I was asked some great questions a few months ago and thought I’d share my answers as a blog post.
How can you write a Christian book without preaching?
One piece of advice I would give is to add Christ to your story.
- Are your characters Christians? Then have them grow, and live like ones.
- Do you have unsaved people in your story, share Christ in a simple way with them.
- If there is drama and excitement, make sure authorities are honored and not made fun of.
Even if you are not pushing a salvation message in each story, if your characters are Christians, have them live like ones. That’s the biggest thing. I’ve read so many “Christian” books where the characters never pray about life changing decisions, they don’t read their Bibles. And the only “Christian” part of the book is that they went to church. Or they quoted a Bible verse once. That just makes it sound trite and as though the author added it so they could call it “Christian.”
How do I make a salvation scene feel real?
One thing to keep in mind for any story where a character gets saved, is them.
Keep in mind that there are major differences in how people respond to things.
- A child might hear of Jesus’ love and accept His salvation without question.
- Someone else might hesitate, not believing forgiveness could be theirs.
- Someone else might need it explained in simple terms while others want detailed explanations.
If your MC lost a good father when he was young, he might grasp the idea of God being his Father easier than someone who had a terrible father. But someone who has been put down all their life might have a hard time believing that anyone would love them enough to die for their sins.
And keep it simple. If you have a really long drawn out scene it might turn your readers off a bit. But if you have the MC struggling ahead of time with accepting salvation, when you get to the scene, you won’t need as much time as if it was all happening at once. If he’s going to ask questions, space them out between events. (Give the guy time to think. 😉 )
Have you read “Christian” books that don’t really feel “Christian”? Have you read any that were well written and encouraged you? What advice would you offer about writing Christian Fiction?
Amen, Rebekah! I live this so much! One of the highest complements I ever received was that my books were preachy, while in reality, I probably should have added a little more little details to their Christian walk. What a blessing to have other authors who believe in true Christian content and not just “I go to church” shallowness!
I like the “going to church” parts, but I want something more than that in my Christian fiction. 🙂
Exactly!
I’ve read so many books that feel fake, where the characters’ Christianity is more of an add-on than a central part of their character! BUT the characters in your books (and some others) always feel real. I always walk away encouraged to grow in my faith the way the characters were. For example, the scene in Triple Creek Ranch where Orlena wasn’t making reading her bible a priority, it was affecting her attitude, and her brother had to gently correct her often comes to mind as a warning and encouragement. Thanks for being so careful with that in your books! Also, I just finished Lake Wood and LOVED it!! But please tell me there’s going to be another book?!?!
Yes, let’s have real Christianity and not fake!
I’m glad to hear my stories are an encouragement.
And yes, I am planning on writing at least 2 more Woodbreak books. Be praying for ideas. 😀
I’m so sick of “Christian” books where the only Christian thing is a prayer when they’re in a tight spot. Like, really, y’all. Maybe that’s why you’re in that spot to start with, hm?
Exactly, Katja! And life changing situations are just decided by how you “feel” with no prayer.
Yes! Show not tell!
🙂