For writers of faith-based romance, it seems to be a never-ending battle to keep up with the changing times, yet not fall prey to trends, euphemisms, and depiction of sin without repentance. We want to meet readers where they are and address real-life issues, but not offend. We want to offer the meat and potatoes, but not go overboard on the gravy–the intimacy.
While today’s Christian fiction and faith-based romance novels are not what they were 20 or so years ago, we recognize that there is still the need for propriety.
On the other hand, writers don’t want to write (and readers don’t want to read) namby-pamby stories about cardboard cut-out characters. Gone are the days where Susie Sweetness and Adorable Andy shared a malt and small talk at the local drugstore while Sinister Sam plotted how to steal Susie away from Andy.
We realize that life is no longer what it was a few decades ago. In today’s world real Christians are dealing with: death, divorce, addiction, unfaithfulness, lawlessness, accountability, and a host of other issues. They are dealing with the very things that Christians dealt with in times past with this exception: today we are dishing about these issues and quite openly, in fact.
While the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) has guidelines in place as to what is deemed acceptable (and appropriate) in Christian publishing, individual publishing houses also have their own guidelines regarding the types of fiction they will publish.
We, as authors, must initially decide what types of stories we want to write, but at the same time, be committed to the Lord having His way with the novels we pen. We must be in tune to what is selling, but not waver from our Foundation. We must “tell it like it is” but not be crass with too much in-your-face imagery. We must be authentic, bold, and unpretentious. We owe it to ourselves, our readers, and most importantly, to God.
As I began my writing journey years ago, I made a commitment. I talked about this a few months ago. This is what I said:
- “Romance” is not to be confused with physical desire. Desire is a component of romance/love. It shouldn’t be what drives the story. It’s only one factor within a relationship/marital framework.
- There must be a moment of recognition–a “come-to-Jesus-meeting” in which the characters realize Christ as their first love. Anything else is secondary, as it should be.
- Is the accountability factor there? When all side issues are taken into consideration, can I honestly say that my storyline has dealt with these things in a Christian context from a “what would Jesus do?” viewpoint?
- Have I effectively shown how sin and poor choices affect our consequences? Without addressing these from a spiritual perspective, I might as well hang it up now, because my novels will certainly not fit the criteria for Christian fiction anymore.
- Have I communicated that through true repentance comes forgiveness–that we must be truly sorry for our sin and turn away from it, and that our Heavenly Father’s love is unchanging despite our slip-ups?
- Have I adhered to specific guidelines and tenets of faith set forth in the realm of Christian publishing? My goal is to inform (deliver the salvation message) and encourage (growth as believers.)
And since I’ve chosen to write Christian fiction, I won’t include:
- Scenes that depict a gratuitous lifestyle without some redemptive value. I’m not out to shock. There are millions of other books that do this, unfortunately.
- Sugar-coated sin. It is what it is–sin. There must be a day of reckoning for my characters who choose to live outside of God’s will.
- A holier-than-thou approach. I once had a pastor who summed it up best… “I’m just one beggar telling another beggar where I found bread.”
It’s our choice when determining what to take a stand for. And there is, indeed, a time to stand, a time to sit down, and a time to bow to our Heavenly Father’s will.
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Are there any issues that you feel should/should not be addressed in Christian fiction? In faith-based romance, how important is it to convey the salvation message?
Comments 13
I feel pretty strongly the romance should be realistic and authentic–which for me means they don’t fall in love in a short period of time–as in a couple days. I think we can model healthy relationships without compromising on the zing factor, but we don’t do anyone a service if we imply a marriage can be well established based on emotions without taking into consideration other factors.
But that’s my personal conviction; I dated my husband six years before we married, but part of that was because we needed to grow up!
Author
I whole-heartedly agree, Michelle. A man and a woman falling in love at first sight or within a day or two doesn’t work for me either. A firm foundation hasn’t been established.
…Six years? 🙂
Your list is good. There’s a lot to think about there.
I think it’s important to work in the salvation message…especially if one of the characters is on the fence with his/her faith…sin…and forgivenss. It doesn’t have to be the – hit you on the head with a ton of bricks – type of message.
Author
I will always include the salvation message, Loree, and as you indicated, it needn’t be a “thump you on the head” type of thing. Living by example and correlating that with scripture occasionally (within our stories) can often be more effective.
I love your perspective, Cynthia! For me, the salvation message will be included if it’s inherent in the story. In my current wip, it happens to be inherent so I’ve included it. 🙂 For the next one I’m plotting, both main characters are already Christians. In that case, I’ll definitely include their spiritual journeys, but they probably won’t include a big “come-to-Jesus” moment. It’ll likely include a “come-BACK-to-Jesus” moment. 🙂
Author
Love the “come-BACK-to-Jesus” moment you mentioned, Sarah! As Christians, re-dedicating our lives to Him can bring such sweet fellowship and a renewal of spirit.
Great post Cynthia. Good food for thought.
I struggled with my first WIP because my main character is definitely NOT a Christian for about the first 1/3 of the book, yet I wanted to remain authentic with his language and word choice (mainly in order to show the change that occured when he was born again). His heart and language are NOT God-honoring in the first few chapters, so I initially included a couple mild curse words. However, through a couple edits I ended up changing them or taking them out. There are a couple phrases left in that I’ll be praying about and trying to reword/rework.
It’s tough in that regard to build realistic characters but honor Jesus with our writing. I also chose not to have flowers bloom during my main characters’ first kiss 🙂 The kiss occurs before they get saved, though it’s not graphic.
Well, you know my writing. 🙂
Recently I read a book by a long-time favorite (technically, non-Christian) author, CA. I wasn’t able to finish this book becuase of the “JC” phrase being tossed around by the on-the-rough-side male mc. I was very sad because I really love most of her books. But, I don’t know that I’ll buy her books again. 🙁 I just couldn’t take my Savior’s name being tossed around in that way.
Thanks for this post! Praying you have a word-ful, rap-free week! 🙂 Hugs
K
Author
Sweet, Kerry, you always bless me!
Yes, it is definitely important to show the BEFORE and AFTER change regarding a “come- to-Jesus meeting.” (And in faith-based novels, the CBA does have stringent guidelines concerning acceptable language even in our desire to be authentic.) While it might be entirely possible to say something like “Mitch rolled his eyes and cursed”, many Christian publishing houses frown on saying the actual word. It can be referenced (without seeming too euphemistic), but sometimes, readers can glean more from what we DON’T say, while kicking up the description a bit instead. Make sense?
And I appreciate the fact that you are authentic with a heart for Christ. 🙂 Christians aren’t prudes or “better than.” We simply choose to live by a different moral code after we’ve given our lives to Christ.
And hugs right back at you!
Good post, Cindy. Personally I’m fine with the edgy turn some Christian writers have taken in recent years. But I still enjoy the sweeter heart warming variety as well. A book or movie that uses God’s name lightly is always a turn-off. It’s never necessary, even in secular fiction.
My husband and I dated six years. But we started as teenagers, so it was necessary. 🙂 I was a month shy of 16 when we started dating, and I knew before I was 17 that I would marry him. A long dating relationship does not mean the couple doesn’t fall in love quickly.
Author
I love dishing about romance, Andrea, as well as writing it (obviously.)
There are many talented authors who pen “edgy” faith-based romance very tastefully while keeping their stories Christ-centered and God-focused. As you know, the consequences shown must always be a reflection of whatever choices are made. And to show desire in Christian fiction is to indeed address a very real element of the human framework. The level with which this is handled varies from author to author, as well as publishing houses.
And I agree, to hear (or read) our Savior’s name taken in vain is a complete stomach-churner for me, as well.
Thanks so much for visiting!
It’s interesting to read your posts and comments, revealing the fine line you must walk with your writing. I appreciate the effort each of you puts into your work, and trust that much good will come from it. Write on!
Author
Writing, ultimately, for the glory of God, Patti.
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