Hey writers and readers! Dana Mentink, here. What’s shakin’? I’ve just come back from Girl Scout Camp and I’ve come to the conclusion, there’s a reason raccoons wear masks. They are crafty little bandits! Anyhoo, we have returned with no major injuries and plenty of good times to remember so that’s a successful trip in my book.
Here’s my deep pondering for the day: Why doesn’t humor sell well in CBA? Oh sure, you’ve got the occasional romantic comedy (I believe Janice Thompson’s new one is out now from Revell), but for the most part, CBA fiction is not particularly humorous. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but most CBA fiction is as serious as a heart attack. It seems there is very little room for laughter. Why is that, friends? I know plenty of Christian people with great senses of humor who enjoy funny movies and ABA books. So why do I hear from publishers (most recently at ACFW in Denver) that humor doesn’t sell in CBA? In this time of economic crises and world turmoil there’s no one in need of a good wholesome laugh? What’s your sense about this, dear readers/writers? Enlighten me, if you’ve got a minute.
Christian Romance Authors with Fictionalized Tales of Intriguing Edginess
8 comments:
I love humor. I think Janet Evanovich's first ten Stephanie Plum novels are responsible for the chuckles that were heard across the world (I'm loud). You're right, though, I can't think of a inspy counterpart. I've had a few laughs with Ginny Aiken's Mob series. Hmmmm
Good question. I don't have an answer for it, but it's still a good question.
Do Christians have a sense of humour?
They do in my church.
Does the average publishing house have a sense of humour?
No.
Humour is so personal, so unique, publishing houses, especially those who don't want to offend, like CBA, won't take a chance on humour. Romance publishing houses included.
All good responses, ladies. I appreciate your thoughts.
I should learn to proof better... As I MEANT to say...I think some of the Christian ChickLit books came about as close to humor as we get in CBA. Humor is risky, and - as Barbara pointed out - it can be quite personal. A lot of humor is irreverent about SOMEthing, and even topics that come off hysterical from the stage (such as Anita Renfroe's Momsense) don't work well in print. Sometimes it's those who are the easiest to offend are the quickest to raise a stink.
Kristen Billerbeck writes books which cause me to smile, I have The Pastors Assignment as an audio book and its quite funny no sure of the author's name. Often I think there are light moments in books to help lighten suspense books or tough topics. Kathryn Springers Pritchett series (The Prince Charming List, Front Porch Princess, Picket Fence Promises) are quirky books with humour throughout
I think we worry far too much about offending people in the CBA. Humor can be done with gentleness and tact, just as addressing heavy topics can. Thanks for the great discussion, you craftie folks!
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