Hey guys, this discussion has been on my mind and something I've struggled with myself as I figure out where God is directing me and I think He is changing some of my thoughts on this topic.
This is where I'm at...
One of the things that readers can pick up on, is writing with an agenda. Won't trying so hard to put Christian themes into our stories come across as having an agenda or feel contrived?
In Writing Fiction for Dummies by, "If you build your story to fit your theme, it'll feel artificial. Write a great story first, and trust inner artist to find the deep theme hiding within it. If necessary, you can strengthen your theme during the editing stage." "A novel can persuade some readers if it's also entertaining, but it's most likely to find its main audience among those who already believe and who enjoy having their beliefs reinforced. Nobody ever bought a novel because they wanted to change their economic theories, switch political parties, or convert to a new religion. Nobody."
So…what should we make of that? I am sure there are always exceptions to the "rules" and I know God can use anything to reach people, to minister, teach, etc whatever it is He is doing in our lives.
I echo a lot of what others have posted so I even debated whether I should post or not. I am starting to see the direction of my writing go toward the general market. I've laid this before God because I can't figure this out. It's gotta be a God thing, but I'm not certain enough to say "God has called me"… I need some more confirmations I guess
But I believe that truth transcends religions, philosophies, etc. Whatever our world view is, it will color what we read. When I read Harry Potter, I was amazed at the different ways God spoke to me through it. Little nuggets of truth here and there. Perhaps a bit allegorical, BUT that doesn't mean I'm going to analyze HP and try to force people to see those truths/allegories like many people who have sought out allegories for the Lord of the Rings when JRR Tolkien was against the very idea of writing allegory. When we steep ourselves in Christ and the Word, it seeps out through our actions, words, etc…
Wow, I am trying really hard to write this post (its taking me several days) and I can't quite seem to capture what I'm trying to say…to answer your questions…
I guess to answer the first question, I have to say that for a book to have a good "Christian" themes, it would have to have elements of truth in the soul of the story. A story that illustrates the principles of God and His Word, not necessarily that They have to be in it. But that depends on what market you are writing for.
In my own writing… my first novel stunk to high-heaven of pure allegory. My desire when I set out to write it was that when Christians read it they would be edified. They would see the principles of God at work and be encouraged, have an aha moment. When non-Christians read it, I would hope they would see the principles of God at work and hunger for more of it. (Though, they wouldn't know it was God per se.) unfortunately, I had no clue about the business side of writing. And that I had lost touch with the very people Jesus came to save. Despite the fact that I don't like the whole Christian country club, churchy bubble thing, yet there I was. How can my writing connect with readers when I myself can't connect to them?
Anyways... To answer your second question my plan is to really steep myself in God and His Word. To keep Him first in my life and that He would flow through me and into my writing. And I've seen it happen. I came up with this really cool idea for a story and it concerned me that there was no "Christian" element in the story at all. And then I sat down to write it for Nanowrimo one year and BAM the elements rose up organically from story. That said… I wonder if the elements of God/truth I find in my story would be acceptable in the general market? I guess only time will tell which doors God opens or closes.
The most recent story idea that came to me started with the thought of light into darkness. I was driving home and the radio was announcing a music tour called "Light into Darkness" and BAM an idea came to me and by the time I made it home I had the start for my "Wings of Darkness"… So…I guess…I take whatever I can get for inspiration. That story started with a theme…but I hope the story line won't appear forced like Dummies book said.
So it appears I go back and forth depending on what inspires me…either way…I can't think of what my plan is, because it just comes to me. Which leads me to this idea for a story I have. It's a cozy mystery fantasy, but I'm stuck on it because I can't find a "Christian" theme in it. I have a bunch of books outlined in it, but I'm hesitant to write it because there is no grandiose theme that speaks to me. Perhaps I'll find it. Perhaps it could be just a light-hearted mystery that displays virtue or some other element of truth.
Wow, that was long. I better go now. I think this discussion can help us think through these things and clarify our writing. Thanks!
Happy Writing!