Christian fiction is often ignored by readers looking for quality fiction, and not without good reason. All too often the characters in the standard Christian fare are too perfect (both physically and emotionally), the stories are cliché, the endings neatly wrapped up. Publishers avoid stories that touch on controversial issues. Many Christian publishers have a list of “don’ts” that writers need to follow: Christians shouldn’t smoke, drink beer, dance, play cards, etc. Church’s should be “community” or “Baptist”. Even infant baptism is seen as too controversial. The result is a story that is removed from reality. Add that to substandard writing skills, and you have a product that even the most avid reader will set down before finishing.
Over the past few years, some writers have broken through the box that the Christian market has placed them in. More authors have been able to craft stories with authentic characters living through real life situations. The quality of writing has improved along with the stories.
Following this entry, I’ve highlighted two authors who have dared to break the mold: Dale Cramer and Charles Martin. Both write colorful fiction whose appeal goes beyond the Christian audience. Their books present a witness without being preachy. If they are representative of where “Christian” fiction is heading, its outreach will finally draw in the secular reader it covets, as well as the Christian.
Showing posts with label W. Dale Cramer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label W. Dale Cramer. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Summer of Light
by W. Dale Cramer
published by Bethany House (2007)
400 pages
The freak accident was his fault. Sort of. Regardless, it costs construction worker, Mick Brannigan, his job. He’s got a family to raise—three children—and good construction jobs are rare. At the same time Mick’s wife, Layne, sees her career take off. With a special needs preschool child, he knows a parent should be home full-time. He’s the logical choice, of course, but what kind of man would he be if he’s not the family provider?
Mick accepts the responsibility—on a temporary basis—until he can find the job to equal his last. Until then he chooses to endure the awkward looks and the gossip and the guilt. What he learns about himself, his children, and his life might just have him rethink his opinion on the stay-at-home-Dad.
Dale Cramer has penned a story filled with rich, well-developed characters, using humor and pathos to connect with the reader. His descriptions are vivid, and easily transport you into the setting.
Dale Cramer is the winner of Christy Awards (for fiction) for his books Levi’s Will and Bad Ground. His first novel is Sutter’s Cross. All are highly recommended.
published by Bethany House (2007)
400 pages
The freak accident was his fault. Sort of. Regardless, it costs construction worker, Mick Brannigan, his job. He’s got a family to raise—three children—and good construction jobs are rare. At the same time Mick’s wife, Layne, sees her career take off. With a special needs preschool child, he knows a parent should be home full-time. He’s the logical choice, of course, but what kind of man would he be if he’s not the family provider?
Mick accepts the responsibility—on a temporary basis—until he can find the job to equal his last. Until then he chooses to endure the awkward looks and the gossip and the guilt. What he learns about himself, his children, and his life might just have him rethink his opinion on the stay-at-home-Dad.
Dale Cramer has penned a story filled with rich, well-developed characters, using humor and pathos to connect with the reader. His descriptions are vivid, and easily transport you into the setting.
Dale Cramer is the winner of Christy Awards (for fiction) for his books Levi’s Will and Bad Ground. His first novel is Sutter’s Cross. All are highly recommended.
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