When you settle into your favorite spot to read a new book, what genre do you prefer? Are you a sucker for a great mystery? Are thrillers that make your heart skip a beat more your style? Or do you like the easy-going feel of a gentle historical fiction novel? The most popular Christian fiction writers often cover all these bases.
From classic literature to contemporary masterpieces, there are no shortage of options in the Christian fiction space. If you’ve been dreaming of becoming an author, this genre might have room for you. Whether you’ve got a great romance story swirling around in your brain or a suspenseful tale or dramatic saga, the easiest way to discover if there’s an audience for your work is to submit a manuscript to a publishing company that focuses on this type of book. If you’re trying to discern whether Christian fiction writing is for you, it might be helpful to read a variety of books by some of the industry’s most popular authors.
C.S. Lewis is one of the most famous Christian fiction writers of all time
No Christian fiction library would be complete without the works of C.S. Lewis. From the ever-popular Narnia series to titles like “The Screwtape Letters,” “The Great Divorce” and “The Four Loves,” Lewis is known for his ability to write elegant stories that captivate and engage his readers from start to finish.
The following list shows several more of the world’s most popular Christian fiction writers:
- Shelley Shephard Gray
- J.R.R. Tolkien
- Janette Oke
- Jan Karon
- T.K. Chapin
Each of these authors have climbed to the top rungs of the popularity ladder among readers who enjoy Christian fiction. Shephard Gray is best known for her tales of family, faith, every joy and strife in fictional Amish communities. Tolkien, of course, took the world of avid fiction readers by storm with his “Lord of the Rings” series, as well as “The Hobbit,” and many others. Oke’s stories typically take place out west in the pioneer days, while Chapin is known for writing stories that inspire and encourage both men and women alike in their personal faith journeys. Finally, Jan Karon captured the hearts of millions with her make-believe town of Mitford the everyday adventures of Episcopal priest, Father Tim and his pals.
What are the key features of a great Christian novel?
Sometimes, what categorizes a great Christian work of fiction is not what a book contains but what it’s missing. For example, the most popular Christian fiction writers do not include profanity or pornography in their stories. The best-selling novels in this genre usually feature good morals (even if there is immorality in a story, the focus is on strength of character and integrity), importance of kindness, trust in God, and other attributes of Christianity. What are some of your favorite stories in this category?
