The Defilers breaks a few of the rules

Here's a story on Christian chick lit. Which The Defilers is not. (Thanks to Dave Long over at Faith in Fiction for the link.)

Religious books have emerged as "the most impressive growth category" over the past four years, according to a 2005 trends report by the Book Industry Study Group. The category — which lumps together Bibles, inspirational titles and religious fiction — recorded the biggest gains in 2004 with an 11 percent increase, reaching $1.9 billion in sales, according to BISG, the industry's trade association.

Why now?

In part, many Americans are hungry for spiritual comfort in today's troubled, post-9/11 world, say Christian writers and editors.

"So much stuff Oprah picks just depresses you," says Christian fiction writer Kristin Billerbeck. "The world is so heavy right now, readers want hope. Christian books leave me feeling hopeful."

Beyond comfort, secular retailers, publishers and booksellers are taking note of the commercial success of religion-themed works like Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ"; the Mitford series of novels featuring an Episcopal rector; C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" Christian fantasy books; and nonfiction best-sellers like Rick Warren's "The Purpose-Driven Life."

"America is a deeply religious culture and certainly our European peers are astonished at how religious Americans are, at least on a superficial level. I think New York publishers have underestimated that core element of American life," says Jana Riess, religion book review editor at Publishers Weekly. "Now that they recognize, 'Wow, millions of people in America would like to see more religious content in film, TV and books,' they are scrambling."

However, while The Defilers may qualify as edgier, more realistic fiction--and the main character carries a gun instead of a purse--there is nothing in it that is likely to offend believing Christians.

I wrote the novel because, years ago, I wanted something to read while on vacation. The novels on the rack in the drugstore were full of gratuitous sex and violence. A Christian novel I borrowed from my church was so nice, and so dull that 100 pages into the book I realized that nothing had happened in the story. It was devoid of conflict, and all the ingredients of great storytelling.

So, I thought, with my journalism experience, I might try to write something I would like to read....suspenseful, engrossing, thought-provoking and edgy, but from an orthodox Christian worldview. (But non preachy!)