Consider Your Reader

One of the hardest issues confronting writers today is our audience. They are, at the same time, our biggest fans, and our harshest critics.

As Christians, we each have a mission in life. We are to love God and keep his commandments. Two of his commandments are to use our talents wisely, and to spread The Word.

We, as writers, may not go out preaching on the mountaintops or from a pulpit, but our words reach people, nonetheless. We do not know where our books will end up. When that book is left on a bus, and a troubled teen picks it up, or when it is shared with a friend who needs to feel hope, or when it bridges the generations because your Mom is so proud she sees you in a different light and becomes your biggest fan – you’ve touched hearts. And implicitly, so has God.

Each of our books should carry the Message, words of hope, words of joy, words of gold. Infuse your characters with the God you know.

Do not be afraid to confront the troubles of the secular world in your books. Reach for the angst to create the tribulations for your characters, and then solve their problems with God’s touch.

Christian Inspirational fiction is one of the fastest growing markets today. People are tired of books that depict worldly matters with all the angst, all the temptations, all the depravations…and no hope.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

When writing, give a voice to the voiceless. Lend your talents to the troubled. Create trials for your hero and heroine to overcome. And then, let God give them hope and a future.