Today, I give you your first Tips and Teaching blog post. Every Tuesday, check back (or better yet, subscribe!) for a great article on writing that will inspire you, teach you, and help you hone your skill. I thought it would be appropriate to start with this article written by Delia Latham, a FaithWriters member and published author, about just what makes Christian fiction, “Christian.”
Writing the Line
by Delia Latham
What makes Christian fiction Christian?
If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d use “relationship.” The major difference in a secular romance and an inspirational one really is that simple: the emotional connection (relationship) between the hero and heroine, and between the characters and God.
Aside from the stringent expectation of quality writing, certain additional standards exist in the world of Christian fiction. A writer hoping to place a manuscript in this market would do well to become familiar with those finely drawn lines and stay well within their borders.
I can point out the right direction. You’ll have to choose the roads.
1. The sensuality meter
I was once challenged by a reader who felt the words “Christian” and “romance” conflicted.
“You cannot write about romance and call it a Christian book,” he stated. “Christians don’t partake in romance, at least not until after they’re married. And no one wants to read about that stuff between a husband and wife. What’s the point?”
How sad, this inability to distinguish between sex and romance!
Let me try to make it easy.
Romance is the wooing of another’s heart and the emotions involved in that courtship.
Sex is the physical consummation of a physical attraction (no relationship necessary).
In a Christian romance, sex is off limits for the unmarried hero/heroine, and takes place behind closed doors for married ones. What’s left? Relationship.
That said, eliminating blatant sexual activity is not the be-all and end-all of an inspirational novel. What is important is the interweaving of the characters’ spiritual journeys into their livesand that includes their romantic overtures.
Physical attraction should be a part of the story, but it will be communicated through emotions instead of hormones. He may notice the way the heroine’s dress accentuates her curves, but he won’t focus on those curves. He’ll be drawn to her sense of humor, her generosity, her sweetness of spirit. Neither is she blind to how he looks in those hip-hugging jeans, or the way his muscles bulge when he ropes that heifer! But her emotional reactions will supersede any physical ones. She’ll be moved by his gentleness with an injured animaltouched by the respectful way he handles an annoying elderly neighbormoved to tears by his love for children.
2. Christian protagonists
A Christian romance will focus on two relationships: the one developing between the hero and heroine, and the one between those characters and Christ. The latter must be clearly defined, either from the start of the story, or by the end of it.
Placing characters inside a church building on Sunday mornings, or having them say grace before a meal does not make a novel inspirational. It is acceptable to start a book with a protagonist who doesn’t know or is estranged from God, but that spiritual rapport will grow and evolve throughout the storyline and must be reconciled by the last page.
3. Dealing with sin
In real life, Christian people live with and among non-Christians. So it is in the pages of a book. Contributing characters may smoke or drink, get pregnant before marriage, have abortions, cheat, steal, lieeven murder. That’s life. These characters’ non-conformity to a godly lifestyle adds color to the storyline.
It is crucial, however, that the main characters either stay on the straight path or find it.
4. Preaching
Ultimate challenge: Do all of the above without turning the story into a sermon. Readers read for entertainment and escape. Any message the author wishes to deliver must be woven seamlessly into the storyline. The reader should not be aware of any spiritual lessonuntil it’s already learned.
What makes Christian fiction Christian? The differences aren’t many, but mighty. I like to think of it as giving my readers a touch of Heaven in an earthly tale.
That’s why I write on this side of the line.
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Delia Latham 
writes inspirational fiction. (Goldeneyes, 3/2008; Yesterday’s Promise, 3/2010; Adam). She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Johnny. www.delialatham.net, http://bookshelfnewsletter.blogspot.com, http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com
Article Source: FaithWriters.com http://www.faithwriters.com and FaithReaders.com http://www.faithreaders.com
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5 Comments until now.
Very good article and maybe that would help a lot of writers. One thought though since the bible is the greatest book ever written, does it not have sin abounding in the lives of most of our heroes and heroines. If we can read what is written about their lives, we should be able to read it in other books. Only Christ was without sin! Just a thought.
So true, Wendell. I always wonder about those who say they don’t want to read anything “edgy” in Christian fiction. The Bible is as edgy as you can get! Every sin is laid out and dealt with – gory details and all.
Very helpful piece. I am a journalist in the military and often write from the perspective of “service before self.” Now, in the Christian fiction world, there are very similar opportunities. Thanks for relaying the basics clearly and with context.
I love the integrity of Christian Romance, and am a huge fan of this genre–even attempting my first CR novel. But, I still think there is more room for the realistic portrayal of today’s world without compromising our values, standards or God’s truths.
Thanks for this–I really LOVE the teaching blogs, and this one was great.
Heather
The stringent rules are becoming less stringent with some publishing houses, which is great because you’re right – sin happens. I think the objection by most Christians is that they don’t want to be subjected to graphic sex, violence, etc., because the Bible instructs us to avoid ALL appearance of evil. Plus, there’s the consideration of what we feed into our minds. So there’s kind of a Catch 22 there, but yes – a little reality is definitely a good thing.