I often think of what a privilege it is to be able to create stories for a living. The word fiction, according to Merriam Webster, means “something invented by the imagination”. So, as an author, I literally make money by making stuff up. Sounds cool, right? LOL.
It is cool! Writing is a huge blessing for me. That said, there’s also a flip side to writing (as there usually is to many things in life). Writing is also a big responsibility, especially as an author of Christian fiction.
I’ve been thinking about this topic lately. I write both Christian romance and clean & wholesome romance, and while I enjoy both, I definitely feel more pressure when writing the former. Why? Mainly because I take this opportunity that God has given me seriously.
There’s an extra burden to “get it right” with my Christian stories. Not only plot-wise or grammatically—which are important of course—but more importantly, theologically. I don’t ever want to portray the Lord or the gospel incorrectly. This is even more important when I consider there are non-Christians who read my Christian books, a thought that is both awesome and nerve-wracking!
So, how do I know if I’m “getting it right”? There’s the personal, behind-the-scenes part of writing, where I need to make sure my heart is right and that my understanding of the gospel is accurate. What goes on in my relationship with God certainly translates into the Biblical truths that come out in my stories. The rest though? I have to leave it in God’s hands and continue growing in my Christian walk, so I can continue to write stories that honor Him and edify my readers.
I have a question now for you, dear readers of Christian romance! How much do you look for Biblical truths in a Christian romance? What are some signs for you when a Christian author “gets it right”?
Please answer in the comments below! I look forward to reading your answers.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
Tough question. I know of many non Christians who read Christian fiction because its a clean read and ironically I many of these readers (who read from our church library) don’t mind if the books are a little preachy because they say its a Christian book and should have Christian themes. Where as some Christian readers complain if books have a strong Christian message which I find interesting.
I don’t like to see issues dealt with in a to easy manner. Like the author gives a quick fix for an Christian issue that takes time. Like hero/heroine is a non Christian and goes to church for the first time and then becomes a Christian. while I know the first time can plant the seeds it did for mum but it wasn’t an instant conversion. But when an author plants seeds and the character is searching and questioning then its more real. With mum she felt the peace but thought cos everyone knew she was the daughter of a race horse trainer she thought others wouldn’t accept her and that she couldn’t be a Christian living in that lifestyle. It took the right sermon to convince her she could. I know books have a limited time but when done right the timing feels right.
Happy Monday Liwen!
What a thought provoking question! My pet peeve for Christian fiction (romance or mystery) is when the characters practice Christianity light. Only reason the reader knows the characters are Christian is because they attend church and pray before meals. No personal struggle with their Christian walk or contemplating Biblical truths. As a retired pastor’s wife, I don’t read fiction for Biblical truths; but enjoying being surprised by an author who reveals a new perspective on a Biblical principle through their characters’ Christian walk and its struggles. As a reader of Inspy Romance, Valerie Comer and Marion Ueckermann in several of their books have given this reader a unique perspective to ponder. When I pause to ponder a Biblical truth, the Christian author “got it right”! Happy Writing. Enjoy your week.
I know that an author has got it right when I feel like they have. Issues are not forced, no startling truth.
I am really glad to hear how serious you take with this subject. I usually get a check in my Spirit if somethings seems like it does not line up with the Bible. Do you pray a lot while writing? My husband who has a motorcycle ministry always says we need to “pray up” before going on a ride or doing ministry. Thanks for your wonderful books.
I know the author has gotten it right when I feel a stirring in my heart that tells me so. I don’t enjoy easy answered ones but more realistic approaches as otherwise a non Christian reading it may think God works like a magic genie and you get what you want right then.
I enjoy different authors view on Bible verses and life. Sometimes it gives me a new way to look at something. I think most of the time they get it right. Occasionally I disagree but I still enjoy the story
I like to learn others perspectives on things, and to me an author has it right when the characters really get what repentance is, when they get what forgiveness is, or whatever else the author may have in the book, that resonates with me. Like repentance is not just saying you’re sorry you did something before, it’s totally turning away from what that something was, and knowing that it was something God wouldn’t have wanted them to do, and they don’t keep doing it. Also, when everything isn’t “perfect” just because they’re Christians, because our lives aren’t “perfect” here on earth.
For me I think the most important thing in reading Christian fiction is that the author doesn’t deviate from or add to God’s Word. I like CF that subtly and organically weaves the faith element into the story, usually because its such a part of one of the characters lives, that you don’t feel like you’re being preached at. Then as I read it makes me think about it and I can then go deeper into the Word myself if there’s something I need to understand better. Hope that makes sense.
Hi Ausjenny! I appreciate hearing your thoughts. I definitely agree that Christian fiction should be as realistic as possible in terms of the issues that characters deal with. An easy fix isn’t believable or satisfying. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Hi Renate! Well said. :) I do appreciate Christian fiction that makes me ponder, too. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Hi Mary! It sounds like you appreciate it when a story feels natural and realistic? That seems to be the same for several other readers here as well. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Hi Gina! How cool that your husband has a motorcycle ministry! Yes, I do pray while writing, but that is a good reminder that I can always pray more. :) Thanks so much for reading my books and for commenting!
Hi Lucy! Good point. You echo the same thought that others have brought up. Christians struggle as well, so it’s important for Christian books to be realistic. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Hi Diana! Yes, the cool part about Christian fiction is that it can be both entertaining and enlightening. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Hi Trudy! Yep, totally agree. Christian fiction is so much more authentic (and entertaining) when the characters have flaws and struggles, too. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Hi Megan! Yes, that totally makes sense. I love how you put it – subtly and organically. I’m going to remember that from now on when I write CF. :) Thank you for reading and commenting!
I definitely look for theological accuracy. I appreciate it when an author can give us both sides of the issue, but I want to know which side the author lands on. I personally love it if they can include a Bible verse (or several) that lets me know where they got it from, though I realize that can bog down the story sometimes.
As long as it doesn’t contradict the Bible, I’m good.
So far, I’ve read only one story that “threw me off” completely – it was like a new teaching….very disappointing :( (not your story) :)
Hi! I’ve read a few stories by a Christian author that upset me enough I was writing notes in the margins refuting what was written :-) There are some others I read that you’d never know the characters were believers because there was no evidence of a daily walk with the Lord or that they turned to Him in prayer when in need, etc. As mentioned above by others, I like CF books in which the character’s faith just flows naturally from how they live and act, and their attitudes. I’ve appreciated your books, and I think you’re doing it right!
Hi Lila! You bring up a good point, of having both sides of an issue presented. That’s very realistic in terms of us as Christians being able to think critically and to also see the issue through the lens of the Bible. Great thoughts. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Natalya! Whew, that’s a relief to hear. :) Yes, we definitely don’t want to write anything that contradicts the Bible. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I like it especially if they don’t go against Bible truths. I love reading stories where characters trust God with all their heart and I like the stories where book characters get to know and trust God .
Hi Margaret! Oh my, it sounds like those were intense reading sessions. Lol. I’m so glad to hear you think I’m doing it right. If I ever don’t, please let me know (or you can send me your margin notes)! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Alicia! Yes, I definitely feel the same! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Even within different denominations, there are some subtle differences of interpretation of gospel. I enjoy reading and knowing the spirit of the gospel is portrayed accurately. I don’t need to be preached to, I want to enjoy what I’m reading.
I agree with another commentator here, that a Christian book is about much more than attending church and saying grace!! I actually love the realistic Biblical / devotional content in true CCF, and it resonates with me. Quite often an issue in a book will highlight a current personal situation too, blessing me with its outcome.
I look for wholesome romance. There are limits in their relationship. The relationship is based on friendship and love.
I found myself drawn to Christian romance for several reasons. A big one was the happy ending, an emotional sense of well-being. Another draw was seeing the characters live out or learn about a genuine, mature relationship with God. I balk at church scenes that are just a chance to act like a Christian teaching book. Show, don’t tell! That doesn’t mean scripture has no place, but it does mean that I want to see it through the eyes of one or more of the characters. Of course, I want the Christian truths presented to be orthodox and Biblically based. However, I don’t turn to romances for in-depth studies of theology. They are a nice place to see the outworking of a relationship with God, though.
First of all Liwen, I JUST got done reading your story “One Vow for September”, part of the Save the Date novella collection and I have one word to describe it (well many, but this sums it up for me):
REFRESHING!
Why do I say that? Because I read Christian fiction exclusively and while some authors put more “spiritual” or a stronger faith thread than others, yours felt natural to the characters and to the story in general. It never felt like you “forced” your characters to be or act like Christians, it was just a natural extension of who they were (flaws and all). I think that made your story more enjoyable and I connected with September & Tristian because of it. Now I’m not saying other authors don’t get it “just right” because the vast majority do! But I have also read CF books where the faith thread feels “forced” or maybe the characters go to church once or twice or maybe pray, but their life doesn’t mesh with living out a life for God (in actions or words or lifestyle). Does that make sense? My faith is an integral part of my life and who I am as a person, and while I won’t get it right all the time (I fight the flesh way too much), I pray that my life still reflects Christ’s work in me. That someone can watch me and know that I am a Christian in spite of messing up at times. So I expect the characters I meet in a book to be the same. I want to see them living out a life that reflects Christ’s grace, mercy, love & be redeemable (or changed) at the end.
I’m so happy to know that you want your work to reflect God & that you want to make sure you have a good understanding of God’s word. I think that it shows in your stories…or any other author wanting to write Christian fiction! I can tell and I think others will be able to as well :-)
By the way, you’ve made a new reader fan in me! I am definitely going to be reading more of your stories. THANK you for being authentic, genuine, and showing gospel truth nuggets in your work. That means the world to me as a reader!
Hi Denise! Good point. Your comment reminds me of what Megan commented above about the faith element being subtle and organic. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Margaret! Isn’t that cool when we see similarities between fiction and real life? Yes, I definitely enjoy realistic CCF, too. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Debra! It sounds like you appreciate the emotional connection of a romance, which is definitely important in fiction and in real life, too. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Lincoln! Thanks for weighing in on this. You make a good point about seeing the “outworking of a relationship with God” in Christian romance. I do appreciate that as well, especially when it’s a realistic and authentic portrayal. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Trixi! Aww, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! They gave me chills – in a good way. :) I love what you said about seeing characters “living out a life that reflects Christ’s grace, mercy, love & be redeemable (or changed) at the end”. That’s definitely the message I want to get across in my stories. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Hi Liwen!
Funny thing this should be the theme for your post/question. This month, I read a “Christian” book by an LDS author and was left thinking along the lines of what you mentioned in your post, that she hadn’t gotten the Christian part “right”. Afterwards, I got to read a book by one of this blog’s authors and was like, yep, she definitely got it.
So, to answer your question, I’d say it’s the “effortless” or natural way the gospel or (true) Christian living is weaved into the story and presented in a book, be it through the lives of Christian characters or nonbelievers who come to Christ. I especially love the imperfect characters who struggle with certain issues in their faith, because, at the end of the day, don’t we all? So, yeah, they make a Christian book that much more believable and relatable.
With all of that said, I wanted to say a special *thank you* to all of you, wonderful Christian Fiction authors, for providing us with quality books (especially faith-wise ;) ).
Hear, hear!
Hi Priscila! Aww, thank you so much for your encouragement! I know all the InspyRomance authors value your support, as well as the support of all the folks who follow this blog. I’ve said this before—we have the best readers!
And I totally agree with your assessment. Believable and relatable characters make for the best stories, especially in Christian fiction. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Thank you for your continued support, Lincoln!
Biblical truth in important and due to the multiple denominations there are different interpretations of them. So, If I feel like if they are aligning with what I believe it is then the author has it right.
Currently, I read CR (clean romance) and now to a lesser extent Christian Clean Romance (CCR) due to the the fact that many CCR that are available are unrealistic in my world. They lack the story lines that people outside of a small town and with a different culture would deal with.
Hi Yjen! CR is great—there’s a wide variety of stories and characters. I would say that CCR has been expanding as well since I first learned of it a few decades ago. Are there specific settings and/or cultures you would like to read about in CCR? I’d be happy to look for some recommendations for you!
Oh, I just remembered that the InspyChats podcast talked about international settings last week. Here’s the link if you’d like to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4rdELZzld0.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!