In various forums and discussion lists I frequent, I see constant questions about the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) and what can/can't be done in CBA-published books. My eyes start to glaze over after a little while, because I think people spend way too much time biting their nails over these questions--just as they spend way too much time biting their nails over such trivial things as Courier vs. Times and exactly how big the margins should be--but I understand the compulsion. I really do. There's something innate in the human mind, at least the American human mind, that says: "If I do everything JUST RIGHT, I'll find success."

It's not true. But I understand the mindset.

A lot of the equation is outside your control, so you can do everything just right and still not find success. Or, you can do a lot of things wrong and find success, anyway.

I'm not saying you should be fatalistic in the least. You should, of course, do as much as you can to tip the scales in your favor, and be ready when your shot comes. Pay attention to formatting and all the other things. They do count.

But here's an idea: Don't try to write a "CBA Book." Don't try to write an "ABA Book." Just write a book. If you're tempted, at any time, to go onto a forum or discussion list and ask, "Can I have a divorced character in a CBA book?" or "Can I have a character who prays in an ABA book?" immeditely take out a hammer and hit your thumb as hard as you can. Every time any such question pops into your mind after that, immediately hit your thumb with said hammer again.

Eventually--maybe after three or four good whacks--your thumb will convince your mind to stop asking those kinds of questions. And you'll be free to explore more meaningful questions: "What's my main character really want?" or "How can I make my villain seem more realistic?"

I guarantee you, there are CBA books with brutal content: rape, murder, child abductions (ahem), divorce, and mismatched silverware at tea parties. I guarantee you, there are ABA books with prayer, forgiveness, redemption and Christ-following characters who aren't Falwellian caricatures.

Just write the best book you can. If an editor falls in love with what you write, he or she will contact you and say, "I absolutely love this. I'd like to make some suggestions for changes, but I want it."

No one will contact you and say, "I absolutely love this. But I won't buy it, because Joe kisses Nancy on page 37." It just doesn't work that way. If an editor gets pulled into your story, he or she will find a way to champion you inside the publishing house.

Just write. And keep that hammer nearby.