The first thing they teach you at novel-writing boot camp is that every good story needs some conflict, so it's appropriate that there is some in the one that is Christian fiction.

While the category continues to bloom—with sales up and significant mainstream media atttention—some publishers are being cautious about expanding their territory in the light of the still-sluggish economy.

Which leads me to lesson two in Fiction 101: Show, don't tell. So let me take you to the closing banquet at this year's American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference in Indianapolis, in September.

Hundreds of attendees in their finest party clothes are trying to get downstairs to the big awards event, but the hotel only has so many elevators. On too many floors, when the doors open, there's no room for anyone else to board the already-full cars.

Fortunately there's a great sense of camaraderie, with plenty of good-natured banter between those who already have their spot and the others who are going to have to wait a bit longer to get to the celebration. 

And the show doesn't actually start until everyone is there. So it is not too late to come on down.

That's kind of how many in the Christian fiction world feel. Short-term, they say, for fiction  some publishers may be wary about extending themselves too far, but long-term the prospects are very good. 

Indeed, hard times may be good for inspirational fiction on several levels—observers note how some budget-conscious consumers see books as a better entertainmment value than, say, a night out at the movies, while difficulties prompt many to seek escape through reading fiction and/or turn more to matters of faith.

Even the digital publishing revolution seems to have more positives in the category, as e-fiction titles can bring fresh life to backlist and serve as a teaser or taster for new releases.

I returned from the ACFW conference energized about Christian fiction. Here are some snapshots from my time with more than 600 enthusiastic writers—published and prospective, editors, publishers, agents and publicists:

?Christian fiction is not just wise business, but also good ministry; I heard numerous accounts of how stories with spiritual themes had impacted lives, many of which may not have been receptive to a more direct three-point sermon.

?There are many people out there not only with a passion to touch others through stories but also with the commitment to learning their craft and paying their dues. No American Idol instant expectations here.

How refreshing to be among a group of people where egos and competitiveness were checked at the door. "Stars" mingled with newbies and wannabes, freely sharing tips and training. One of the category's top-tier names spent most of her time in the prayer room, encouraging those struggling with doubt. While the event was different in nature to others in our industry, so it's unfair to try to make direct comparisons, I wish some of the collegiate spirit could be bottled and sprinkled elsewhere.

Though much of the sales growth of Christian fiction has been in the general market, there was much enthusiasm for working more with the Christian retail channel, recognizing that's where frontliners really know the value of faith-based fiction.

At Christian Retailing, we are not just writing about the category, but doing what we can to support and encourage its continued growth and impact. 

In addition to our regular reporting, we are going to be increasing our focus on the area in the days ahead.

As part of the heightened emphasis, our book section will be expanded to include details of major new fiction releases for the coming month, to help bookstores keep abreast of key titles.

In addition, we will be launching a new section on our Web site to help retailers connect more with authors, knowing that a sense of ministry partnership is so important. We are creating a library of short video interviews with authors in which they get to talk about themselves rather than specific titles, revealing something of the person behind the pen.