After deciding that you want to be an author, you must also choose a writing niche, although it is possible to write books in multiple genres. You’ve probably noticed, however, that most best-selling or prolific authors typically home in on sci-fi, romance, historical fiction, thrillers, mystery or other categories. Christian fiction is currently a booming genre trend; what do novels in this category have in common, and are you ready to try your hand at writing one?
Fiction is imaginative writing, meaning that authors create stories. While some fiction stories are based on real people or events, an author does not intend to present a novel as fact. Christian fiction typically features characters, plots or issues regarding the ideologies, customs and emotions or thought processes common among those who profess that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World.
Christian fiction crosses over into other categories
Becoming a Christian fiction author isn’t necessarily separate from the genres mentioned at the start of this post. You can write a Christian novel that is also science-fiction or a murder mystery or romance. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous “Lord of the Rings” trilogy is, at the same time, fantasy and Christian fiction. Janette Oke’s “Love Comes Softly” series qualify as Christian fiction, as well as romance novels.
What you won’t (or shouldn’t) find in a novel based on Christian themes
Christian fiction authors typically avoid profanity, vulgarity, excessive gore or sexual themes in their novels. This doesn’t mean you can’t write a story in this genre that includes violence or sex; however, the presentation of such topics should align with Christian beliefs. Actions that the average Christian would consider sinful or malicious should not be glorified or presented as desirable behavior in a novel based on Christian themes.
Perhaps you’ll earn a Christy Award
The Christy Awards, which were first offered in 1999, recognize writing excellence in the Christian fiction genre. As of 2017, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association became the presenters of the awards in nine or more categories each year. Several years ago, a new award entitled, the “Own Voice Award,” was added to the list of Christy Awards. This accolade is presented to authors who create stories based on their own personal experiences as “people of color.”
Christianity includes various denominations
While Christians share a common belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior, there are numerous denominations within the Christian faith. One or more of these may influence a particular novel. The main denominations of Christianity include Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy. If you want to publish a novel in the Christian fiction genre, it’s wise to submit your manuscript to a publishing venue that focuses on this type of reading entertainment.