearts and lives to me…and as you said, lots and lots of work. 🙂
P.S. Thank you SO much for addressing this topic, Mary! I find it very exciting if greater diversity might indeed be coming to the CBA. 🙂
Ahe’hee’, shikis!
(That was, ‘thank you, friend’ in Navajo)
It’s such a privilege to carry the stories of people who have no words left, isn’t it?
I just hope and pray I do what is pleasing to God, and the People.
Beautifully stated! Fascinating approach! Your words need to be reiterated! Say them again, all of them!
Maybe this is the elephant in the diversity room, or maybe I’m an idiot, but I’ll say it –
If CBA wants a diverse audience, they will have to embrace ecumenicism, not only within the faith, but also allowing that God may have vouchsafed truth to other faiths, as well.
Otherwise we’re just reaching suntanned versions of us who talk funny and eat weird food.
ABA wants sexy; well, there are millions of devout Christians…and Jews, and Muslims, and Sikhs, and Buddhist, and Hindus who DON’T.
They want stories that call them to be something better, within their own cultural paradigms.
CBA can do that, without sacrificing the Christian message. We can show love, respect, and consideration, the same way Jesus did for the centurion, without making an explicit or implicit demand that they embrace or views.
We can give God room to work. We need to open the window, unlock the door; but he can come in all by Himself.
My first novel was set in the Middle East, New Testament era, so obviously included diversity.
My second and fifth novels are baseball novels. In them I say nothing about the race or ethnicity of the characters, though those with Hispanic and Italian names are easily assumed.
My third novel was set in China, with two American couples as the protags/antags. I felt comfortable. Obviously some diversity there, although I say nothing about the race or ethnicity of the two couples.
My fourth and sixth (in-progress) novels are workplace humor. In them I say nothing about the race or ethnicity of the characters.
My plan is to not mention race, ethnicity, orientation, etc. Let the reader decide what each character is.
This is pertinent to me now as I’m crafting a novel set in Ethiopia featuring a multi-ethnic female protagonist from the U.S.
As commenter Kristen pointed out, it’s much easier to write from the POV of an American experiencing a new culture. This is not only a safer route to go when beginning to incorporate diversity into your writing, but can be helpful when writing to gain larger share of our secular home audience, since readers will experience the new culture right along with your character.
As Jennifer so eloquently stated above, it’s vital to write of other cultures with respect, as an outsider. In researching and preparing to write my book I’ve spent a lot of time seeking out works of African authors, specially Ethiopians (though the selection has been limited in English.) I have many Ethiopian friends who I regularly consult. Even though I have two adopted Ethiopian sons, and am connected to the culture forever, I am not a part of it, and cannot be. My prayer is to strike a balance as an unbiased observer of both American and Ethiopian cultures and draw careful comparisons and contrasts. I am aware I’ll always tilt toward my own culture, but the goal remains the same.
Circling around, again, to what Jennifer said, writers need to handle ethnic characters and other cultures with respect and dignity, and not use them merely to advance a writing agenda. The best we can do is study as many facets as possible and write characters with depth and range, who make vital contributions to the plot. God’s glory is reflected by all His creation, and when we approach diversity in our writing with a burden to honor this we do well.
Many times, I’m nervous I’ll get the story wrong, that my own blind spots with be glaringly revealed in my work. Diversifying my writing has been a huge challenge and a risk, but a worthwhile one, for sure.
I’ve become conscious, lately, of writers of color who struggle to find an audience for their work, and lament Caucasian writers crafting stories featuring characters they feel more suited to write. This has caused me to examine my motives for including diversity in my writing, and again challenged me to dig deeper when crafting ethnic characters. One author of color went so far as to say what white people shouldn’t attempt to write minority protagonists since it would be another form of the majority ethnicity defining the minority experience.
“One author of color went so far as to say what white people shouldn’t attempt to write minority protagonists since it would be another form of the majority ethnicity defining the minority experience.”
Ain’t that the truth!!
When I was grilled, and yes, as in “held up against heat and refined” by my Navajo advisor, he point blank asked what right I had telling the story of the Long Walk, and why should he read it?
I told him, as calmly as I could, that I was telling their story with my words, not using their story to tell one of my own.
I love what you had to say, and not just the parts about me. 😉
” … I was telling their story with my words, not using their story to tell one of my own.”
Chill bumps. So wise.
Jen, sincere thanks to you for articulating deftly the challenges and sensibilities writers need to respect. You and Jennifer know of what you speak and are blessing our conversation today.
Well, thanks, Mary. Learning about other cultures and how to represent them honorably is an exciting adventure, but I definitely don’t feel “deft”. Mostly I sort of bumble may way through, and am graciously kept on task by the diverse friends I’ve been blessed with.
Does this mean the novels I wrote ten years ago that have black and Latina characters NOW are publishable?
Michelle, were they turned down because of their diversity at the time? What a shame.
I ask myself this same question about the novel I’m wiring now.
We can hope and pray publishers catch the vision, Michelle.
I’m part of that majority that doesn’t read Christian books, fiction or otherwise, and has little to no contact with Christian media. And I’m young, early 30’s. I’m the reader Christian fiction has to capture and keep to survive for the next 20 years. And I’m gone, as are thousands upon thousands of others. The funny part? Christian fiction used to be all I read and Christian music all I listened to. Then I got tired of it, for two reasons.
Lack of diversity is one. And I don’t mean that in the buzzword way of current diversity discussions, though that is part of it. I couldn’t find what I wanted, which is romances with a lot of hero POV. I also wanted to read about characters who live in the real world, and I wasn’t finding it in Christian fiction.
The second reason is because it all sounded the same to me. I kept meeting the same characters, the same issues, the same settings, the same hangups. I abandoned books and authors because they crossed the line into preaching at me. There was no reflection of real life to be found in *any* of the fiction I was reading.
And I read widely within romance. I’d give anything a shot except a prairie setting. It wasn’t from lack of trying. When I started exploring general market romance, and found what I wanted in every book I cracked open, it was easy to leave Christian fiction behind and never look back.
There are many reasons readers avoid Christian fiction, or abandon it. A lack of racial/ethnic diversity is a small piece of the pie. Yes, it is important, but it shouldn’t be the sole focus of trying to figure out why Christian media is no longer gaining market share.
My fiction is not Christian, nor am I trying to appeal to Christian readers. I have a lot of stuff in my writing Christian readers find offensive. But general market readers see it as a reflection of the messy world they live in, and I’m able to infuse my work with hope and subtle hints of what faith can accomplish.
I’m currently writing a novel where the hero, who is the main character, suffers from PTSD. I don’t have to soften things or pull my punches. I can get into the nitty-gritty of what’s going on in his head and put it on the page. I can put him in a situation to trigger a flashback then STAY THERE in his head and show the full impact of what it does to him and his relationships. In a Christian romance I can’t do any of this. That’s important to me as a writer, and it’s important to me as a reader.
My mission isn’t to preach the Gospel or spread the Gospel. It’s to LIVE it. And live it in a way that reaches other people. My characters LIVE the Gospel without being Christian about it. They embody sacrificial love and putting others’ needs above their own. Heck, I used a same-sex relationship to demonstrate the power of Christ’s sacrifice for us. It will reach people who otherwise would never listen.
THAT is how we win the world.
Rachel, I’ve heard the same reactions from more than a few Christian readers, and I have to admit to their validity for this sizable group. The trick is to have characters live the Gospel authentically for these readers you mentioned, and any diverse group, in a way that points them to Christ. I wish you great success in your efforts.
I’ve known, worked, and lived with people who have Special Needs and characters like that are in several of my books for kids.
Now I’m working on a book that involves some historic racism and wonder if I can have a character use a derogatory term for a minority even if someone else says that’s wrong. What do you think?
Janet, it doesn’t sound like a good idea in a children’s book because those readers are less aware of context, and it would never pass a CBA publisher.
Thank you. That’s what I was afraid of.
It may be difficult as Mary says in the CBA market, but comparables in ABA that use it in Children’s Literature to show the true historically accurate word choices are Mildred Taylor’s books – “Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry”(racism in the south) http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Taylor-Mildred-published-Puffin/dp/B00E32HPR2/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425619113&sr=1-3&keywords=roll+of+thunder+hear+my+cry and “Behind the Bedroom Wall”(a young girl in a Nazi youth group discovers her parents are hiding Jews behind her bedroom wall). http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Bedroom-Historical-Fiction-Readers/dp/1571316582
Both of these are award winning children’s chapter books used in classrooms around the country every day. I think if it was done, it would need to be a done in a way that teaches a lesson about the truth that we are are equal in God’s eyes, or some tie in to that element for it to work in CBA.
Back until the Civil Rights act most comedians made fun of minorities. When that became illegal they started making fun of white, anglo-saxon, Christian, especially men. The younger generation has always seen Christians portrayed as stupid, ignorant bigots and I think that’s one important reason why Christianity isn’t respected much in our culture.
Mary & friends:
I follow this blog with great interest and enjoy reading everyone’s comments when I have time. 🙂 Y’all seem like a fun bunch!
Shirlee’s comment, especially, rang true for me today: “…we don’t need Christian authors spotlighting more diversity in their characters. We need diverse Christian authors.”
It seems to me that the issue Mary is highlighting (and the research Lifeway is presenting) is that we lack modern-day authors as “diverse” as C.S. Lewis. It is good to try to research and portray diverse situations and people, fitting them into our stories. Paul states in Romans that he “became like a Jew in order to win the Jews.” But isn’t it even more necessary that writers tell stories that are diverse enough within themselves to reach any audience?
Max Lucado has done this to some degree with his “Punchinello” story. It is written in parable form: a story for all audiences, framed with a Christian worldview. “Just in Case You Ever Wonder” is similar. When asked to read to my 4th-grader’s class today for “Read Across America,” I knew I could read several of Lucado’s books without offending anyone (or being tossed out of school as a fanatic myself!)
I have wondered for a long time why our YA library shelves are full of spiritually occult books. I spent the better part of an hour one day looking for ANY book I could give my teen or tweens to read, and came away empty-handed. Death, darkness, and demons reign in that room! (Oh, and sensuality in the form of comics…)
I wonder where the Christians are who can spin a story as compelling as Harry Potter, but with the thoughtful hope of Madeline L’Engle. I wonder why preschoolers graduate from “Jesus Loves Me” to cheap, spiritualist series like “The Seekers.” Can we not tell a story about God’s animals that doesn’t include seances under the moon? I don’t need to know much about “minority experiences” to write about that!
As a mom, I am frustrated by the scarcity of thought-provoking materials for my children. Even books like “Wisdom Hunter,” which documents an unbeliever’s search for real truth, would be welcomed.
As an author, I am challenged by Mary’s writing today, because I now see the tremendous need for the Presence of God in written form… not just for the Christians, but for the masses.
Please forgive me if my comments seem too harsh. If nothing else, I want to learn to tell a parable as universally appealing as those Jesus told to His audience. I’m not there yet, but I’d love to know that at least some of what I write is touching the hearts of people who aren’t really sure about Christianity yet. Who need someone to put their own feelings into words, so that they themselves can understand what troubles them. Who can, in every library, find at least the trickle of a stream that will lead them to the great ocean of God’s love for them.
Blessings,
Deborah Perkins 🙂
P.S. – While I’m on the subject… if any of you know of YA reading my teen boys might enjoy, I’m all ears! 🙂 Deb
I just read Saving Lucas Briggs. It’s about time travel, and has very a subtle Christian message. It’s for Middle Grade readers, but has a hint of romance and older kids might enjoy it. I did and I’m a grown-up. 😉
Thanks, Janet,
I will request this for my kids!
It is often challenging to find this material. Are you looking specifically for Christian/NonChristian Authors, more general themes regardless of which? What reading level are you thinking…teen is a big category? I only ask because I used to teach in the inner city and I now have a tween and am researching this again. I think several of us might like to pitch in ideas to help. (Mildred Taylor has sequels to “Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry” that are YA level) Bill Meyers has some fun “My Life As A…” series that appeals to readers that like humor(more middle school or younger if reading levels are high). It also depends vastly on the maturity of your reader.
Oh, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” (middle school), “Haddix” (time travel) and my teenage son(13) loves the James Patterson books like “Saving Rafe” and John Grisham’s Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer series (These are more general market.)
Mary-
This insight is so timely! Thank you very much for sharing this with us. I’m looking forward to adding in a bit more flare in this area of my writing.
Michelle, I’m sure your creative mind is sparking vivid brainstorm ideas.
The main characters in the first novel of my series are black—one from the South and the other an affluent Californian. Writing from their perspectives proved challenging, but not impossible. Once I completed the research, it made for a good read. Now it’s up to the editors!
Heidi, the time has come for authentic stories like yours. I think there’s plenty of interest among CBA readers to learn about other demographics and diverse groups through well-researched, captivating stories.
Mary, there is so much to think about in the area of diversity in our writing that my mind is going in six directions at once.
Instead of trying to share my diverse pondering, let me simply say “thank you” for a thought-provoking post!
You’re welcome, Peter. There surely is a lot to think about on this topic. The conversation today has been immensely helpful.
Mary,
Awesome job getting a discussion going. I generally do not respond to blogs when I don’t know the blogger. This one captured my attention for several reasons that I don’t have time to go into. Diversity is a topic that needs to be openly talked about with CBA. I think the conversation could have been even richer if those you want to incorporate in your writing could have participated. At any rate, this is an EXCELLENT start.
Sandra, I so agree that CBA needs to embrace diversity on a whole new level. One of the issues CBA publishers have to deal with is distribution to diverse groups that might not frequent publishers’ established routes. They need to have some certainty that books which appeal to diverse groups will be purchased. It’s a bottom-line concern. Nevertheless, they need to get underway. Thanks again for contributing to the discussion.
Michelle:
Thanks so much for the suggestions. Because YA is not my usual “genre,” I haven’t seemed to be able to find the gems that ARE out there. I am jotting down your ideas now and will see which ones would be best for my (very mature) teen and my (humorous, lighthearted) tweens! I have recently been giving my teenager some of Joel Rosenberg’s bestselling books (Third Target being the most recent one), which are action-packed political thrillers from a Judeo-Christian perspective. They are definitely for a more mature reader but they are “clean” in that there’s no swearing, sex scenes, etc. and have a distinct Biblical focus on the end times. Hope that answers your question…
Also – just wanted to apologize for “ranting” yesterday in my post. After re-reading it, I was struck by the extent of my own frustration (which I hope did not come across as anger!)
I did not mean to offend anyone & I have great respect for the amount of research you all are doing as you write stories involving complex moral issues and characters. That kind of detail eludes me! 🙂 So glad there are writers like you (all) who are making an effort – and wrestling with the bigger issues of publishing expectations, cultural relevancy, and personal limitations at the same time. Wow. Just, wow. 🙂
Deb
Posted a link to this on my blog today. http://www.lyricalpens.com Timely and informative info.
Thank you, Mahala. I’m honored. Hopefully, the conversation will continue in CBA.