If you’re hoping to become a fiction novelist and are wondering which genre is popular among readers today, there’s one that stands out. In fact, many analysts say it’s more than a genre; it’s a movement. We’re talking about the Christian romance niche. It’s booming.
Writing Christian romance novels is (or, at least, should be) different than the typical secular “love stories” available online or in bookstores. Christian-based novels provide a more chaste version of romantic interludes. Janette Oke and Catherine Marshall are two pioneers of the Christian romance genre. Oke’s “Love Comes Softly” series and Marshall’s “Christy” novels have provided readers with faith-filled alternatives to the over-sexualized versions of romance novels throughout the past several decades.
Christian romance novels do more than entertain
A primary goal of any fiction author is to entertain readers. However, since world events have been wrought with turbulence, unrest, political controversy and violence in recent years, readers are yearning for more than mere entertainment. They’re looking for hope and inspiration. These key elements are largely responsible for the increased popularity of Christian romance novels.
Readers are interested in stories that restore hope, identify a strong moral compass and provide a sense of emotional depth and meaning in life. While the stories themselves may be fictional, readers walk away feeling rejuvenated in their faith and in their daily lives.
There doesn’t always have to be a happy ending
Regardless of genre, authors who are serious about their craft understand that their stories must be relatable and believable. Christian romance novelists must avoid the temptation to make their characters too pristine or to always have perfect outcomes. Life is not perfect, even for Christians. Therefore, writing a Christian romance novel doesn’t necessarily mean there has to be a happy ending.
Such stories are most popular when they resonate with readers because they are realistic. When characters struggle, either in their personal life, career or faith, readers can relate. Writing a best-seller doesn’t mean there can’t be any sorrow or discord or, even danger or violence in a story. Keeping the key elements of hope and inspiration in mind provides the framework you can build from to craft Christian romance stories.
Readers are searching for romance
Market analyses show that readers actively search for clean romance fiction. Online platforms, such as Amazon or Goodreads show just how popular Christian romance novels are in today’s fiction industry. Many novels have been adapted to movie versions on channels like Hallmark and Amazon Prime.
Several Christian authors have stated that writing Christian romance novels enables them to share their faith with the world. Many of them also say that they feel God has called them to use their writing talents to uplift and inspire others. If you think this genre is a good fit for you as an author, you might want to give it a try.
