What is the best way to go about writing Christian fiction?
There are many guides out there and many ways to hone your skills, but a bullet
list for the Christian writer is found in I Thessalonians 5:17-22. It’s
concise, to the point, and easy to follow.
There are many guides out there and many ways to hone your skills, but a bullet
list for the Christian writer is found in I Thessalonians 5:17-22. It’s
concise, to the point, and easy to follow.
Pray without ceasing
For any writing endeavor, writing what is God’s will from a
Christian perspective is necessary. Have you ever noticed how many little distractions
come along? Pray. Pray for inspiration, encouragement, and pray to write what
is needed on that page.
Christian perspective is necessary. Have you ever noticed how many little distractions
come along? Pray. Pray for inspiration, encouragement, and pray to write what
is needed on that page.
In everything give thanks
You may dread critique groups but remember the verse about
iron sharpens iron? A true partner may say something that’s hard to hear. But
better a critique partner than a reader, right? I always think of The
Fellowship of the Ring where Bilbo accuses Gandalf of trying to steal the ring
of power. And Gandalf answers, “I’m not trying to rob you. I’m trying to help
you.” You friends and partners are the same, they’re not trying to take away
part of your creativity, they’re trying to help you write the best you can.
iron sharpens iron? A true partner may say something that’s hard to hear. But
better a critique partner than a reader, right? I always think of The
Fellowship of the Ring where Bilbo accuses Gandalf of trying to steal the ring
of power. And Gandalf answers, “I’m not trying to rob you. I’m trying to help
you.” You friends and partners are the same, they’re not trying to take away
part of your creativity, they’re trying to help you write the best you can.
Quench not the Spirit
Plotter or pantser—you have to know to write when the Spirit
moves you.
moves you.
Despise not prophecyings
Often we shy away from writing about Spiritual gifts – don’t
Prove all things
Also know as Suspending Disbelief. A character can do
anything a story can go anywhere but you have to build up to that point. You
have to prove to the reader, sure there are eight seconds on this bomb and my
hero can diffuse it. And you do so by showing early on he’s had weapons
training, etc. Don’t use the “Bill and Ted Effect.” You can’t put in a solution
magically. (For example “Remember when we get back to the future we need to put
mom’s keys in my pocket.”)
anything a story can go anywhere but you have to build up to that point. You
have to prove to the reader, sure there are eight seconds on this bomb and my
hero can diffuse it. And you do so by showing early on he’s had weapons
training, etc. Don’t use the “Bill and Ted Effect.” You can’t put in a solution
magically. (For example “Remember when we get back to the future we need to put
mom’s keys in my pocket.”)
Hold fast to that which is good.
Why do we write? To create inspirational fiction that helps
others. Granted just because your character is a Christian doesn’t make them
perfect, but “Holding fast to good” should be the goal.
others. Granted just because your character is a Christian doesn’t make them
perfect, but “Holding fast to good” should be the goal.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
If your character is a Christian they need to act like Christians
and if they’re not, they need to be moving toward that conversion experience.
This is also can be a major point of conflict, as in Joseph’s life while he
didn’t do anything with Potipher’s wife he couldn’t prove it. But this is often
an excellent starting point for a story or a way to further the plot.
and if they’re not, they need to be moving toward that conversion experience.
This is also can be a major point of conflict, as in Joseph’s life while he
didn’t do anything with Potipher’s wife he couldn’t prove it. But this is often
an excellent starting point for a story or a way to further the plot.
May God guide you in each and every word you write and
remember “Faithful is He that calleth you.”
remember “Faithful is He that calleth you.”
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
