Since I write heartfelt, homespun, contemporary Christian romance, I often contemplate which content to leave in, what to edit out. I’m deeply aware that my words, my thoughts, and my novels as a whole should always reflect the love of Jesus Christ first and foremost. Any other relationship is secondary.
As a Christian, I’ve made the following commitments: to point others toward Christ, to be an encourager, and to use my writing as a ministry. As a woman, wife, and mother, I want others to see Jesus in me. I want to address the needs, hurts, questions, and considerations that we, as women, wives, and nurturers have. I want to write the stories that God has laid upon my heart–the books that I would be proud to have my mother, my husband, my children, and my friends and family read.
Now, that being said, I may touch upon certain topics from time to time within a Christian context. To write about certain situations outside of a Christian arena serves no purpose. To add titillating details within Christian fiction (specifically Christian romance) is never appropriate.
There are many Christian authors who write what is considered “edgy Christian fiction” and they do so beautifully. How? By staying Christ-centered and God-focused. By staying true to their genre (Christian fiction) and not deviating from the salvation message. By equating mistakes (and sin) with consequences. By sharing the love of Jesus Christ throughout their stories. And by showing God’s impact upon imperfect characters and their lives.
So, how do I choose what to leave in and what to take out (or never include in the first place?) This is my personal “stuck on you” guide:
- “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.”
Just like the eye-appealing taffy in the candy shop, the effect is lost if the treat tastes bitter. Touting a novel as Christian fiction or a Christian romance means nothing if we lose the flavor of Christ somewhere between the pages.
******
Do you think romance portrayed on television and in the movies has a good grasp of the “stuck-on-you” factor? Is there anything you’d do differently?
Comments 8
“I’m just one beggar telling another beggar where I found bread.” Love this quote!
I think one of the challenges we face in writing (and editing) Christian fiction that honors our Savior is showing the ‘why’ of two people falling in love, not just the ‘how.’ I believe God brings people together, and it seems He gives us a desire to have in our spouse what we are lacking (example, my careful, methodical husband and my rushed, clutzy self:).
I love seeing the unique way God fits two very different puzzle pieces (aka, people:) together in a marriage/relationship, and I enjoy reading about that process in Christian fiction. No, love isn’t always logical, but seeing the ‘why’ always makes a story more realistic for me. As writers, we can add a little spark as needed in our stories. 🙂
Great ideas and thoughts, Cynthia. I’m bookmarking this post to reference when I’m editing my WIP (and other WIPs to come, Lord willing:).
Author
Yes, from time to time I find it bears mentioning where I stand on certain issues and what my responsibilities are as a Christian and as a Christian fiction (romance) writer. And as you know, the CBA, ECPA, and individual publishing houses and Christian organizations can provide industry guidelines, as well.
You hit the nails on the heads with your points mentioned.
Jason and I were watching Fast and Furious IV last night. Although it was
well done with great acting and action scenes, it lacked in that it left a
feeling of dissatisfaction. I felt it glorified the criminal. There were “bad”
bad guys, “good” bad guys, and “bad” good guys. In the end, the main
character FBI agent turns outlaw again, and it’s suppose to be a “good”
thing. I didn’t like feeling conflicted rooting for the “bad” guy. “It’s not okay
busting a convicted felon out of custody while in transport to a maximum
security facility!” I wanted to shout to the TV. The glorification of breaking
the law is not a good example for the huge number of teens who are sure
to love the film. Really? Let’s be responsible people! Stepping off soap
box now. 🙂
I’ll also add that we watched the TV version, which I’m sure cut out some
scenes I’d rather not watch anyway. 🙂
Author
I’ve not seen that movie, Tanya, but I would agree that “responsibility” is something that is sorely lacking in television these days. The “no accountability” factor is almost too much to digest sometimes.
I like the pastor’s quote, too. The taffy sure looks yummy, a lovely display. I don’t even want to see what they call romance on tv and in movies. I want a good storyline. I don’t want to see the physical relationship, I want to see the mental part, what’s going on in their minds that makes them who they are, and why they are right for each other. I think too many people have been fed this for so long, they don’t know there’s another side to finding the right person.
Author
Yes, Patti, a tender kiss, an embrace, a softspoken term of endearment can convey a romantic moment moreso than the in-your-face imagery that seems so prevalent.
Author
**I wanted to add that Mike Hyatt has a fantastic video interview today (8/16/11) with Allen Arnold regarding Christian fiction. This interview has a wealth of information for those pursuing publication. Click on the Michael Hyatt link in my Blogroll.