Christian Fiction Basics

Yesterday I included some things you should and shouldn’t do when writing Christian fiction.  The best rule of thumb remains: research, research, research!  (In whatever genre you’re writing, it just makes good sense to google/study your area of interest.)

And I’ll say right up front, I don’t know much about the sci-fi, fantasy, western, or mystery markets.  I do know a little something about the general fiction, romance, and Christian women’s markets.

Here are some things I can tell you:

• Like everything else these days, the publishing industry has had to roll with the punches.  Write what’s on your heart, in your own voice, and make your work distinctive, but bearing in mind the market you’re targeting.
• Nothing happens overnight.  (Oh, how well I could lament over that one!)  Learn patience early.
• Develop thick skin.  Don’t know how many times I heard that one, but it’s true.  I tend to be an optimist so I don’t always realize when I’m being criticized, scoffed at, or taken to task.  And as a writer, I’m still a “fix-it” person.  I want my stories to end happily, but others may feel that’s not “real life.”  That’s okay.  I’ll cheerfully leave the murder, mayhem, and dreadful endings to someone else.  There is someone out there who will be the perfect match for you and your work.
• Don’t take it too personally.  (Kinda goes with developing thick skin.)  It’s a little easier to take criticism, as criticism goes, when it’s done constructively.  And if agents/editors have taken the time to jot a note on your manuscript, take heed and consider the advice.  They don’t typically do this unless something within your manuscript has resonated with them.
• If you write Christian fiction, remember there are certain guidelines that must be followed.  No, your characters don’t have to be perfect or blameless (after all, there is only One who is), but the reader must see lessons learned from mistakes.
• Being a Christian doesn’t make us boring. Or prudes. Or pansies. Or “holier than thou.”  Don’t let your writing come across that way.  (Unless those are specific traits unique to your characters, of course!)
• Be bold in your message or your “take-away.”  I try to weave the salvation message throughout my work, without sounding too preachy.  That may not be your cup of tea.  That’s just a personal commitment I’ve made.  Your message may be something else or delivered in another way.
• Don’t “talk down” to your readers or put on airs either.    For instance…I’m not a fancy person.  My writing isn’t either.  I’m simply…well…ME!  On the other hand, being humble doesn’t mean we forget to practice social graces.
• One last thing, have FUN doing what you do!  Writing is hard work.  Aspects of it are not always going to be fun every single day, but creating the magic–your story–should be!

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A question for you to think about…What other “basics” can you share?