Tuesday, January 8, 2013

A Novel Idea

329949_1_ftc_thumbThinking about writing an inspirational novel, but don't know where to begin? Here's help! Your favourite authors offer tips on brainstorming, approaching tough topics, crafting a story, and marketing a book; and explain what makes fiction "Christian." Contributors include Jerry Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, Randy Alcorn, Colleen Coble, Angela Hunt, and many others.

I found this book in a local Christian Bookshop a few years ago and bought it.  I have never regretted that purchase.  It is still one of my favourite books on writing, and the fact that it is focussed on Christian writing is just the icing on top.

The book covers more than just writing technique; there are chapters on getting yourself marketed, researching, how to use writing as a ministry, as well as many interesting stories and perspectives by Christian Writers. 

It was refreshing for me to find a book that gave good advice, and was in line with my beliefs.  (I really enjoyed the chapter on how to portray evil on Christian Writing, and how to deal with sex scenes.)

I have used sections of this for my Writing Group on occasion, and often dip in for advice on writing dialogue, or how to make the story hold together better.

It helps that much of the advice is from people who I hope to write like one day, or admire.  It is written from a Christian perspective, but can be read by anyone, regardless of their faith. 

Try it and see.  You might just like it.  I did.