By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Have you ever heard a reader say they didn’t read Christian fiction because of poor writing? Either the characterization, plot, dialogue, setting, emotion, or description disappointed them. Professional writers always evaluate their craft to raise the bar and attract readers to an outstanding story.
Some Christians write for the Christian market, and others write for the general market. The adage is true that we can take the Christian content out of the writing, but we can’t take the Christian out of the writer. In the Christian market, writers typically avoid profanity, sexual content, and graphic violence for violence’s sake. But every aspect of the story must be stellar.
Christian fiction is a story in which one or more of the characters solve their problems from a Christian worldview. Values and beliefs are shown, not told. Good overcomes evil. The problems can be tragic or chaotic. No character is immune to facing the consequences of their behavior or facing what others might plan for them.
Christian fiction is not a platform to evangelize those who aren’t followers of Jesus, neither is the faith aspect an engine additive to encourage a specific audience. Unrealistic and predictable characters, preachy content, and verbiage, only a Christian understands can condescend any reader. The practice lowers the importance of a writer’s priority: entertaining the reader with a quality story.
We strive for outstanding craftsman and literary skills that show high standards in the publishing industry.
A quality written novel must have:
- Well-rounded, three-dimensional characters
- Intriguing plot
- Show don’t tell
- Emotion and symbolism to enhance the reader’s evocative experience
- Witty dialogue
- Body language unique to the character
- Antagonistic setting
When writers refuse to master the above literary techniques, their stories fail. No matter the audience or genre, the writer’s belief system has no bearing on poor writing. The professional writer uses a mastery of the craft to create an excellent read.
A Christian writer adds a unique element of insight to their stories, a deeper look at God working in the lives of those who are open to a glimpse of what dependence upon God means. It’s a feature of truth shown in the character’s actions. The character’s faith can demonstrate courage during a crisis and doesn’t have to quote Scripture. The behavior gives pause to the reader. Did the character face the problem from a human perspective? Or did the character reach out to a power beyond him/herself?
We writers may have God on our side, and He is the Author of where we find our storylines. But without consistent time devoted to developing our skills, we can’t expect to impact readers with excellence.
What else can we do to improve Christian fiction writing?
Comments 38
I’m one of the Christian writers who writes for the secular market. Partly due to better opportunities, and partly due to that’s where I’m needed. There are references to my beliefs, but not preachy normally. I’m not the one who has done this. As an editor I court both Christian and secular authors. What I discovered is that Christians write far more original and creative stories. Surprised me since my first exposure was simplistic writing and not full. Change has come.
Thanks, Dana, I appreciate your comments. Yes, I believe many Christian writers understand and strive for our stories to be credible while original and creative. Blessings in your writing.
Very good article! My writing group talks about this all the time, and how we can show God’s precepts without being preachy. Brian Niemeier talks about how the Death Cult (basically the evil people running all entertainment now) slowly gained power over the culture. They showed likeable heroes succeeding in their goals by using Death Cult morals. (How many romances/action movies feature adultery as normal?) So we need to take it back and show likeable heroes succeeding in their goals according to Biblical morals. I’m currently reading the Darkwater Saga by Patrick Carr and it is what Christian fiction needs to be. Absolutely gripping, well written, fascinating characters, and a battle of good vs evil within the church itself. I was remarking to my friends that only a Christian could even conceive of a story like this.
K.M., thank you so much. Good vs. evil and good striving over evil are what God is about, and I love stories that show truth. I plan on reading Darkwater Saga!
One thing I hate about Christian fiction (and I’m a Christian) is the “piety” of the Christian characters. They don’t feel real because they rarely sin. Authors tend to put them on pedestals. Meanwhile non-Christian characters tend to be caricatures who are evil, stupid, and miserable in ways that don’t feel realistic. Throw that in with the really awful “evangelize the reader” moments where the story gets put on hold for the author to sermonize the reader through the character, and I tend to avoid Christian fiction like the plague.
Rob, you’ve obviously had bad experiences with Christian fiction. I’m sorry, and I understand your sentiments. Many of us Christian writers are working hard to eliminate the stereotypical Christian character who has no faults and the antagonist who has no redeeming value. Babies don’t leap from their mother’s wombs and announce they will be serial killers or respected members of society. Lots of factors fuel the character’s motives. Fiction is foremost an opportunity to entertain the reader with a powerful story. Showing flaws, mistakes, strengths, and weaknesses are vital for protagonists and antagonists. I hope one day you give us another chance.
To be fair, a lot of non-Christian fiction suffers from similar faults, albeit with a different agenda. Plenty of general fiction suffers from caricature characters and “we now pause the story to deliver a ‘message’ to the reader” sorts of scenes. I picked on Christian fiction in my original comment because that’s what the article is about, but the problems I described show up in general fiction in different ways as well.
Rob, definitely a problem in all fiction. We are to entertain with a powerful story, show characters who might or might not share our opinions on life and world happenings, but not stand on a bandwagon with a bullhorn. I appreciate your contribution to the discussion.
Rob, I have the opposite issue with many books. When I see a character sinning, especially sexual sin or constant lying, especially to parents, I can’t relate. I’ll sometimes put a book down because I am tired of sinful characters. I want to read about someone who I can be inspired by, not someone who is a worse person than me, especially someone worse than me who has no good reason for being that way, other than, “it’s realistic.” I want to see them overcome temptations and not give into them.
I also think there’s a difference between a sinful character and a character who is flawed. Flaws can be there without sin.
Jessi, your comment and others that show varying opinions intrigues me. We are all different. We read and write what we enjoy or value. It’s a personal preference. For me it’s at least one Christian character who solves his/her problems from a Christ-centered view. Doesn’t mean they aren’t making mistakes; it’s how they resolve them. Good vs. evil is my preference – but I don’t like to read bad language or sex. But that’s me.
So much this. I got burned out on Christian fiction ages ago for the very reasons you mention.
Stephen, I hope you give Christian fiction another chance. Many of us are determined to write realistic and unpredictable fiction.
DiAnn,
Great post and all good things to remember. I’m working on balancing these ideas in my current work in progress. I’m thankful to have an editor who is an expert!
Blessings!
LOL, Debbie, thank you so much!
I believe Christian fiction should stand apart from secular fiction because it clearly has a Christian message, more than just an obscure “Christian Worldview.” I’ve read some “Christian” fiction and wondered what was Christian about it besides the lack of profanity and sex. And I absolutely hate “Christian” fiction where the characters blame God for their problems and whine until they get their way.
I believe we should be true to our calling, put on the full armor of God, and run our own race.
Thanks Connie. Great insight for all of us.
I have often read Christian fiction I felt was “cheesy”. I think one reason is lack of depth in the characters and the use of religious language. You mentioned both. I think Christian fiction can and should be realistic. As Christian authors, we shouldn’t be afraid to tackle real world problems and give our characters real world flaws. Let’s show our readers how God redeems the characters and situations in real ways.
Thanks, DiAnn. Great article.
Thanks Terri. I agree we have a responsibility to write well and reflect our faith without preaching.
Hi, DiAnn! I write Christian fiction but many of my characters do quote Scripture, mostly in inner thoughts. It’s who they are and the passages they learned in Sunday school pop into their heads. I don’t think quoting Scripture is negative, even to secular readers if the story is good. My biggest fan is a Jewish woman who keeps Kosher; she has given me wonderful reviews I’ve quoted in some of my books’ forwards. Good story, relatable characters and quality are what counts. I always appreciate your posts and comments.
Bonnie. Yes, Scripture according to character and thoughts touches readers. Thank you for the reminder.
Excellent article, DiAnn 😊 Love your novels and our friendship on social media. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving ♥️🦃🙏🏻😁
Thanks Kim! So appreciate you!
DiAnn,
Well said. Thank you. Except for C.S. Lewis, I wasn’t really interested in reading Christian Fiction, until I started pecking away on my keyboard with a story of my own. I will strive to reach the bar and include the seven qualities you so aptly describe.
Ben, thank you for your kind words. Be blessed.
I always enjoy reading your novels. I read a lot to distract myself from almost constant migraines. I have to say that I have been disappointed with a lot of the writing I have found. How difficult is it to proofread what you have written or have someone else read it to correct the grammar and spelling, or even make sure the character has the same name throughout? I have to assume that these books have been self-published. Keep up the good work!
Hi Teresa. Mistakes slip by no matter how hard the writer works. We have to be diligent.
Great post DiAnn.
Just finished Concrete Evidence. It was Excellent!
Thank you, Paula! So glad you enjoyed Concrete Evidence.
Well said.
Thanks, Marilyn. Glad you enjoyed the post.
I have been reading Christian fiction for a long time and always can’t wait until you and other authors have a new book coming out. I bought one of the secular books and the language and other things that in it disgusted and quickly got rid of it, I’m staying with Christian books great stories and great values are presented.
Thanks, Barbara. Christian writers create their fiction and nonfiction to entertain and inspire. No need for inappropriate language or behavior.
Excellent article!
I agree 100% that we cannot come across as “preachy” in our stories!
Thanks, Edwina – we are creating a story not pointing out faults.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I really have to search my library hard to find the good Christian authors. Too many times I have picked up a book,read a little of the introduction thinking it was going to be ok. Wrong. Sometimes it only takes less than 5 pages and I shut the book and it goes back to the library. All of those who write Christian fiction, please continue to do.
Thanks so much, John. We Christian writers appreciate you.
Right on target, DiAnn, as always. I left a comment on LinkedIn.
Thank you, Peggy. We all want to write quality fiction – stories that entertain and inspire.