As I write, I often try to immerse myself in my story, concentrating on time, place, characterization, and dramatic elements. I introduce conflict early and end chapters with quandaries and a desire to know more. Secondary characters are sprinkled throughout the story, but never in such a way to detract from the main folks–the hero/heroine.
I bring in enough facts to make the story authentic. I write fiction because it’s what I enjoy. And since I’m a big romantic, I believe in “what if…” possibilities (the fairy tale aspect.)
Usually, there are subplots within the plot and mini problems that may need addressing before resolution of the bigger issue. I have to stay on my toes as to what’s happening from scene to scene, and it helps to take notes.
In my first novel and in the series I’m creating, I’ve used a fictional town because there’s a certain freedom in doing so. It has some characteristics that are fashioned after similar smaller towns, yet it has a style and culture uniquely its own, as do the folks who live there. (I love small-town life and the fact that there is usually a lot more going on than initially meets the eye.)
In fiction anything can happen. And since we all know that “truth is stranger than fiction” it really leaves the door open for endless possibilities! I may sprinkle in facts pertinent to business if a character is a CEO, or I might dish up an interesting detail relating to food or cooking if there’s an aspiring chef on the horizon. The fairy tale happens when conflict is resolved and, of course, when everyone lives happily ever after, to put it in simplistic terms. I tackle real-life problems, but there’s already enough sadness in the world to end a book on a negative note. I’ll leave the “She left her groom at the altar to go have her third husband’s baby” stories to someone else.
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Questions for you to ponder… Do you have a favorite fairy tale? What are your favorite elements in Christian fiction?
Comments 7
Cinderella is probably my favorite fairy tale. As a child, I found the witch in Snow White and the wicked fairy in Sleeping Beauty creepy. I’ve not read enough Christian fiction to comment on your second question, as nonfiction is my reading/writing choice.
Hansel and Gretel: Truly creepy story. Children left to the wolves by their own parents? Only to find themselves potential dinner for a wicked witch? Talk about a great hook!
Christian fiction offers an exploration of the world not available through secular fiction; whereas secular fiction is limited by the brokeness of humanity in how conflict is resolved (except in science fiction, which tends to go the route of complete suspension of disbelief in positing that imperfect beings can create the perfect solution to their inherent weakness), Christian fiction posits that the entire known order of the universe within the story is not limited by the shortcomings of what the protagonists can understand or care to believe. No other genre does this; no other kind of story is able to convey or communicate to the basic human need of connecting with that which is beyond us, in Christian fiction literally with what is beyond the world presented to the protagonists (or us, the reader with our own world).
The closest any other form of writing comes to this is the fairy-tale, which posits that there is a world just a bit beyond our ken; and that the structure of the world isn’t entirely molded out of our own desires.
Author
Thank you, Larry, for your comments! I always felt like an oddball growing up…I never, ever cared for Hansel and Gretel! And I suppose part of why I love to read (and write) Christian fiction is because it does seem like the best fairy-tale ever–except God is REAL and He can turn dark into light in literally the blinking of an eye! Talk about miraculous!
Author
I love Cinderella, too! The princess gets her prince!
u are awesome and the house looks ” be- a-u-tiful”- beautiful
from the Bruce almighty
My favorite fariy tale is Cinderella.
Author
You are awesome, too, Rachel! Thanks so much for your comments!