Writing Christian Fiction is a Calling to Touch Lives for Christ

Writing Christian Fiction is a Calling to Touch Lives for Christ

First things first: writing Christian fiction is a calling. We write to touch lives for Christ.

As Christian writers, we don't write merely for fame or fortune -although God may graciously grant us both for His glory and purposes. Beyond this, we have a higher calling: we write to honor God and reveal Him to readers.

Whether we're writing Christian fiction for kids, teens or adults, our audience is our mission field. Many of our readers may not know Jesus as their personal Savior. Others may have misconceptions about God or be far from Him. We are privileged that they have chosen our books and invited us into their hearts for the brief time that they read our stories - for stories are the way to the human heart.

Let us therefore learn our craft well, that we may write with the pen of a skilled writer... that we may touch the hearts of our readers.

Writing Christian Fiction: Want Your Book to be a Bestseller?

Of course you do! Why write for 500 readers when you can touch 5 million for Christ? Why earn $1,000 in royalties when you can have $10 million?

First off, though, let's get this clear: our primary goal in writing Christian fiction is not to publish a bestseller at all cost. Sure, we can employ the "tricks of the trade" to rev up sales - just play up the sex and violence. But we don't want that; there's a better way...

Wait upon the Lord.

Here's how Francine Rivers came to write her bestseller, Redeeming Love: in her Author's Note in the 1997 edition of her book, she recalled how, after her conversion, she started reading her Bible cover to cover. She prayed, she opened her home for a Bible study led by her pastor. Beginning with the Gospels, the study group moved on to the minor prophets, coming eventually to the prophet Hosea.

The Book of Hosea hit her so profoundly she knew this was the love story the Lord wanted her to write - "His story, a deeply moving story of His passionate love for each of us - unconditional, forgiving, unchanging, everlasting, self-sacrificing."

What's the story the Lord wants you to write? Ask Him! It may not come at once; like Ms Rivers, you may have to go through a period of spiritual growth, studying God's Word and spending time with Him. But, rest assured, where God has given you a dream of writing Christian fiction, you will get to write the books you were meant to write.

Recommended Reading:
Write His Answer by Marlene Bagnull