Writing Against the Grain

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Writing against the grain.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. - Romans 8:1-2 NLT

“To sell more books, you have to write for the contemporary reader. That means you must include illicit behavior as acceptable in your characters and their stories.”

This is a compilation of what I’ve heard and read from authors who write for the Christian market and the general market. It’s a mindset that is growing—most notably in the self-publishing arena. Legitimate arguments can be made for freedom of speech and freedom of expression. After all, God has blessed us with free will—the right to choose how we will live. However, the profit motive seems to be the dominant force behind the anything goes mindset.

We do have the right to self-expression. However, I believe it comes with a responsibility. A responsibility to edify, and encourage our readers and listeners to strive for excellence in their lives. Stress the impact of our actions on others. In other words, showing them how serving others with a genuine concern for their welfare over our own will result in a more rewarding life.

Characters and stories can be much more impactful when we avoid bloody violence and explicit bedroom scenes and expletives. When we challenge ourselves to spin our tales without using foul language, graphic violence, or steamy sex, we’re forced to write better. And we help expand the vocabulary and thinking of our audiences.

If profit is our primary goal, then I understand using profanity and pornograhy. It appeals to our human nature—the nature that is rebellious toward God. But ironically, if we seek to please God by blessing the souls of those who purchase our products, they will learn of civility and godly love, and we will be richly rewarded beyond what the world can provide.

I recently learned from a colleague that even some seemingly harmless, everyday expressions as simple as the word darn could cause others pain. While this may appear to be an overly sensitive reaction to such an innocuous word, we have to be ever mindful of the effect our words and deeds are having on even the most delicate people—especially children. After all, try as we may, our children will be exposed to everything, whether we like it or not.

It’s ludicrous to think we can shelter the innocent from the harsh realities of the world. But it’s our duty to ensure that we don’t legitimize vulgarity through our language or lifestyles.

The Lord has made it clear that we’ll be held accountable for everything we think, say, and do— whether we believe in Him or not. So it makes sense that we choose our words carefully, considering the effect they may have on our readers.

What do you think? Whether you agree or disagree, I want to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments section.

TWEETABLE
The Beauty of #Writing against the grain - @BDBrady007 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.

When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.

“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”