I posted my “writer in me” response to Robin’s article on his newest entry. That’s my response to the “Christian” industry.

What Christian musicians have been saying for years is true of any kind of publishing.

When something is published and labeled “Christian,” there are often positive and negative consequences right out of the gate.

Some people will buy Christian “art” (I hesitate to call it that) simply because they assume it’s safe or think it will help them get closer to God.

Some people will avoid Christian “art” because they assume it’s lame and the artist is a salesperson.

The culture of Christian publishing has always bothered me, too … I doubt the private lives of Christian artists reflect their public images.

I’m not saying any of this applies to your work, Robin – I’m really not familiar with most of it – just thinking with my fingertips.

I hope sales improve.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘… See Moresinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Jesus (Luke 6:31-37)

“As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.” – Jesus (John 12:47-49)

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the body of Christ? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.” – Apostle Paul (I Cor. 5:12-13)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” – Jesus (Matthew 5:43-47)

I’m somewhat tied up for cash right now (graduate school doesn’t pay millions sadly), but I’ve added Offworld and Nightmare to my Amazon wish-list so I don’t forget them. So, you’ve got at least two future book sales from me.

Other related thoughts from Eric Wilson, another writer with similar struggles: http://wilsonwriter.com/html/the_latest.html

Self publishing is always an option, but it brings its own issues with it just like everything else. It’s a choice between having your books in stores that very few people know are there… vs. not having your books in stores at all. There’s no good option.