I snapped the above photo during a sightseeing trip one summer. The lighting was just right, and the stained glass was breathtaking.
Often, I’ve examined why I write what I do. You may remember my recent post 10 Reasons Why I Write (Faith-based) Romance.
Today, I’m talking about why I like to show faith in fiction. To me, being able to see characters in a novel live out their faith inspires us to pursue our full potential. Yes, the stories we writers create may be just fiction, pure make-believe, but the characters’ faults, foibles, heartaches, and successes are real things that we can easily identify with.
As I’ve said before, I don’t like to thump the reader on the head with “religion.” Instead, I prefer to let people experience their walks of faith by using a softer, but not necessarily a less direct, approach.
Prior to starting a new work, I usually sit down and flesh out certain character traits and attributes that I want my main characters to have. I’m not sure that all authors do it this way, but I believe many of us find this way the most helpful. I sometimes use sticky notes plastered around my computer screen to remind me of key things, small legal pads, notecards, or even a spread sheet. (Sticky notes seem to work best for me because I can always view my character’s traits right there in front of me. Eye color, hair color, clothing preferences, favorite colors, and even their religious backgrounds–or lack thereof–might be jotted on these.)
Since I incorporate several secondary characters in my novels, as well, my computer screen and my desk can sometimes resemble a work-in-progress, too!
Showing faith in fiction is such a natural high for me! In recent years, faith-based fiction and faith-based romance have become forces to be reckoned with. Folks who might not have ever touched a Christian book with a ten foot pole are now the very ones driving the market! Why is that? Perhaps it’s because, now more than ever, people from all walks of life are hungering for the Word of God. Calamities, natural disasters, and personal struggles are fueling a firestorm of desire–the yearning to know more about the deeper things of life. There’s a stronger sense of fleeting mortality in today’s world that’s more apparent. A desire to believe in something (Someone) bigger than themselves is, I believe, the Holy Spirit in action.
People are finding out, too, that Christian books cover myriad issues without being condescending or “speaking down.” Christian fiction, particularly, is garnering more interest than in the past because we have so much variety to choose from. There’s something for everyone: suspense, mystery, romance, and even those once “taboo” subjects–all within in a Christian context.
By creating characters with the same struggles that are inherent to all of us adds a sense of realism. We begin to realize that even believers struggle with issues of debilitating illness, divorce, remarriage, taming their tempers, curbing their tongues, and about a million other things!
I get a charge out of showing how my characters use their faith to battle these day-to-day issues. And it’s absolutely knock-my-socks-off fantastic when they realize that they have the almighty power of God at their disposal to back them up! (Think real-life story of David and Goliath!)
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If you read faith-based fiction, what’s your favorite subject for an author to tackle?
Comments 9
Ms. Cynthia,
Hello, this is Marantha Jenelle, from here on WordPress. I just read this post, and I was wondering if I could impose on you to take a look at something. I am thinking of rewriting it, but am having second thoughts as to whether Christians would like the story, which centers around a Christian family, specifically the boy and girl, because it also has a tiny touch of magic in that the two kids meet and are befriended by a creature of magic, a mermaid named A’ghrylla, who ends up helping the little girl, falling in love with her brother, taking on mortal form and becoming a Christian.
If you have the time, I placed the original version of the story here on WordPress to see if anyone responded to it. I really would value your feedback.
Here is the link…
https://1wordywoman.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/marilla-and-the-mermaid-marantha-jenelle-writing-as-amber-michelle/
Thank you in advance. By the way, I love that snapshot. Stained glass is something that has always fascinated me, and many of my designs are formed around its beauty.
cyber hugs and loads of blessings coming your way!
marantha
Author
Hi, Marantha! I’d be happy to take a look at your story! 🙂 I have some commitments this morning, but I’ll try to peruse your work as I am able to today. Blessings to you, as well!
Thank you so very much. Your opinion means a lot to me, as do all of those I seek advice and opinions from here on WordPress.
This site has so very many talented writer’s here on this site, from all walks of life, all financial backgrounds and all ages, but one common thread ties us all together and makes us a “family”…our love of the written word.
For those of us who are bitten by the writing, or as in my case and perhaps others, the art and creativity bug, we have really no choice but to “scratch that itch” by setting free the things we envision within our hearts, minds and souls.
No matter our backgrounds, race, religion or creed, no matter any of the other things I mentioned above, the need to free those things is inherent in all of us, and it is something we can no more deny than we can stop taking that next breath of air.
I am wishing you all of heaven’s most wonderful and magnificent blessings,
And sending you a humongous cyber hug for luck and happiness,
marantha
Cynthia,
Beautiful photo! There’s something about old wooden pews and stained glass that makes me feel so comforted.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love finding other writers online! I’ll be back to check out your blog some more!
Author
I snapped that picture while visiting lovely Eureka Springs, Arkansas one summer. (The photo was taken at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, and the church was indeed beautiful!)
And, Kristy, I’ll look forward to checking out your blog again, as well! 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Oh, what a soothing photo. One of my favorite subjects for Christian books is modern-day moral issues. How to be a Christian in a world of premarital sex, shacking up, acceptable lies, and lack of individual responsibility. I think novels so often deal with becoming a Christian and fail to deal with how tricky it is to BE a Christian.
Author
Sarah, I couldn’t agree more. And I especially appreciate all the wonderful authors who show their Christian characters living out their faith, stumbling like we so often do in “real” life, and then asking for and accepting God’s forgiveness. You’re right–tricky, indeed, at times!
Stained glass isn’t seen as much as it used to be. It has an ethereal look when the light streams in just so.
Another plus to Christian fiction is the hope that transpires from the written word, and the reader is allowed to escape their troubles for a little while.
He is delighted in you.
Author
Patti, how kind you are! Why is it that you frequently move me to tears? (In a good way! 🙂 )