Writing Christian fiction is a gods call

Writing Christian fiction is no different than writing any fiction. Like any other stories Christian fiction has characters, plot and ending. What makes it different is the message, the moral and approach. The writer entwines biblical theme in his story. It need not to be a hard core biblical theme, it can be a moral from Bible expressed to match the lifestyle of todays. This actually yields in a huge difference and sets aside the Christian fiction and Christian fiction authors from other fiction class.

To be frank I have not read any Christian fiction novel but to be proud I have read few short stories on Christian fiction. However I have not given a try to write Christian fiction. Definitely writing Christian fiction is very challenging.

The earlier Christian fiction writings were more like preaching which involved conveying god’s message directly. But the scene has changed now. The evangelical message is conveyed subtlety, keeping aside religious teachings.

There are different genres in Christian fiction. Writing Christian fiction includes mystery, romance, fantasy and suspense too. It can be anything which conveys god’s message, maintains Christian faith and perceptions. There is also another category in Christian fiction writing, which is nothing but speculative Christian fiction. Lord of the rings and Narnia belong to this category. Though in the whole stories it is nowhere obvious that, it is on Christian faith, but the scholarly review says the writings have message on Christian faith. Without any hesitation I can state that Christian fiction helps any individual to inculcate Christian values in their lives.

Here are my few thoughts on writing Christian fiction

Being a Christian writer is a god’s call:

Any person who is interested in writing fiction cannot take up a pen and start writing Christian fiction, I bet. It’s a god’s call again. It is his message proclaimed through novels or short stories. Like any person cannot be a pastor or priest, I feel to be a Christian fiction writer one needs to have god’s grace upon him.

Christian fiction Writer is not at his free will

Usually while writing stories, either novels or short stories, the writer is the creator. He creates, he gives birth to characters and he brings them to a definite conclusion. He leaves them either in happy ending or in agony. The characters and story is at writer’s mercy. But in Christian fiction I feel a writer is not at his free will. I don’t know how many of them will agree with me but at the end the reader should be directed towards God and towards hope.

Live according to Gods word

The writers have to live by their words. Writing Christian fiction might seem easy but the writer should practice what he has preached. The stories usually have simple morals but the one who has written it, cannot neglect it in his daily life.

A narrow demand market

Writing Christian fiction might not appeal to all. First of all the books are targeted to Christians. Among them, the number which is interested in reading Christian fiction looks very meager. However, there is a good news, the research says demand for Christian fiction is increasing. Also there is a loyal readership following major Christian authors. Interestingly, Christian romance fiction is in high demand.

Money is not guaranteed

Writing Christian fiction cannot bring money. A person cannot tread this path with an aim of making money. But if it’s a god’s call, then the writer is more driven to write these evangelical message than to mint money. Again like I said earlier, the demand is increasing so there is hope.

No preaching or sermonizing

The writer while writing Christian fiction cannot impose his message on reader with pages of preaching or sermons. Meanwhile avoiding verses from bible gives a true touch of fiction. The reader is looking out for a normal story in search of god. The reader wants to know the god, know his will through the story so burdening with some morals might not keep the reader going.

Writing Christian fiction is evolved

I was quite amazed by the number of resources available on net for any Christian fiction writer. Though the demand is narrow, we should appreciate Christian writers who have developed resources to help fellow Christian writers.

The first book which I came across was “The art and craft of writing Christian fiction” by Jeff Gerke. The book has received positive feedback so it might be good. If you have inclination towards writing Christian fiction; you can try this book perhaps. All the same one needs to have Gods call for writing Christian fiction.

The website again by Jeff Gerke, wherethemapends.com has really good information on Christian fiction and many other resources on Christian fiction. One can read his website for inspiration. Also the website helps authors in creating story, building characters and growing the plot. Check his website if you are interest lies in writing Christian fiction.

Definitively there are hell lots of forums for Christian writers. Anyone can submit their stories, articles and Christian poems. Evaluate other Christian writers work, as well as get critique for their work. There are many websites which gives tips on writing Christian fiction anyone and everyone can take complete advantage of it. Also there are many websites which help you out in Christian fiction publication.

Here are to name a few websites for Christian fiction writer:

Chrisitian fiction factor

Faithwriters

To end, always any message can be well conveyed and understood through stories. The Old Testament is full of stories of different kings and prophets and their conversations and realizations of god in various ways. The New Testament shows how Jesus spoke in parables to reach out people. Similarly writing Christian fiction will help to reach people who are looking for God and his message.