Near the Edge. While writing my latest historical, Lady Maybe, I needed to find a road in England dangerously near a cliff’s edge overlooking the sea. Initially, I searched for the location using Google Earth and old maps. I finally found the ideal setting—a coastal road in North Devon along the Bristol Channel.
Sara and Julie on windswept cliff.
Over the Edge. I wrote my first draft before I ever visited the area. Then, last year, an old friend and I had the privilege of traveling there. We drove on winding, breathtakingly-narrow roads as far as we could, then continued on by foot, walking on a carriage road hundreds of years old. Wind whipped hair in our faces and drowned out our voices as we searched for the perfect spot to send a carriage careening down into the water far below. Standing on the edge of that cliff, overlooking the sun-streaked water, the opening scenes of the book began to play like a movie in my mind: a lady’s companion, a carriage accident, and a desperate woman trying to rescue her child…
Edgy. Lady Maybe is my first book published with a general market (vs. Christian) publisher. My goal in doing so is to reach new readers who would never think of shopping in the Christian fiction aisle. So yes, Lady Maybe is slightly edgier than my other books. It contains more mature themes and one or two scenes in the PG to PG13 range. Is the book for kids? No. But it’s nothing most adults would blink twice at; and nothing I would be embarrassed for my Mom to read (were she still alive).
On Edge. But since the book’s release, I feel like I am standing on that precarious cliff again. I have been receiving emails and reviews that range from “Your best book yet…amazing…I couldn’t put it down” to “Do you believe you need to dumb down your novels to get people to read them? Why did you write such a trashy scene? I am really disappointed…not just in the story, but in you as a person…” and worse. Now, I understand that not every book is going to be well-received by every reader, and that’s fine. But wow. I have been taken aback and discouraged by harsh personal attacks from some sisters in the faith–thankfully, a minority. But a highly vocal one. 🙁
Falling. When I speak to groups I often explain that I write with a world-view that God exists, good and evil exists, but my characters are not perfect. They make mistakes–many mistakes sometimes–but they find forgiveness and second chances through Christ, just as I have in my own life. Ever since my first novel was published (Lady of Milkweed Manor, which deals with a situation similar to Lady Maybe), my books have extolled God’s mercy and forgiveness, and how He brings good from bad situations. Even if the message of God’s grace is more subtle in this book, I believe it is still there to offer hope.
Saving Grace. Don’t get me wrong. I am very aware that I am not perfect. I am sure I have made mistakes in this book, in this writing journey, and in my life. I readily acknowledge that I am only a sinner saved by grace and am continuing to learn and grow both as a believer and a writer. I trust God will teach me something through this season of discouragement. And bring good from it, as only He can. (I did receive a gentle reader email which I appreciated and took to heart. And I am truly thankful for everyone who took the time to let me know they liked the book or to write positive reviews.)
What about you? How do you handle criticism? Do you believe “anything goes” in writing reviews? Or do you believe in offering grace to flawed fictional characters…and to authors, too? 🙂
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I truly appreciate your new post about Lady Maybe. I haven’t read it, but I have been looking forward to it and your comments on the content won’t deter me. If fact, I am even more excited to read it. I hadn’t realized that it was different publishing, but I rarely notice those things.
When writing a review, I definitely believe in honesty. Honesty with tact and grace. I am more of a realist and understand that any opinion I may have is that. An opinion. So to chastise, belittle or condemn an author’s writing is only looking to hurt. My reviews tend to be short and sweet, b/c I refuse to give any details away. I, myself, dislike reading reviews that share too much of the story and/or ruin any surprise twists. That’s also why I won’t read excerpts.
Congrats on your new release and I hope that it’s very successful.
Thanks, Terrill. (Cool name, by the way!) I hope you will read and enjoy the book. Thanks for your thoughtfulness in striving not to read or post spoilers in reviews. I really appreciate that, and I know other authors do, too!
Thank you for sharing your heart with us! I cannot wait to read Lady Maybe. I have read all of your other books. I trust you as an author. Many authors write of flawed characters. These books minister to us, also flawed beings. They remind us of God’s grace. His love encourages us to strive to be better. But we all fall short at times. I will be reading Lady Maybe in the near future:)
Thank you, Susan. I really appreciate your comment and kind understanding. I hope you enjoy the book.
I just added Lady Maybe to my “to be read” list. So sorry to hear that you were treated so shabbily by some readers. My own book doesn’t come out until Oct. 1, and as it’s my first, I have no reader expectations to meet, but I wrote about “edgy” on my blog just yesterday. http://wp.me/p5xYuv-tT
I’m disappointed that you took the criticism about “trashy scenes” in your book as an attack, although it sounds like the writer was harsh in her opinions. But the first response to any criticism should be, “Is it valid? Do I need to look at this issue more closely?” Honestly, after reading one of your books that I really liked and one that went too far for me in sexual overtones, I don’t read your books any more because they were a little too PG for me, especially for Christian fiction. I don’t say that to be hurtful, but just to let you know that some of us just don’t want to fill our minds with that kind of thing. Sure, the Bible deals with sexual sin and temptation, but not in a way that draws the mind to the wrong kinds of thought by reading about it. David’s sin with Bathsheba and the temptation of the simple man in Proverbs 7 are told with enough detail to convey what was going on and to warn without going into graphic detail that would arouse the reader to the same sin. “Less is more” in this area. While characters in books go through the same temptations, and even sins and failures, and are in need of grace, we don’t need PG or PG-13 details to “get it.”
Hi Barbara. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions—I don’t discount them. We are all different and have different likes and expectations. Which is a good thing—or the world wouldn’t need so many writers! Hope you find books to love from my sisters here on the Inspired by Life and Fiction blog.
I admire your courage, Julie. We need more books written for a general audience from a Christian worldview. Let the critics howl. The book will accomplish what God intends it to accomplish.
I hope so, Lynn! Thanks so much, my friend. Your words are a balm.
Well said .
Well written. An exceptional read – less is definitely more when it comes to spiritual impact, which you ably handled , Julie. TY!
You’ve written a historical romance I can [and do] recommend.
Hi Julie, I enjoyed Lady Maybe, and I’m sorry to hear about the backlash you’ve experienced for writing that story. Readers are certainly entitled to their opinion about a book, but there is no excuse for those personal attacks. I’m glad you’ve been able to reach a broader audience with your stories, and I will look forward to reading the next one!
Hello Carrie–thanks so much! I sincerely appreciate your encouragement. And I hope all is going well with you and your books.
agreed!
I wholeheartedly believe in offering grace to flawed fictional characters and to authors, too! If I wrote about perfect people, then there’d be no room in my stories to lift up and glorify God’s perfection. I’m all about showing imperfect people who are nonetheless pursued, loved, and forgiven by God. For me, THAT’S the power of the gospel. That’s the message I want to sing.
I’ve experienced harsh criticism from readers who are sisters in the faith and it was painful. It was very discouraging and disheartening and made all the worse because they were fellow Christians and because they were criticizing what I view as my ministry. I agree with Lynne! The general market needs more books with a Christian worldview. May God use Lady Maybe to reach the readers He intends.
Thanks so much, Becky. Reading your post makes me wish we were sitting together in a coffee shop, sharing our struggles and hopes in person. I hope things are looking up for you in your writing ministry. What a mighty and merciful God we serve!
How fabulous to be able to actually walk the road you took your heroine down, Julie! I’m so envious of your research adventures! How fun to get out and explore such an old, treacherous road. I loved getting to hear that story, and so thankful you didn’t slip over the edge yourself. 🙂
As for taking criticism, I like to think I have pretty tough skin, but we all have those tender places that ache when they are prodded, especially unjustly. It breaks my heart when Christians strike out against each other with such ugliness. I think people often believe they are “speaking truth” or trying to “turn a sinner from her ways” when they strike out like that, but an attack is just an attack when there is no love and compassion to temper the words. Why is it that God’s people are so eager to throw stones at our own, when we are as sinful as they? Pride and self-righteousness is what caused Jesus to criticize the Pharisees and call them a brood of vipers and white-washed tombs. And yet it is those very qualities that lead those who should know better to spew their venom.
My heart aches for you, Julie. I hope that you can ignore the stones and focus on the positive. Heed the Spirit and follow where He leads, not where the judgmental crowd thinks you should go.
Thank you, Karen. It was an amazing trip. And thank you for your compassionate understanding. I admit I wonder about the seekers who stumble upon those reviews from offended Christians. Yes, the reviews will discourage interest in the book, but worse, I fear they will discourage interest in faith as well, fueling the commonly-held view that Christians are judgmental and focus on should-nots instead of love. I hope (and pray) that isn’t the case!
Though I haven’t read your latest release yet, I support you in writing what you feel God led you to write. The only thing you can do as an author is be true to His leading. I have read your other books and look forward to reading this one.
As to reviews, I don’t like to giveaway the story when I write a review. I also do not launch personal attacks on the author. If I can’t givea t least a 3-star I don’t post the review. Anything I post is noted as my personal opinion.
Thank you, Shirley. And yes, I will definitely be sticking close to God and listening for his leading as I begin my next book! Thanks, too, for striving not to give away the story when you write reviews, Shirley. That’s excellent!
I love that your characters are real and flawed. I also love how you show that there really is nothing new under the sun, people have been having the same problems from the beginning of time. What is different is how it is handled.
I am glad for the warning, my tweener daughter loves your books, but there have been a few I’m not ready for her to read yet. They are very tastefully and truthfully done, but she is a bit young. I do love that you handle the subjects that she will be noticing very soon in the world around her with themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption. It will be the viewpoint I want impacting her, so thank you for writing.
Oops, meant to “reply,” and instead posted below. Thanks again, Mindy!
Hi Mindy, Thank you for your kind compliments. And a good point about your tweener daughter. You are wise to read the books ahead of time. I don’t know where the expectation came from that all Christian fiction should be suitable for children–but I don’t think it’s fair. It’s also probably one reason so many adults don’t read the genre, finding it unrealistic and unrelatable to real life. You’re a good mom. Say “hello” to your daughter from me!
Julie (and all other writers),
It doesn’t matter what you write, someone will take offense. If they don’t, you’re doing something wrong.
Personally, I don’t read books with sexual overtones. I have enough problems with my own imagination in that area that I don’t need to feed that particular beast!
But I realize I’m not the benchmark in this–or any other–area. I cannot, in good conscience, deny the people in Lady Maybe’s audience the opportunity to discover God’s grace and mercy by insisting that books of that nature not be written.
I don’t write very many reviews, simply because writing a review when I am a writer myself comes with the appearance of bias or conflict of interest.
On those occasions when I do write reviews, I write them with an eye toward informing the people who trust my reviews about what they can expect from the book. I want to give them just enough information to help them make an informed choice without giving anything of the story away. I will tell them what I liked (and why) and what I didn’t like (and why).
Thanks, Carrie Lynn. Great perspective. Sounds like you know yourself well, and what to steer clear of. For me, it’s violence and gore. Those dark images stick with me, no matter what, and bother me for days. So I do my best to avoid them.
I’m so very, very sorry to see another Christion fiction writer think they have to compromise their writing content to appeal to the world. Scripture admonishes us to be separate from the world not imitate the world. I will no longer be able to buy Julie Klassen’s books from either market. Sad day.
I’ve not read Lady Maybe, but I intend to.
I’m not sure how writing for a general market is a “compromise.” Should we assume literary greats (and Christians) such as C.S. Lewis. J.R.R. Tolkien, and Flannery O’Connor were “compromised?”
I’m not Protestant, so maybe my Scripture knowledge is lacking, but I thought we were supposed to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations. That we were to live IN THE WORLD, but not be of it.
That said, what you choose to read and enjoy is obviously your prerogative. Edgy writing isn’t for everyone, which I’m sure the author is well aware. It’s unfortunate that so often a personal opinion on a book – which is good and appropriate to share – bleeds into what seem like condemnation of an author. (And I’m not saying you’ve condemned her personally here, but it sounds like others have.)
Blessings to you!
Hi Carolyn. Nice to “meet” you here. I think Mary is referring to the “PG” content vs. the publisher in this case, though I could be wrong. Either way, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. And I am working on developing thicker skin. 🙂 In the meantime, if you do read the book, I’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts. All the best to you!
I really enjoyed Lady Maybe. I do think it was a little steamier than average, but not offensively so. And the example of grace in the novel more than made up for any edginess–I found it incredibly poignant, especially in a novel under a secular imprint. I hope more readers pick up on the heart of that passage and extend grace to you!
I do think this is a story that will touch lives–perhaps not as much in your usual audience, but that’s okay. If one reader meets Christ through the book, then your ministry is a success. But I hope there will be a great many more than one!
Thanks so much, Rachael. So glad you felt God’s grace was evident in the book. Thanks for extending it to me as well.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for sharing this post. I am an avid reader of Inspired by Life and Fiction, but rarely comment. However, this post required a comment. Thank you!! Thank you first for bravely making the foray into a general audience, for how will we reach others with the news of God’s grace and salvation if we always appeal to the same Christian audience? Thank you for bravely sharing that some have not received that step kindly! As a writer myself, one who is seeking to grow personally and professionally, that is a topic I have been debating internally a great deal lately. How do I best reach out to a general audience? How do I infuse my Christian world-view in all I write without causing people to feel like I’m beating them about the head and shoulders with my beliefs? How do I make it a natural, part of my writing while appealing to a general audience? Thank you for your example of taking that step to reach beyond the “safe” audience to reach out to a broader one.
Hi Darlene. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is a struggle to do well, as I am learning, and will continue to wrestle with, no doubt. That’s the thing about this profession: you never arrive–there is always more to learn! All the best in your own writing endeavors.
Julie,
I have read Lady Maybe as well as all your novels. I eagerly await your next book as well. I don’t understand those that are complaining about this book. Whenever I read one of your books I am reminded of God’s grace and mercy. That is exactly what I read in this book. I have no doubt that God will use the message in this book to reach someone’s heart who is or has experienced this same problem. Keep writing Julie what God lays on your heart. For He is the great redeemer!
Thanks so much, Karen. I really appreciate your encouragement and am delighted that you enjoyed the book.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Julie, and I am so very sorry for the unkind comments you’ve received. 🙁 If we lived much closer I’d give you a gentle, Southern hug and take you to lunch. (No, it wouldn’t solve your problems but might give you a lift!)
If you are writing what you feel called to write, then I echo what Lynn Austin said, “Let the critics howl.” The Lord will surely use your words to reach someone who needs them. 🙂
Oh my – – that first photo showing the cliff gave me chills – – Wow! You were brave to venture there!
I look forward to reading Lady Maybe.
Hugs and virtual chocolate from Georgia, Patti Jo 🙂
Oh, Patti Jo. I will happily accept a cyber-hug from you, since you live too far away to deliver it (or lunch :)) in person. I appreciate your kind words. And yes, the cliff was a little thrilling and plays a role in my next book (The Painter’s Daughter), too.
Praying for you, sweet Julie! Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure bad behavior from Christians who should know better. I am one of the fans in the “this book is amazing” camp – and I share your heart for the general market to find grace and Jesus between the pages of their romance novels.
Thanks so much, Carrie. I appreciate your support and your prayers more than you know.
I was surprised to see this post (which I found very interesting) because I pre-ordered “Lady Maybe” and ripped through it in a single evening (well, technically an evening that went into early morning) 😉 like I always do with new Julie Klassen books, and I never realized that it was written for the general market. The beautiful themes of genuine, sacrificial love, making difficult decisions, and faith were definitely present for me! I finished the book thinking that it was one of my new Julie Klassen favourites – and that’s very high praise, considering how great all the previous books are! My best friend read it and loved it as well, without any thought to it being “different.” Now that I know, I love the idea that non-believers could pick this up and read it and get great writing and a story that has faith and redemption and how to make good decisions after bad decisions and so much more. At the very least, they’ve read a great book, but the potential for it to plant or water seeds of faith is definitely there in a way that it wouldn’t be if this exact same book was just sitting on the shelves of Christian retailers. I appreciate the author’s courage in doing something difficult yet worthwhile. While there are some mature themes in “Lady Maybe,” it’s not like this is the first Julie Klassen book to do so! That’s part of what makes them stand out as thoughtful reads over just fun reads.
I know that I really hate to hear criticism, even valid criticism, but I try to keep growing in keeping any nuggets of truth (even if they’re phrased poorly) while letting go of the parts that I know are not true. The painful process is sorting that through, and trying to make sure I’m balancing it all correctly. I’m definitely not nearly there yet! I still hang onto things more than I should. People sending in unkind e-mails to an author may mean well (or they may not) but that doesn’t change the burden that it must be. I don’t think that “anything goes” in reviews because we all have a responsibility to communicate the truth in love. Our words have power. We need to use them carefully. If somebody doesn’t like a style or technique or theme, that’s fine, but there are always better and worse ways to express that. It just might take more effort to find the better way.
So many great thoughts here, Susan! Thanks so much. I’m delighted to hear you and your best friend loved the book (as well as my others). That makes my day. And I hope you are right that many others will read it and be touched by it as well. Thanks again.
I haven’t had the opportunity to read this book, but it sounds like one that I would enjoy. I’m sorry that you have been treated badly especially by those that should know better. When I give reviews even if the book wasn’t my favorite I still will not give a review lower than 3 stars. There is absolutely no reason to attack a writer personally when you find their book lacking. I feel that sometimes in this day and age we’ve gotten so far away from having personal conversations that we forget that there is a person at the other end of that message that was sent via text, email or social media. I’m definitely adding to my TBR list. Many blessings 🙂
Thanks so much, Lori. And you’re right, there’s a sense of anonymity online that–if we’re not careful–can cause us to forget civility, gentleness, and politeness when communicating–even when communicating disapproval. It’s a good reminder for us all (me, too :)).
I am sorry you have to endure such meanness. God encourages grace, love and forgiveness and most of all patience. It’s sad that some Christians can’t see beyond that. It’s not for us to judge. I love Christian books but I learned a hard reality when I was younger and that is that some churches are for those who want to appear to be Christians and for show. I always thought that churches are for sinners and we as Christians should be ready to accept them with open arms but instead I found a few to be highly self righteous. My mom was living with an alcoholic but the church instead of showing love and forgiveness turned their backs on them. Church is mostly for sinners and let me be the first to say I am one. For the most part Christians are great and highly forgiving people. They have great love for their fellow man but then you have those that I speak of up above. See here I am doing the same thing Judging others. I guess it’s human nature. I love God and Jesus and am grateful knowing that they will accept me with open arms with love and forgiveness. I hope that you don’t let them bring you down. As far as book reviews go, what one won’t like another will love. That’s the great thing about us being individuals.
Thank you or your blog post today – I didn’t realize that ‘Lady Maybe’ is published by a ‘mainstream’ publisher.
Bless the readers who give you suggestions via email rather than in a review! I learned through Book Fun Club that reviews aren’t for shredding an author or the work – and all I had done was give a couple minor gripes! So far I have read one of your books *from TBCN* and added several to my e-reader. Since the early days of reviewing some of the books they are given for review, I hope I have improved a bit. Even mainstream authors get more gentle reviews than I might once have done, even though I do get annoyed at authors using excessive … you get the picture. 🙂
I have a long, hard crawling time of not receiving criticism well. It is something that I’ve been learning, and am reminded of a Joyce Meyer CD on earlier – about how the Lord corrects us because He loves us enough to want us to ‘pass the test’ and to bring us better results in the specific area of our lives. Like many of us, my hard head needs to hear it over and over, and while I definitely don’t see my reviews as the Lord’s words, there are some who have a great deal of wisdom and discernment and review experience who the Lord might use to help us in certain areas?
Anyway, I was greatly impressed by your humility in your post. Thank you for sharing!! And I did love the book of yours that I read!!
It always kind of hurts my heart when I hear of authors being attacked, especially by other Christians. I haven’t read Lady Maybe yet, but it is on my “wish list” since I’ve enjoyed some of your other books (I say “some” because I haven’t yet read them all, not because I didn’t like some). I don’t see the point in writing a negative review and I certainly wouldn’t attack the author. I admire authors who step outside the Christian fiction box and write as Christian authors to a wider audience. How else are you going to share the Christian worldview? Just keep on following God’s leading with your writing. I know He won’t steer you wrong!
I recently read Lady Maybe and was not bothered by the edgy scenes however I can understand that some we surprised to find it PG-13. (With so many twists and turns, I was really happy with who she picked in the end)
Honesty, it is the Regency period–if one researches individuals alive during this time you can not avoid reading about rakes, mistresses, gamblers, courtesans etc… Sorry to read about your personal attack as a writer.
I look forward to your future books! Thank you for posting!
Julie,
Sorry I’m “late to the party” to comment; I just discovered this post. I was broken hearted to hear about the personal attacks that you endured at the hands of the vocal minority of readers who were offended by the content of Lady Maybe. I’m proud of the way that you responded to them with grace and kindness, despite their harsh tone. I showed the reviews to my oldest daughter, then showed her the passage from the book, and she wisely commented, “This is why people hate Christians.” When we as fellow believers attack and condemn each other, the world nods its collective head once again at our hypocrisy and lack of love and grace. That was terribly discouraging to me, as well as seeing my friend and favorite author being hurt by sisters in Christ.
Lady Maybe became a new favorite of mine, specifically because I could so identify with the mistakes and failures of the heroine. Too often in Christian fiction, the heroines seem so perfect that I can’t relate to their challenges, and their minor failings don’t require a God of extravagant grace, as my seemingly larger sins do. Thank you for continuing your pursuit of excellence in writing through painstaking research (even at risk of life and limb!) and through sifting your stories through God’s grace and wisdom.