My hands are shaking from exhaustion. In seven and a half weeks, I typed nearly ninety-thousand words. Several months ago, I considered writing Christian fiction. A foreign adventure, with hints of romance (and a few other surprises) began to grow in my imagination. I made my first attempt, and then quit. In February, at the prompting of a friend, I decided to try again.
I allowed my O.C.D. tendencies to drive my writing, and I found myself on an incredible ride. While writing, there were times I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Even if no one ever wants to publish my work, that experience alone was priceless.
Today, I read an article about the latest piece of literature tipping the scales in bookstores. “Fifty Shades of Grey” is an erotic novel about a young woman’s submissive sexual relationship with a wealthy businessman. It has hit several bestseller lists, and Universal Pictures has picked up the movie rights.
So, what makes ”Fifty Shades of Grey” newsworthy? Simple: Sex.
Not only is “Fifty Shades” affecting book sales, but it has also been credited with causing a spike in sales in Sex Shops. First time customers want to purchase the products described in the book. The book unveils the world of the Dominatrix and the Subservient. It’s the story of a wide eyed innocent college girl’s coming of age–in sexual bondage.
While I appreciate the fact that the author is a forty-something year old Mother, who has never authored a book in her life, I am actually saddened by it’s success. I know, it sounds like envy, and of course there is an element of that for any writer (or wanna be writer 
). But it isn’t as simple as envy. Stay with me on this–here is a quote from the Los Angeles Times article:
Amy Tuch, 37, a married mother of three in Encino, said she normally reads biographies and classics but became intrigued when a friend recommended “Fifty Shades.”
“I was a little horrified that I would be this fascinated by a story of a man dominating a woman,” Tuch said…
She has finished all three books in the series, and found herself eager for more in the same vein. “I’ve definitely started reading more smut,” said Tuch, who was an English literature major in college.
“I’ve definitely started reading more smut.” –Amy Tuch
That’s the part that made me sad. Romance can be exhilarating without resorting to smut. In life and in fiction.
For a while, we were on a positive trend. With Young Adult fiction leading book sales, there seemed to be a decrease in the once popular trashy-romances. I don’t know why I assumed it would last. After all, sex sells. Always has…always will.
7 comments
Denise
April 18, 2012 at 1:22 am (UTC -7)
Amen, very well said.
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Maurine
April 18, 2012 at 12:13 pm (UTC -7)
Thanks, I was considering reading this. Now I won’t. thanks for the scripture!!
Sylvia R
April 18, 2012 at 1:35 pm (UTC -7)
Ugh! You know, destructive stuff not only sells, but grabs hold and addicts — all kinds of destructive stuff. This is sad.
But I hope you don’t let this daunt you if you believe God’s calling you to write fiction yourself, whether it seems likely to “sell” or not. The above kind of garbage needs a counterpoint, even an antidote, if that’s possible. The kind of positive trend you saw happened because there was positive literature available to read. If everyone but smut peddlers gets discouraged and quits writing, there won’t be — not anything new, anyway! Might be best to look away from the reeking literary trash pit, and up — and forward to your own writing path.
Prayers for you.
Sylvia R recently posted..As Dearly Loved
Denise J. Hughes
April 19, 2012 at 4:08 pm (UTC -7)
Congratulations on finishing a 90,000-word novel. That is no small feat!
Kelly
April 22, 2012 at 10:41 am (UTC -7)
COngratulations on finishing a 90,000 word novel! That’s no small feat! I finished a 63,000 Young adult/Christian novel about a month ago and have been subbing it to agents. I had one nibble and I’m hoping it turns into a full bite. Because we don’t have enough Christian fiction… much less Young Adult Christian fiction.
I hope your book gets picked up
If you like to write (and I normally don’t promote my own site) but on Friday’s I have Faith-Fiction Friday where I post a picture and you write a 100 word (give or take) story based on it in comments. Then you link up your blog. Just wanted to let you know.
Great post.
~Kelly
Ammy Bakker
June 5, 2012 at 9:48 pm (UTC -7)
This has been well put. We live in a world that ‘glorifies’ sex. I think as people called by God, we should engage in such acts. Thanks for the post. May you experience God’s blessings.
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Rey Jordon
September 11, 2012 at 8:48 pm (UTC -7)
You’re great and i honor you, because i like him to much , who has a creative power like you.
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