The writing world is expanding every day. Publishing houses may have slowed during recent years but continue to acquire new stories and authors. Access to Christian fiction is easier now than in the past. From audiobooks to devices to print copies, Christian fiction is readily available and offers a variety of messages.
Some think Christian fiction began in the 1970s when that marketing category was created in Christian bookstores. In fact, Christians have integrated their faith into stories for centuries. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan was written in 1678. Bunyan was a Puritan preacher who was arrested and imprisoned for illegal preaching. He wrote fiction and nonfiction.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Pierre Bamin
What Is Christian Fiction and What Does Christian Fiction Include?
Christian fiction weaves a Christian view into the story. Sometimes, a faith element is displayed throughout the book, while other stories have a low-key approach to sharing the message.
Christian fiction includes inspirational romance, historical, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and more. Some authors stick to one genre, while others write in several areas of Christian fiction. Also, some authors write nonfiction and fiction.
So, who are some notable Christian fiction authors you should be exploring right now?
Further Reading: 50 Christian Authors You Should Know
Photo Credit: Chris Bair/Unsplash
Christian Fiction Authors Who Write Romance
Perhaps you have heard of the best-selling authors Janette Oke and Beverly Lewis. Other writers such as Toni Shiloh, Jill Kemerer, June Foster, and Carrie Fancett Pagels are award-winning Christian fiction authors who also write romance. A Christian romance does not have to include sexual scenes or curse words. The message is given through the story and the characters.
Author Toni Shiloh lives with her family in Virginia. She calls her stories “soulfully romantic.” While serving in the United States Air Force, she met her husband. They are the proud parents of two boys. Writing books with hope, love, and faith, Toni includes characters of different ethnicities and backgrounds. In An Unlikely Proposal, the test of friendship and faith may bring people closer together.
Carrie Fancett Pagels is not only a writer of Christian fiction. She worked as a psychologist for 25 years. Although she and her husband live in Virginia, they enjoy visiting the Straits of Mackinac, which has inspired her stories greatly. Her most recent release is Lilac Cottage.
Further Reading: 6 Christian Romance Reads for Valentine's Day
Christian Fiction Authors Who Write Thrillers
When you think of Christian fiction, does the phrase “supernatural thrillers” come to mind? A Christian fiction supernatural thriller generally considers the battle between good and evil, dealing with themes like spiritual warfare.
Author Frank E. Peretti is a best-selling Christian fiction author generally described as the creator of the Christian supernatural thriller genre. His first book, This Present Darkness, deals with spiritual warfare and prayer.
Some writers write thrillers that deal with Christian themes without featuring angels and demons fighting. Author Hope Bolinger writes in different genres, including romance and fantasy. As Managing & Acquisitions Editor at End Game Press, she continues her writing career and encourages other writers. Blaze, the first book in her Blaze Trilogy, retells the story of Daniel as a tale of dealing with adversity and bullying.
Further Reading: 10 Exciting Christian Suspense Authors You Should Know
Photo Credit: Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash
Christian Fiction Authors Who Write Mysteries
Mystery novels offer the opportunity to delve into the story and wonder what will happen next. Perhaps you have read a mystery that kept you awake at night. Perhaps there was a story that you couldn’t stop reading until the end. Christian fiction authors who write mysteries incorporate faith in the story while keeping the reader wondering.
According to her website, DiAnn Mills always dreamed of becoming a writer. She writes stories filled with action and suspense. DiAnn encourages writers to use the gifts and talents God has provided. In her recent release, Facing the Enemy, an agent with the FBI learns that her own life is in danger. DiAnn also enjoys sharing her writing with book clubs. She also guides other writers to learn about the writing process.
Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She writes romantic suspense, cold case thrillers, and small-town romance, each including faith elements. Jessica writes devotions and nonfiction, too. One of her passions is speaking to women’s groups and sharing her love for God. In Her Darkest Secret, a serial killer returns, and a goose feather plays a vital role in finding the guilty person.
Further Reading: 10 Inspiring Christian Mystery Authors You Should Know
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/bee32
Christian Fiction Authors Who Write Historical Fiction
Historical fiction takes the reader back to a different time and way of life. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the genre as “a novel having as its setting a period of history and usually introducing some historical personages and events.” The story may take place in the distant or recent past, but it shows readers another time’s clothing, customs, manners, and landscape.
Francine Rivers, a born-again Christian, invented the modern Christian historical romance when she wrote Redeeming Love in the 1970s as her statement of faith. The book is a retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea. Rivers hopes to share how God has impacted her life.
Melanie Dobson writes historical and time-slip fiction. She teaches at conferences for writers and serves as an adjunct professor. Melanie earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University. She has worked at Focus on the Family. In her award-winning book, Memories of Glass, Melanie shares about the 1942 war in Holland and how people were affected then and now.
Further Reading: 5 Christian Historical Fiction Reads for This Autumn
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/yigitdenizozdemir
Christian Fiction Authors Who Write Fantasy
You may have wondered how the words fantasy and Christian fiction could fit together. However, many authors have written fantasy stories containing Christian themes and biblical values, from Robert Siegel to Madeleine L’Engle.
In Blaggard’s Moon, author George Bryan Polivka shares a story involving pirates and recognizing God’s grace in life. Born in 1957, Polivka is an American writer, producer, and author. His works include The Trophy Chase trilogy. He was a 2009 finalist for the Christy Visionary Awards.
Author M.H. Elrich has written Beginnings: A Christian Fantasy Short Story Collection. This group of stories incorporates wild creatures who have to be tamed. Elrich is an author, teacher, and reader. Her stories and devotionals have been featured in various publications.
Further Reading: 10 Christian Fantasy Stories for Kids and Adults
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Yuri_Arcurs
How Do Christian Fiction Authors Share Their Stories?
Authors have different ways to promote their writing. From agents to self-publishing, authors use marketing techniques to share their stories. Speaking engagements, book signings, and vendor events are a few ways their creativity is shared with the world.
Most marketing for any genre becomes the author’s responsibility. Some publishers help with marketing, and others require the author to handle that area in the publishing process. Bookmarks, coffee mugs, freebies on the author’s website, and other things may be offered.
Launch teams are another way for authors to have people read and promote their books.
Some writers share their writing journey on social media or their websites as a story develops. Keeping the readers involved in the process may help readers develop a connection to the author’s work.
Further Reading: 10 Books Christians Need to Know About
How Can You Connect with Other Christian Writers?
Writers strive to perfect their work by attending conferences in person and online. Connecting with other writers in a group setting, such as Word Weavers and American Christian Fiction Writers, can be valuable for learning and sharing. Each year, numerous meetings of aspiring and seasoned authors gather to discuss the process of writing and editing. Ideas are exchanged. Inspiration, encouragement, and sometimes writing opportunities are shared in these Christian groups.
Time varies from the conception of a story to writing to publication. Each step is a process and takes the writer’s patience and perseverance. Christian fiction authors encourage each other and give glory to God.
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:12 NIV)
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
To read more about great Christian fiction authors, read:
100 Christian Novels You Haven’t Read Yet
10 Novels Guaranteed to Build Your Faith
100 Good Christian Books You Should Read Soon
10 Horror Novels by Christians for Halloween
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Yuri_Arcurs
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
