1. We write in many different genres. Yes, even the (*gasp*) inspirational romance genre.
2. We love Jesus, but please don’t put us on a pedestal. We have faults and shortcomings.
3. When we’re asked “What do you write?” we’re happy to share. If you reply “Whoa! I’d never read that in a million years!” we’d rather you bite your tongue.
4. We appreciate candor. Rudeness, not so much.
5. We’re not “holy rollers.” We’re real people, living in a real world, and traveling similar destinations. Our stories often reflect this.
6. Christian fiction is evolving, but Christ remains our cornerstone. If you’d like to know more, please ask! Nothing thrills us more than to share about Jesus.
7. We read other books besides Christian fiction. BUT…please don’t label us “intolerant” when we refuse to read profane rants. We want to expand our horizons, not promote ignorance.
8. Writing and crafting are hard work. It takes time, practice, and commitment. All the brotherly love in the world can’t tell you how to write, acquire an agent, or pursue publication unless you’re willing to put forth the effort. It’s un-Christian for us to fuel misguided thinking.
9. We love God, but we’re still business people. Meaning: Please understand that while sharing the Gospel is our first and foremost objective, writing is our job. We must write to deliver the Message. We must write to meet deadlines. We must write to finish books. We must write to potentially earn an income. In other words, writing isn’t merely a hobby. It is fun and we do enjoy it, but it’s our career.
10. We’re moved by your kind words and encouraging e-mails. It blesses us to know that something we’ve written has blessed you. On the other hand, please don’t diss our work as “some more of that Christian fiction junk” without ever having read anything we’ve written. It doesn’t make us like you. Of course, we still love you in a Christian kinda way!
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If you read or write Christian fiction, what are some other things that you wish folks knew?
Photo Credit: dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Comments 4
Some of these made me laugh! Christian writers are not dry and boring or sheltered and our stories do not reflect that we are. Doesn’t mean we’re going to write erotica either. 🙂
Author
Precisely, Jess. Thanks for adding your thoughts.
Happy Friday!
I think I’d rather be known as a novelist who happens to be a Christian than as a Christian novelist.
A generation ago Francis Schaeffer spoke prophetically about the Evangelical ghetto exhorting us to engage the larger culture about us. I was at a Christian writers conference once and I was abashed at the low quality of the writing.
I think our primary focus ought not be delivering the Message but glorifying God. One can deliver the Message in an artless, desultory fashion (I’m not suggesting you do.), but one cannot glorify God in this way. And we glorify God by keeping his commands to (among other things) deliver the Message.
Therefore, I try to hone my skills wherever I can and write in language accessible to those who don’t speak Evangelical.
Author
Steve, I’m proud to say I’m a Christian. I’m proud to say I’m a Christian fiction novelist. To say that you were “abashed at the low quality of writing” at a Christian writers conference is an unintended slight, I’m sure.
I’m confused. When you say “our primary focus ought not be delivering the Message, but glorifying God,” how can you separate the two? Doesn’t the Great Commission command us to go forth and spread His message, teaching all nations? (Matt. 28:19)