Cursing in Christian Fiction

I recently read a novel (which shall rename nameless) published by a book publisher known for publishing Christian works that took me by surprise. I have read from this author before, always enjoying her stories and her unique perspective on life.

This story wasn't my favorite of hers (It was predictable and somewhat cliched, the characters were well-developed though unlikable, and the plot meandered. I ended up skimming the book.) but that's not what surprised me. Rather, it was the amount of cursing she used -- b- words, sh- words, and others.

I know cursing in novels is an oft-debated topic among Christian fiction fans. Should the author be authentic and use the course language a particular character would likely use? Or should the author write around the language?

As a writer, one thing that's drilled into me is that each word in every sentence, scene, and chapter matters. These words are meant to draw the reader seamlessly into the story and should make an impact, yet they shouldn't pull us out. In the case of this novel, I felt her word choice did the latter.  The use of swear words was infrequent, but still unnecessary. It didn't add to the character development. It didn't help define the scene or the setting, but it did make me blink--I'd stop and re-read the sentence to confirm the author actually wrote that. Not once did I think her choice was warranted, thus tugging me out of the story.

Now someone how reads mostly general market fiction wouldn't think twice about the word usage and would label me a prude. But, the Christian market is different, and since this was published by a known Christian publisher and written by a Christian author, the assumption is that this book is written for the Christian market. It will be interesting to see how the typical Christian fiction reader responds.

Do you believe there should be no cursing in Christian fiction? If not, in what instance(s) would it be acceptable to you?

Back Cover Copy or Synopsis

Like most readers, when I'm searching for my next novel, I'll read the back cover copy--the story description--to help me decide if I want to choose that book. What I expect from that description is a teaser, some kind of  hook that will propel me into the story so the journey can surprise me. I do not want the entire story laid out. Still, that's a trend I've noticed in many book descriptions.

I recently read a novel that described five plot points on the back cover copy, points I assumed would be dealt with in the first third of the novel, at the latest. Rather, the first point didn't occur until page 80, and the final one on page 280 in a 328 page book. That description didn't tease the reader, rather it gave a synopsis. I didn't even have to read the book to know what was going to happen. Talk about disappointing.

Now, I actually enjoyed the story. The writing was beautiful and the characters well thought out, but there were no surprises, no twists, because the description revealed them all. The back cover copy could have / should have been written as a teaser, not a tell all. Had that been done, my entire perception of the novel would have changed. Rather than being a so-so book because of it's predictability, it could have been a page-turner with its unique twists.

Needless to say, this trend perplexes and disappoints me.

Has anyone else noticed this trend? Why do you think publishers are writing descriptions this way? Does it bother you?

Preaching to the Choir

When a book or movie is labeled as "Preaching to the choir" we all know that's not a compliment. My question is, Why Not?

I've been a member of "the choir" since grade school and, frankly, I need to hear the preacher's message too. Sometimes I need that message drummed home. I don't want it hidden among metaphor. I don't want the preacher to hold back out of fear of turning someone off. He needs to proclaim his message truthfully and loudly. Unashamed.

Just like sometimes, I need to read that preachy book. I need to have the message broadcasted billboard-like across its pages.

The success of the recent movie release, Courageous, is proof that I'm not the only one who doesn't mind preachy. That movie defines message media. The sermon is blatant and unapologetic.

And viewers love it.

A recent look at Rotten Tomatoes shows a 37% reviewer approval on its Tomatometer, yet 94% of viewers liked it. After six weeks in theaters, Courageous ranked #12 in its weekly gross (per Box Office Mojo), amazing for a movie that shows in 2/3 fewer theaters than wide releases.

I've seen it twice. Once as a pre-screening with my teenage son and two friends who DO NOT go to "religious" movies. They liked it. I saw it with my husband, son, and daughter later. My husband will deny it, but he shed a few tears as he held our teen daughter close. Yeah, the acting isn't the greatest, and some of the dialogue is stilted, but that didn't take away from the story or the message--a message that is drastically needed today.

I know this is just one example, but in my opinion, sometimes a sermon mixed in our stories is exactly what we want.

What do you think about preachy books? Movies? Can you think of any overtly sermonizing novels/movies you would recommend? Or that you can't stand? Why?