I didn’t start out writing Christian fiction. I actually didn’t even know Christian fiction was a whole genre until 2017 or 2018, when I actively sought out Christian books to read during a difficult time in my life.
Years before I discovered Christian fiction, I got my master’s degree in creative writing. As part of that, I wrote a novel. I didn’t even know how to classify it back then, which is probably why I wasn’t successful in finding an agent or a publisher for it at the time. 🤷♀️ Now, I’d probably call it women’s fiction, although it was a little darker than most of what’s on the market these days.
Anyway, after I started reading Christian fiction, I got the itch to start writing again. And what I wanted to write had changed in the fifteen years since I’d written that first book. I loved the sweetness of the romance in CCR, and because my own spiritual journey is important to me, writing about a character’s spiritual growth really appealed to me.
As an unpublished author, a lot of things scared me about writing in this new-to-me genre, but I believed in my little book and soon found an agent who believed in it, too. She sent it to an editor at Love Inspired who liked it, although she requested A LOT of changes.
One of the things I had to work on as I rewrote the story was striking the right balance with the faith element in the book. I never, ever want a book to come off as “preachy,” but I do want my characters to grow in their relationship with God. I want them to pray, but I don’t want those prayers to overwhelm the plot or sound unnatural to readers who are coming from a wide variety of different churches and denominations. I want them to refer to Biblical truths, but I don’t want to devote entire paragraphs or pages to lines of scripture.
Sometimes even choosing a verse that a character refers to or thinks about in a story is fraught for me. I’m not a pastor or a Biblical scholar, I’ll tell myself. What if the way I’m interpreting this verse is wrong?
I do spend time researching the pieces of scripture that end up in my books to make sure that I’m not wildly off base in how my characters are thinking about them, but for me, it’s still one of the scariest parts of writing CCR.
And those little seeds of doubt about whether or not I’m including the right verses can sometimes morph into bigger bouts of distrust in my ability to write Christian fiction.
The biggest one?
What if I’m not “Christian enough” to be writing this novel?
When that insecurity pops up, I know that I need to ask God for help and trust that He wouldn’t have given me the desire to write these stories if I couldn’t do it in a way that brings Him glory.
Do you like it when authors include prayers and Bible verses in CCR? How much is too much for you? What would make you call a book “too preachy”?
Milla Holt says
Aw, I just want to hug you, Meghann! Your heart shines through, and I’m sure God will continue to use your stories to touch many who need a message of hope.
Renate says
Hi Meghann! This reader, retired teacher and pastor’s wife is often amazed at the insight into scriptures by CCR authors and how seamlessly scripture and prayer is woven into the story with care and compassion. The only time I would call a book “too preachy” is with lengthy portions of scripture or prayers that really do not fit the story or are repetitive. I cringe when a book’s genre is inspiration or CC romance and then the reviews call the book “too preachy.” Often it is obvious the reader did not look at the genre when purchasing the book.
As a retired pastor’s wife, even I do NOT look at scripture the same way my husband, who reads the original languages, does. Our sons are grown and have many a theological discussion with their dad. Write what is in your heart. Often I have found a new way of looking at scripture through the CCR stories I read, especially in Valerie Comer’s CCRs. Happy Writing.
Jennifer Arrington says
For me, the best way not to sound “too preachy” is to give the manuscript to a wide variety of readers. I had eight beta readers for The Counting Tree, and if any of them hinted that something sounded “too preachy,” I went back to that section and tried to view it as a reader. Inevitably, those sections got removed or reworked.
It’s definitely a balance! Sounds like you are sensitive to your readers, and I’m sure that comes through in your writing. Good for you, and may God bless your writing:)
Trudy says
Honestly, I’ve read stories that don’t have enough of the faith element for me, and I’ve read some that had way more but didn’t seem “too much” because of the way the book was written. I’ve read some that I’m sure others would have thought “too preachy” but for me was just right. I’m thinking it’s totally subjective, to be honest! I think it depends on the reader’s walk with God and if you’re stepping on toes! I like having Bible passages sprinkled throughout, and I don’t even mind snippets of sermons when they’re at church! Valerie Bodden is great at doing this!! What I find “out of place” or “preachy” is when it seems like it’s added as an afterthought, but as long as it flows with the story line, I’m all in!!! And, I have to say, I’ve LOVED your books, and I really need your next one!!
Dianne K says
For me removing choice can make sections of a book too preachy. I think that it can be used either way to complement the story. God gave us free will and we are all different so for me it is part of the character rather than too much or too little preachy.
Meghann Whistler says
Thank you so much, Milla 💕 Hugs right back at you!
Meghann Whistler says
I’m so glad to hear that, Renate! I often find that the verses I use in my books are actually ones that I need to meditate on for some reason during that time in my life, and I always hope that other people glean some inspiration from them, too. :)
Meghann Whistler says
Wow, eight beta readers! That’s an awesome team, Jennifer!
Meghann Whistler says
Thank you, Trudy! That’s good to hear, and I agree that it’s very subjective!!!
I just got the release date for my next book from Love Inspired: July 23, 2024. I might be able to squeeze in an indie release before then, but no guarantees… ;)
Meghann Whistler says
That’s a great point, Dianne — I’m very much a character-driven writer, so that makes sense!
Regina Rudd Merrick says
I feel your pain, Meghann, and as others have said, I don’t think there’s a magic or “extra ordained” way to write a faith element in fiction. I like to see the Christian element as simply part of the character’s life. My characters tend to be like me, for whom being a Christian is simply who they are, and that means they’re not theologians, they pray and study the Bible, they think of scripture at odd times, and a word from God can change their lives!
Meghann Whistler says
I love that, Regina! And I like books like that, too — where the faith element has a real-life feel to it. 😊
RuthieH says
I’ve been a romance reader since my teens, but while I always chose sweet romance and enjoyed stories which had elements of faith or characters who were Christian, I also didn’t realise CCR even existed until a couple of years ago!
I really like books which include some scripture or even as others have said part of a sermon a character hears or a devotional they read, or a discussion of their faith with another character. I think it all comes down to character – where characters are well written and their relationship with God is, as it should be, a fundamental part of their life, all these elements of their faith seem natural and not preachy at all.
I think you do this really well – in books of yours I’ve read, the characters are realistic and well written, so nothing feels contrived or added on just to tick a box for Christian romance, it just flows naturally.
Lincoln says
Hi, Meghann! Thank you so much for sharing this post. It really touches my heart. I agree that there is a lot of subjectivity where this question is concerned. However, for those who are believers (meaning no inherent objection to scripture or characters who take a relationship with God seriously), I’m with Trudy in saying that whatever fits your characters is fine. Dittos on the Valerie Bodden recommendation, too!
Perhaps you are familiar with Ted Dekker. He has written quite a few thrillers with strong Christian themes. He says that his “secret weapon” in creating a captivating story is to base the main character’s struggle on things that he is wrestling with in his own spiritual walk. Sounds like just another example of write-what-you-know.
I have read all three of the books that you have available on Amazon and have loved every one. So, whatever you are doing, keep doing it. :-)
From a writer’s perspective, a spiritual character arc is no different than any other arc. Does the character’s spiritual state improve? How and why? Does it deteriorate? How does this impact other relationships? Does the change create conflict with other characters? Why and how?
I think the world wants to say that God and His redemption in Christ is some awkward “other” thing. I think that being a believer in the God of the Bible simply means that we are able to go everywhere that God leads us: struggles, pain, accountability, hope, all of it. So tell your stories that way. All the conflicts are allowed. God can handle being yelled at and doubted. He can also prove Himself to be unendingly faithful and infinitely creative. Perhaps all the more creative because He can show His power all the more when He is subtle. Like the old saying goes: “God is never late, but rarely early.”
The hard part to me is having God be a character in your story. “Deus ex machina” is hard to avoid when Deus Himself is involved. It’s also important not to put ideas and words in God’s mouth unless they came from there in the first place. It’s not impossible, though. God communicates with us in His Word, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit and through the confirmation of other believers. Discovering the convergence of those three makes for a good arc. Conflict can arise when one or more of those is missing. There’s plenty of gentle subtlety available following that path.
My two cents? You rock the author gig! :-D
Debra Pruss says
I have to say, I have never read a book that was too preachy in CCR. It has always had the right balance. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Trudy says
Oh, please try!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meghann Whistler says
Thank you, Ruthie — I’m glad the faith element in my books seemed smooth and natural to you!
Meghann Whistler says
Aw, thanks so much, Lincoln! I appreciate your support! 😊
I love this: “He can show His power all the more when He is subtle.” So true — in fiction and in life!!!!
Meghann Whistler says
That’s so good to hear, Debra! I’m glad you’ve been finding exactly what you need from the books you read :)
Meghann Whistler says
🤣🤣🤣
I will! The kiddos get in the way sometimes, but I am trying!!!
Margaret Bunce says
I read a story once, many moons ago, that had at least 3 consecutive pages of sermonising…..I felt that was off putting for most readers.
Current CCR authors tend to be more balanced. I must admit I prefer too much faith rather than not enough!!
Keep doing what you’re doing, and if someone complains, maybe they should be looking at themselves….??
Meghann Whistler says
Good to know that you prefer more to less, Margaret! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!!
Ausjenny says
I am so late. I am currently reading a book thats CCR but more world view. It is just a good read without being preachy and anyone could read it. I am loving it even without a Christian message as such cos sometimes I just want a nice clean read with nothing nasty in it. (Some people would disagree but I read for enjoyment). Also right now I have been so tired reading is hard so a book without angst and being heavy is perfect
For me I struggle with some of the real preachy books where there are pages of sermons. I find when the author puts sermons that pull you out of the story I get frustrated and will often just skim. I prefer when the author has a small bullet point that the sermon was about that touches the people. its more real. I don’t mind a verse at the top of chapters. Prayers are nice if its appropriate. If they are there to just make it a ccr then its not needed.
Meghann Whistler says
I also enjoy clean books, Jenny. It’s good to know that you skim over long sermons in your fiction — that’s one thing my editor at Love Inspired has encouraged me to trim back in the past. :)