A workshop given at RSJ 2004
New York, NY on April 23, 2004
Christian fiction ministers to the spiritual needs of readers who are actively living out their faith on a daily basis. Christian fiction stories explore, from a faith- and Bible-based perspective, the contemporary issues that Christians face in their everyday lives. The stories are realistic in their portrayal of the joys and challenges of living a Christian life and strict in their adherence to truth as presented in the Bible. The goal of Christian fiction is to provide encouragement, direction, and hope in a world that sometimes seems absent all three.
Christian romance fiction explores romantic relationships between Christians. These stories show how male-female relationships play themselves out as the man and the woman struggle with themselves, their relationship with each other, their individual relationships with God, and their collective relationship with Him.
Inspirational romance is a phrase often used interchangeably with the phrase, Christian romance. It’s not clear that they are the same. Christian romance is typically explicit in its Christian content and mention while inspirational romance does not have to be. Some argue that inspirational is not faith specific.
Session Agenda
What makes it romance?
The story is a romance if it “turns” on the relationship.
What makes it Christian?
It’s Christian if the story shows how the faith of the hero and heroine is challenged and deepened by their growing relationship.
Published examples of Christian romance
Awakening Mercy by Angela Benson (RITA and Christy finalist)
Abiding Hope by Angela Benson (EMMA winner)
Your examples of Christian romance
??
A simple model for outlining the Christian romance (approx. 300 pages)
The meet – hero and heroine should meet early, preferably page one; introduce conflict
Emotional intimacy – hero and heroine reach a level of emotional intimacy related to their faith
Emotional commitment – the next level of the maturing relationship between the hero and heroine
Crisis – hero and heroine face a crisis involving their faith that seems insurmountable
Resolution – hero and heroine resolve faith and relationship crisis and live happily ever after
Group Exercise
Brainstorm a simple Christian/inspirational romance
A more complex model for outlining the inspirational/Christian romance (approx. 400 pages)
The opening – introduce hero and heroine and main story conflict
Plot Point 1 – first major “turn” in the story (pp. 45-50)
Plot Point 2 – second major “turn” in the story (pp. 100)
Plot Point 3 – third major “turn” in the story (pp. 200)
Plot Point 4 – fourth major “turn” in the story (pp. 300)
Resolution
Group Exercise
Brainstorm a more complex Christian/inspirational romance
Writing Books – Specifically for the Christian Market
Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2004
Sally E Stuart. Harold Shaw Publishers. $24.99
Synopsis: A must-have for writers new to the Christian market. In exhaustive listings of periodicals, book publishers, literary agents, poetry markets, greeting card and specialty markets, photography markets, online markets, scriptwriting, and song writing. Includes sections with online resources, Christian Writers’ Conferences and Workshops; Area Christian Writers’ Clubs/Groups; and more.
Complete Guide to Writing & Selling the Christian Novel
Penelope J Stokes. F & W Publications, Incorporated. $14.99
Synopsis: Addresses challenges such as plotting, characterization, viewpoint, and dialogue, as well the philosophical and spiritual issues that confront the Christian writer–keeping priorities in order, avoiding ego trips, and balancing business with ministry.
How to Write & Sell a Christian Novel
Gilbert Morris. ACW Press. Trade Paper. 10/1999. ISBN: 1-892525-17-8. $12.00
Writing Books – Specifically for African-Americans
Telling the Tale: The African American Fiction Writer’s Guide
Angela Benson. Berkley Books. Trade Paper. 04/2000. ISBN: 0-425-17054-3. $12.00
Synopsis: A good book, but it’s out of print.
The African American Writer’s Handbook: How to Get in Print & Stay in Print.
Robert Fleming. One World. Trade Paper. 04/2000. ISBN: 0-345-42327-5. $12.00
Synopsis: This book provides valuable insight into the workings of the publishing industry with specific attention paid to the challenges faced by African American writers.
Free Within Ourselves: Fiction Lessons for Black Authors.
Jewell Parker Rhodes. Doubleday. Trade Paper. 10/1999. ISBN: 0-385-49175-1. $12.95
Synopsis: A top-notch guide filled with practical guidance, essays, & journal exercises including advice.
Soul Between the Lines: Freeing Your Creative Spirit Through Writing.
Dorothy R Gray. Morrow/Avon. Trade Paper. 03/1998. ISBN: 0-380-79142-0. $12.00
Synopsis: Provides techniques for creativity, transformation, and empowerment.
Publishers of African-American Christian Romance Fiction
BET Books, New Spirit Line
Attn: Glenda Howard
BET Books
1 BET Plaza
1235 W St. NE
Washington, DC 20018
Harlequin Steeple Hill – http://www.steeplehill.com
Writing Guidelines Page – http://www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwArticle.jhtml?pageID=021101wu00001
Love Inspired Guidelines – http://www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwArticle.jhtml?pageID=021101wu21001
Romantic Suspense Guidelines – http://www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwArticle.jhtml?pageID=040301wu01001
Women’s Fiction – http://www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwArticle.jhtml?pageID=030317wu02001
Tyndale House Publishers, Heartquest Christian Romance Line – http://www.heartquest.com/
Guidelines at http://www.heartquest.com/guidelines.asp
(submissions accepted by agents and author recommendations only)
Walk Worthy Press – http://www.walkworthypress.net/
Manuscript Coordinator
Walk Worthy Press
33290 West Fourteen Mile Road #482
West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322
Web Resources
Learn to Write – http://www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwToc.jhtml
Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers Services – http://www.classervices.com
American Christian Romance Writers – http://www.acrw.net/
Black Writers Alliance – Christian Fiction Online Community – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BWA-ChristianLit/
Christian Booksellers Association – http://www.cbaonline.org/
Christian Writers Fellowship International – http://www.cwfi-online.org/
Sally Stuart on the Web – http://www.stuartmarket.com/
Romance In Color – http://www.romanceincolor.com/
Romantic Times Magazine – http://www.romantictimes.com