Hello you wonderful people. The Christian writers conference is ever closer. If you have not had the opportunity to check out all the cool details and why I am excited, read this post.
Writing Christian Fiction
As a Christian writer I find that there is a fine, yet most of the time blurry line on what is acceptable. Research online shows that there is no general consensus on what should be or should not be included in Christian fiction. To use an analogy, there are various ballfields that Christian fiction writers like to play in. Some prefer to play it safe and stay in the G rated content field. Others like to dabble in a bit more mystery and darkness. Still yet, there are some who don’t mind writing content that may be considered PG-13 or even Rated-R.
Upon further inspection and reflection, these ratings are considered for variable reasons. For example, Mel Gibson’s the Passion of the Christ was Rated-R. Why? Well, the content was considered violent and not family friendly according to the MPAA. Now consider the Bible, God’s word to the world. There is a lot of content that is not considered G rated. In fact, there is a lot of content that I would explain to my children in more general terms than the raw unfiltered original content; that is, until they reach a certain age and maturity level. Although this is the case, all of Scripture was written for our instruction and through Scripture we might have hope (Romans 15:4).
Writing compelling stories that reach an audience with truth and light is a gift from God. Therefore, I believe that Christian fiction should fall into whichever category of rating the writer feels comfortable with; however, the purpose of it should be to encourage and give hope. Never should darkness of any kind be glorified. Furthermore, there should not be any grotesque violence unless it befits the story to exemplify how the light shines in the darkness (John 1:5).
My Writing
I thoroughly enjoy telling stories. My mind is constantly traveling to various worlds, developing characters with complicated and sometimes traumatic backstories, and creating all manner of fantastical beasts. Why? It seems that God has created me with a slightly creative bent. I mentioned previously that I have been writing since I was very young, though I never pursued it. It is a great passion of mine. I believe that stories matter. For every story there is an audience, and for every audience there is a story. That is why I write
The stories and characters I create are generally suited for mature ratings (i.e., teen, young adult). Primarily because I believe in telling a story that resonates deeply with the reader. Christian or not, every single person has gone/will go through hardship, trauma, pain, love, loss, and experience the darkness that permeates this world. The one thing that everyone is looking for in the solitary moments of life is hope! A light that outshines the darkness, a hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). Those are the kinds of fictional stories I write for the teen and young adult audience.
My first completed manuscript is in the developmental editing process. If you want to learn more about that, read this post (Manuscript Submitted for Beautification). You can also learn more about the characters and their role in the story by checking out their bios on the blog. Now how about those conference details.
The Conference
There are a large swath of classes taking place Saturday and I am looking forward to the many different options. Some class choices are easier to choose from; however, other choices make it much more difficult. As is the custom for conferences, there is more content than time and this requires that class times be double booked. Thus the conference attendee must choose between the options, hence the difficulty.
Overcoming Writers Block & Crafting Compelling Content or Developing Characters that Readers Will Love
This choice is one of the most difficult. However, through the course of my life, I have been told that irrespective of what I write, it is compelling. I have written poems, academic Master’s level papers, sermons, bible studies, youth lessons, and my recent manuscript. Each genre has unique challenges. When I read a story, I find that if I cannot immediately resonate with the character, the story will not likely hold my interest. Despite compelling content, if I am not drawn into the the MC’s plight, I will likely not finish the story.
Therefore, I believe my choice here will be Developing Characters that Readers Love. I also personally feel I am weaker in this area than crafting compelling content. Sigh… If only I could go to both!
Proposal Driven Life or The Basics and Beyond
Which of these two options I will choose, I do not know. I am not sure what each class plans to cover based on title alone. However, I am leaning more toward the Basics and Beyond.
Book Launch Myths or Developing Compelling Scenes
Here I am already more drawn toward Developing Compelling Scenes. Beta readers that have finished my manuscript tell me that they could not stop reading. They said that the way I write urges them forward whether it is a scene in the middle of a chapter or the ending. This is a good thing and I am hoping to continue honing this craft.
Is it Time for an Agent or The Art of Query
As a newbie trying to break out into the publishing world, I have found that both of these phrases induce heart pounding fear. Generally speaking the traditional publisher requires an agent. This person is essentially the one trying to sell your manuscript to publishing houses. Initially, they do offer more than that. They are literary professionals who have a keen eye for compelling content that will attract readers. If, however, the path chosen is self-publishing, and I am firmly convinced it will be, an agent is not necessary. When pursuing self-publishing, the author is the agent, the marketer, the social media presence, and any other required role. This sounds exhausting, but there is a large self-publishing community of fellow writers keen on supporting one another.
Querying is the process by which the author sends a letter to either literary agents, or publishing houses. This letter is the book proposal (think super fancy shiny self-promoting resume for your manuscript). The purpose of a query letter is to receive a request for the full manuscript (indicating interest) from an agent or publishing house. I believe both of these classes would be immensely helpful; however, I am hard pressed between the two. I believe in the stories I write, the purpose they will serve for readers, and can’t wait to share them with the world. But I also struggle with self-promotion and tooting my own proverbial horn. With that understanding, it makes sense to attend a class on how to craft a compelling query letter.
Finding Your Story or Sensitivity & Diversity
Here too am I perplexed on what these two classes will cover. I am immediately leaning toward Finding Your story. No doubt all writers include some remnant of themselves in the story. People they know, have known, or relatives also seem to befit various characters. Life events and various situations fill the pages of lore in fantastical ways. I believe this is likely, to some degree what Finding Your Story will cover.
First Pages or Developing Deep POV
No doubt First Pages will address the need for immediately hooking your reader. That is mere speculation, but it seems a legitimate assumption based on title alone. Developing Deep POV is likely relating to the characters themselves or in some way incorporating the reader into the POV of the story. Then again, it could be about something completely different. I will likely base this choice off of additional information should it become available.
There you have it. Day two of the Christian Writers Conference is packed full of great content. Not only do I have the opportunity to enhance the gift God has given me, but I am looking forward to meeting other like minded Christian writers. If you wish to stay in the loop on my writing journey, you can subscribe to the once a month newsletter on the website. You can also check my socials below and give me a follow, like, or share.
