An agent asks, "What makes your book stand out or significantly add to or alter the popular understanding of the topic of your book?"
     The writer thinks to herself, "This is an agent fulfilling a fantasy of hosting his own television talk show or a dream about being a psychoanalyst."
     Maybe this is an important question if I were trying to get a work of non-fiction published. Is it really important to have a novel change people's understanding of anything? Aren't they simply looking for a story about whatever they like the most? If a person enjoys reading about vampires, I really wouldn't have to change the entire mythology of the blood sucking undead in order to write a story different enough to get the vampire fanatics to buy my book. In fact, if I go changing the basics, I'm probably not going to attract a large following.
     In my novels, the main character must solve crimes. People are either going to understand the process or they won't. The only thing significant I could add would be if I were the first novelist to incorporate the newest bit of technology into my story and get it published before any other writer did the same. The only things which ever seem to change in crime novels are the names, settings, and crimes; otherwise, it's business as usual. Or is it?
     What makes my stories any different than those written by other crime novelists? Ok, other than including the Christian worldview about crime, punishment, and current events? Most crime novels I've read may include short descriptions of the characters thinking or talking about their families, hobbies, etc. Very few, if any, of these novels delve into the characters' personal lives except to give the criminals a motive. My novel stands out because I deliberately chose to break the mold and make Jake's personal life an integral part of the story.
     As for the Christian themes, I'm not out to change anyone's opinions or understanding of Christianity or Christians. I simply state the beliefs and doctrines which motivate each character.