The Christian writer has to be careful when creating a fictional work of art. Critics of Christian novels are not only looking at grammar, style and continuity. They are looking for holes in the theology. The critic will read a Christian novel with a preconceived idea that it is ‘preachy’ or, in their eyes, wrong.
Learning how to write a Christian novel that is secure in its theology and solid in its story, not to mention well-written, easily read and entertaining, is not an easy task. There are many rules to writing novels that a new writer must follow, however, there are more for those who feel a calling to write for God. These rules are to keep the writer from being thrashed by critics who set out to debunk the theology, not necessarily the story.
What is Fictional Truth
Fictional means the story is a lie, however, Christian themes in novels must have truth behind them to make the story hold water, just as any fictional story must be based on some type of reality. The sci-fi novel, though set on a planet of make-believe, must have aspects anchored in reality to make the story believable, such as humans have specific body types and need air to breathe.
- Quoting – The Christian novel must follow the most mighty of instruction manuals, the Bible. When quoting the Bible, the quote must be impregnable. The use of the Christian theology must be defendable. Stating, “It’s my opinion,” will not suffice against an atheist with a love of debate and an agenda to discredit God. It is best to never paraphrase the scriptures when quoting verses.
- Characterization – Creating people out of the nothingness of a white piece of paper is difficult. Add the fact that the Christian writer is trying to create a flawed, but redeemable character that must tell a story of being spiritually lost and then found by the Savior, without making the character seem hokey or too perfect and sounding preachy. The result is an almost impossible task. To keep the critics at bay, make sure the main character’s flaws are not too much, too subtle, or too fake. The problems the character must conquer with the helping hand of God must be problems the average reader may face, even if it is a supernatural novel. Marital issues that are not out of character, thoughts of suicide due to a tumultuous past, or even seeking a job in a small town, are realistic problems to give a character, build a believable story, and redeem the character once he or she has given his or her life to God.
- Details – The small details of a story are what make the story feel real. This rule is true in all writing and not special for any one type. Details carry a story. If the main characters are traveling to Jerusalem, the reader must know how they are getting there. They need to know why and when, such as night or day, winter or summer. They need to know where in Jerusalem they need to go and what type of vehicle, train, plane, motorcar, bicycle or donkey, is taking them to their destination. The story would not be believable or interesting if the reader does not know these small but important details.
- Research – Always research any detail or truth in the novel. In a Christian novel, this is especially important to protect the novel and novelist from attacks from non-believers. The Internet is not the best place to find information unless it is possible find multiple sources that speak of the same subject with the same information. Always cite the sources, even in a fictional novel, to prove the validity of the point or truth.
Once the entire story has been written, the truthful content tips have been followed, and the novel has been edited, set it aside for a month. Read a dozen books not about God or Christianity. Clear the mind of anything that might connect to the novel. Then, reread the novel as a reader might. Details, truths, and problematic errors will become apparent with a clean eye. Always have a trusted friend read the novel to fact check, continuity check and check the level of entertainment.
A. L. Fetherlin - Author of "Brynn, the Exorcist" and former day care teacher who uses her home as an experiment in woodworking and building projects.
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