Skip to main content

The Rise and Fall

Broken pencil on graphing paper

I've shared before that being on Threads has been an interesting experience. It's certainly helpful in better understanding book trends as a whole, but a lot of the controversies I read about about are—in a word—awful. Awful for readers and authors alike, which is somehow a unique shared experience. I suppose that with symbiosis, when one falters, it affects the other.

I'm likely not alone in my observation that there appears to be a lot more authors who are caught in the crosshairs of being popular one day and then being cancelled the next day. It's an interesting phenomenon where, with shared accountability, there is an increased demand that authors get things right, which I can't fault or disagree with. However, the speed at which the tides turn amazes me where people will spend a lot of time and resources on a particular author, only to "dump" them as soon as there is a hint (or more, way more) of controversy. I'm not questioning whether it's legitimate or not that certain authors are called out as there have been some deeply problematic content or practices coming to light, but it is astounding how social media has accelerated the "fall from grace" by making information so accessible at such a rapid speed.

Among Christian fiction authors, I haven't really seen this take place (yet). It is certainly more common with Christian non-fiction authors, though I don't wish that plight on anyone, especially if it's connected to sin. It's a good reminder that as much as we can enjoy books, we still need to test everything. Over time, there have been authors that I've stopped reading for one reason or another, although these are more personal convictions rather than anything I would announce online. It's one of those things that I've learnt over time where I even need to be cautious about promoting a book before I've had the opportunity to read it.

If anything, seeing such instantaneous backlash take place against authors makes me desire to pray for Christian authors even more. We're all fallen, and there will be mistakes made in communicating truth and stories; however, I pray for humility and grace so that authors aren't doubling down on things that are hurtful to others. I also pray that as a reader, I can exercise discernment and mercy where warranted while not excusing anything harmful.

It's such a tough balance in this world where Christians will be persecuted; however, I'm thankful that the authors I've been connected with have worked hard to be a Christian witness in their work and in how they interact with readers. I'm thankful for those relationships and am reminded that we shouldn't place anyone on a pedestal, lest they fall.
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." - Psalm 118:8-9
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement. While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this disc...
13 comments
Read more

Review: A Garden Grows - Hills of Harvest #1

Just in time for the upcoming spring season, a new series launches today. A Garden Grows , the first book in the Hills of Harvest series by Karen Higgins , is one that will have you planning and desiring to plant the garden of your dreams once the weather clears up. It's a welcome reprieve after a time of dormancy, awakening the joy of seeing God's creation in all of its splendour. Many thanks to  Mountain Brook Ink  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis One plucky widow, six scrubby acres, and an unlikely group of gardeners, all brought together by a long-ago promise. Fifty years is a long time to wait. Posey knows Elliot meant his promise, and oh, how he tried, but time and money didn’t grow on the sagebrush blanketing their high-desert land. Neither did life go exactly the way they planned. Now, Elliot is gone, the sound of his plea ringing in her ears ... “Build the garden, my love!” This English ga...
2 comments
Read more

Review: Breath of the Almighty

I've had the pleasure of revisiting my love of poetry through reading poignant and touching collections of Christian poetry that I've been introduced to on Instagram. I'm grateful that Breath of the Almighty by Shay McNally came at just the right time for me, tugging on my heart and my mind through verses that point back to God in every breath and poem. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : SA Book Synopsis Breath of the Almighty is a debut collection of free verse, confessional Christian poetry born from a life that's seen both deep wounds and deeper mercy. These poems move through topics such as family, grief, soul searching, healing, love, marriage, calling, spiritual warfare, prayer, forgiveness, and the ordinary places where Christ shows up when we least expect it. Each poem is rooted in Scripture and lived-in faith, and grounds lofty theology to an eve...
Post a Comment
Read more