Interview with Melody Carlson

Throughout the year, we will be spotlighting nominated and winning authors through interviews and guest blog posts. These are interviews and posts that are original and created specifically for this challenge!

Today's guest post is from Christy Award winning nominated author Melody Carlson, whose book Finding Alice was nominated for the 2004 Christy Award for Contemporary.


Do you think the Christys are important?

I do appreciate the Christys because they’ve helped to elevate Christian fiction to a new level. But the truth is, despite having received various book awards myself, I feel a bit torn. On one hand, I love to celebrate fiction and I applaud writers who do their best and are honored for it. But at the same time…the idea of “competition” makes me uncomfortable. I guess it’s because literature is so subjective and personal. What one reader loves another may hate. It’s difficult to fairly judge art. And yet it’s sometimes award ceremonies like the Christys or even the Oscars that foster open discussion. So, you see, I’m a little divided on this.

What does the Christy Award mean for you?

Again, it’s an honor to even be considered for this award…and yet I think there are many much loved books out there that aren’t even nominated. So again, I’m unsure. Also, as a Christian, I wonder about the value of earthly awards. Quite honestly, I treasure my reader letters far more than any of my writing awards. In fact, I kept my awards in a box for a long time.

Why do you write Christian fiction?

I write fiction because I am, at heart, a storyteller. And I love telling stories because I believe it’s a great device for divulging truth—sometimes it’s those hard-to-hear truths about things like mental illnesses or social issues. Because my world view is that of a believer, I guess you would call my writing “Christian fiction.” But in reality, I think of myself as a writer who is a Christian. I find it difficult to label my writing as “Christian” just as I would have difficulty saying my gardening skills are “Christian.”

What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Christian Fiction?

I think some readers assume that “Christian fiction” is substandard. I have even met people who have treated me like my writing would never cut the mustard in the general trade. And while that hurts a bit, I can understand their perspective—especially since literature is so subjective. But there’s also the misconception that Christian novels are evangelical, full of preaching and proselytizing. I’ve also heard complaints that Christian fiction is “shallow, predictable, and formulaic.” My response to any of these comments is usually: How much Christian fiction have you read? Because I know there are plenty of deep, thoughtful, and surprising novels.

What writers of Christian fiction do you think are influential?

Naturally, I would list my favorites. Early on I was inspired by the Thoenes and then Francine Rivers. I greatly admire Lisa Samson, Jane Kirkpatrick, Patricia Hickman and many others.

What do you think are the weaknesses of Christian fiction?

I think good writing is good writing—whether it’s Christian, Muslim, or Hindu. But, as a reader, I don’t enjoy books where the main purpose is to proselytize. To me good fiction is simply good storytelling and that involves realistic characters, interesting places, compelling plots…woven together in an artful way.

Besides your own book what is your favorite Christy nominated or award winning book?

Passing by Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster comes to mind—a memorable book. Also Lisa Samson’s Songbird.

How did you feel when you heard you were nominated?

Surprised…and honored.

What inspired you to write the book you were nominated?

Real life. Finding Alice is about schizophrenia and my son was treated for this mysterious illness. I wanted to share what I’d learned with others.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m in the midst of a teen novel in a new series called On the Runway. I don’t expect my YA books to win awards (although some have) but my readers seem to enjoy them and that’s what matters most to me.Melody Carlson is the best-selling author of more than 100 books for adults, children, and teens. She and her husband, the parents of two grown sons, make their home near the Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon. Melody is a full-time writer as well as an avid gardener, biker, skier, and hiker.