The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction


Book Description

They say there's nothing new under the sun, and the Christian fiction industry certainly didn't spring full blown with the advent of the Left Behindseries in 1996. Remember Christyby Catherine Marshall? Published in 1967, its inspiration was the life of Marshall's mother - and the Christy Award, presented annually since 1999 to recognize novelists and novels in several categories of Christian fiction, was named after it. What makes Christian fiction? There are several givens, despite the subgenres- the Christian worldview must be woven throughout both the book's plot and its character development. But must it put proselytizing before telling a good story? How much sex - if any! - is okay in a Christian romance? Is it all right to approach edgy subjects in a Christian mystery? Is it possible to seamlessly integrate a Christian message in a crackling good yarn? In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian FictionRon Benrey - himself the author of successful Christian fiction - offers readers chapter and verse of writing Christian women's, romance, thrillers and mysteries, warfare, historical, biblical, speculative, and young adult fiction that deliver strong, inspirational messages and sell!




The Right Way to Write Christian Fiction


Book Description

The Right Way to Write Christian Fiction is an instructional guide that details the do's and the don'ts of Christian fictional writing. Filled with story examples and advice, this book will not only show you how to professionally write Christian fiction, but you'll learn the language of fictional writing. Pair this book up with The Right Way to Write a Christian Book (Parts I & II) for the ultimate writing experience!




Hook Your Readers


Book Description

Readers subconsciously want certain things from a book...and best-selling writers make sure they deliver it. Thanks to evolution, the magic of story is wired into our brains-some of us can articulate why, many of us can't-but science certainly can. Story serves a unique function in the human psyche, a purpose so vital to our success as a species that humans are inescapably drawn to it. The multibillion-dollar publishing industry is a testament to this. But readers aren't drawn to any old story, there are certain elements that tip the scales between the slush pile and the yes pile, the bottom-dwellers and the best-sellers, the meh books and the holy-hardcover-I-can't-put-this-down! books. And now you can discover exactly what these elements are. Packed with real-life examples and practical exercises, Hook your Reader breaks down the essential components of chart-busting books. Writers of all genres and experience levels will learn how to: Give readers what they are really looking for Capture their readers by sparking curiosity Engage their readers with the power of emotion Craft a compelling character that readers can't help but connect with From the unique perspective of practicing psychologist and best-selling author, Tamar Sloan, Hook Your Readers allows you to hack your reader's brain by creating a book that they'll be unable to put down. So, go ahead, discover what makes a best-selling book and why, but more importantly, how you can write one too.




Hiram Gray


Book Description




Fawkes


Book Description

Guy Fawkes’s son must join his father’s plot to kill the king in this magical retelling of the Gunpowder Plot that will sweep you back in time to a divided England where plagues turn victims to stone. In 17th-century London two forces rule the people: the color powers and the Stone Plague. Brown masks can manipulate wood. Black masks control the night. And red masks . . . Well, red is the color of blood. Thomas Fawkes’s Color Test is upon him, and he is sure his father, the infamous Guy Fawkes, will present him with a mask and Thomas will finally bond with a color. He desperately hopes for a gray mask so he can remove the stone that has invaded his body and will ultimately take his life. But when Guy refuses to give Thomas his mask or even his presence, Thomas has no place in school or society. His only hope is to track down his father and demand a mask to regain what he’s lost. But his father has other plans: to kill the king. Thomas must join forces with his father if he wants to save his own life. When his errands for the cause bring him time and again to Emma Areben, a former classmate, Thomas is exposed to a whole new brand of magic. And Emma doesn’t control just one color—she controls them all. Emma wants to show Thomas the full power of color magic, but it goes against everything his father is fighting for. If Thomas sides with his father, he could save his own life—which would destroy Emma and her family. To save one, he must sacrifice the other. No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back. Praise for Fawkes: “An imaginative, colorful tale about choosing for yourself between what's right and what others insist is the truth.” —Cynthia Hand, New York Times bestselling author of My Lady Jane “Hold on to your heart as this slow burning adventure quickly escalates into an explosion of magic, love, and the truth about loyalty.” —Mary Weber, bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy and To Best the Boys Full-length young adult historical fantasy Includes discussion questions for book clubs Also by Nadine Brandes: Romanov and Wishtress, coming September 2022




The Visitation


Book Description

The sleepy, eastern Washington wheat town of Antioch has become a gateway for the supernatural--from sightings of angels and a weeping crucifix to a self-proclaimed prophet with an astounding message. The national media and the curious all flock to the little town--a great boon for local business but not for Travis Jordan. The burned-out former pastor has been trying to hide his past in Antioch. Now the whole world is headed to his backyard to find the Messiah, and in the process, every spiritual assumption he has ever held will be challenged. The startling secret behind this visitation ultimately pushes one man into a supernatural confrontation that has eternal consequences.




The Right Way to Write Christian Fiction


Book Description

The Right Way to Write Christian Fiction is an instructional guide that details the do's and the don'ts of Christian fictional writing. Filled with story examples and advice, this book will not only show you how to professionally write Christian fiction, but you'll learn the language of fictional writing. Pair this book up with The Right Way to Write a Christian Book (Parts I & II) for the ultimate writing experience!




How to Grow a Novel


Book Description

Each year thousands of fiction writers, from beginners to bestselling author, benefit from Sol Stein's sold-out workshops, featured appearances at writers' conferences, software for writers, on-line columns, and his popular first book for writers, Stein on Writing. Stein practices what he teaches: He is the author of nine novels, including the million-copy bestseller The Magician, as well as editor of such major writers as James Baldwin, Jack Higgins, Elia Kazan, Budd Schulberg, W. H. Auden, and Jacques Barzun, and the teacher and editor of several current bestselling authors. What sets Stein apart is his practical approach. He provides specific techniques that speed writers to successful publication. How to Grow a Novel is not just a book, but an invaluable workshop in print. It includes details and examples from Stein's editorial work with a #1 bestselling novelist as well as talented newcomers. Stein takes the reader backstage in the development of memorable characters and fascinating plots. The chapter on dialogue overflows with solutions for short-story writers, novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights. Stein shows what readers are looking for-- and what they avoid-- in the experience of reading fiction. The book offers guidelines-- and warnings-- of special value for nonfiction writers who want to move into fiction. Stein points to the little, often overlooked things that damage the writer's authority without the writer knowing it. And this book, like no other writing book, takes the reader behind the scenes of the publishing business as it affects writers of every level of experience, revealing the hard truths that are kept behind shut doors.




Bound by Guilt


Book Description

Roxi Gold has been shuttled from one foster home to another for most her life. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in even if it's against the law. Soon she's traveling the country in an RV, stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. She knows it's wrong, but if she refuses, she'll be put out on the streets. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society, and not just at work. Her ex-husband wrested her daughter away from her in a bitter custody battle. The job she once loved has become a chore, the world isn't any safer, and there's no joy in her life. One fateful night a man's innocent blood changes both Roxi's and Abby's lives forever. One searches for justice; the other finds herself on the run until a first edition of The Great Gatsby catches up with her. Will the power of forgiveness set them free, or will they both remain bound by guilt?




How to Write and Sell a Christian Novel


Book Description

Whether you consider yourself a novice or an expert at the craft of fiction writing, this practical guide can help you achieve greater success. In his entertaining and informative style, best-selling novelist and teacher Gilbert Morris leads you step-by-step through the process of writing a novel. He shows you how to develop a chapter-by-chapter outline, create intriguing characters, design a vivid setting, write effective dialog, and integrate biblical truths with an exciting story. He also offers you inside tips on how to sell your novel to a publishing company.