The Secret to Writing Depressed (but Not Hopeless) Characters

by Josiah DeGraaf | Articles | 7 Comments

In the past, Christian publishers shied away from the topic of mental illness. And when a book did broach it, sometimes the advice dismissed the condition as unreal, perpetrated myths, or failed to provide the needed support and encouragement. Thankfully, Christian publishers have become more open to addressing gritty issues, and several releases over the last couple decades have touched on mental illness—including Sara Ella’s Coral, the center of our 2022 summer book study.

How to Imitate Your Favorite Authors without Accidentally Plagiarizing Them

by Sarah Burns | Articles | 5 Comments

I have a confession to make that may shock anyone who beta read my first novel, which sported a gruff, pipe-smoking wizard, a quest involving a mythical object of doom, and the line “All we have to decide is what to do with the time we’re given.” Despite these uncanny resemblances, no, I’m not Tolkien. I do, however, harbor deep respect and admiration for him, and I hope my own stories will evoke the same emotions as The Hobbit and The Children of Hurin.

Should Christians Write Fantasy That Contains Pagan Mythology?

by Story Embers | Articles | 3 Comments

You can’t avoid running into mythology, not when it plays a role in so many beloved stories—a few of which are probably on your favorites list. But does your faith give you a reason to feel guilty for enjoying or creating that kind of entertainment? Can writers who believe in the one true God justify the depiction of multiple deities, magical creatures, and mystical rituals? Or will those elements mock Him?

Handle with Care: How to Confront Touchy Issues with Compassionate Storytelling

by Brandon Miller | Articles | 22 Comments

Abortion. Homosexuality. Feminism. Race. Border politics. These topics dominate the news, and fiction needs to accurately portray our world, but how do we write with caution and avoid inflaming or alienating readers? (Hint: Not with blunt statements like the opening of this article.) God’s Word reveals answers and helps us form clear stances on controversial issues. Unfortunately, when we try to share our beliefs in our stories, we can come across as condescending (at best) or openly hostile.

3 Lessons Christian Storytellers Can Learn from Adventures in Odyssey

by Josiah DeGraaf | Articles | 25 Comments

Have you ever loved a book or TV series as a child, re-watched it as an adult, and realized how terrible it actually is? Several stories fall into this category for me—many of which are Christian and contain heavy-handed messages. But Adventures in Odyssey is one of those rare Christian stories that stands up to the test of time. Here’s why.

4 Lessons Christian Writers Can Glean from the Horror Genre

by Martin Detwiler | Articles | 14 Comments

Shortly after I graduated from high school, I decided to watch a horror film for the first time. I wasn’t sure I wanted to, because I’d never been a fan of scenes designed to startle the audience, and the prospect of demonic activity layered onto suspense intimidated me. My gut urged me to discount the horror genre as unfit for conscientious Christians, but I knew I needed to experience it at least once to evaluate it fairly. So I went to see The Conjuring 2 with my best friend.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Including Angels or Demons in Fiction

by Story Embers | Articles | 0 Comments

Since time began, spiritual beings have played a role in literature, ranging from stereotypical devils with horns and pitchforks to angels with halos and wings. These invisible, mystical creatures can raise the stakes and tension, rescue or endanger their human counterparts, and embody the conflict between good and evil, but since most of us have never laid eyes on one, how can we both accurately and artistically develop them as characters?

2 Ways Writers Can Portray God in Fiction (and Which Is Better)

by Martin Detwiler | Articles | 18 Comments

Christian writers who want to involve God as a character in their stories face an ongoing struggle. We’re acutely aware of how monumental the endeavor is, so we hesitate. If we’re too bold and dive in without forethought, we may make mistakes that mislead readers. But if we’re too timid, we risk tiptoeing around the real source of story, beauty, and truth—God Himself.

4 Factors to Consider Before Including Physical Manifestations of God in Fiction

by Rose Sheffler | Articles | 14 Comments

The divine is an elusive subject to capture, yet humans have been fascinated with it since the beginning of time, exploring it through poetry, stories, music, art, and various other mediums. Whether God shows up in a burning bush, as a thunderous voice accompanied by fire and lightning on a mountain, or in the humble person of Jesus Christ, incredible wonders are guaranteed to happen. Any moment that He steps into the story of humanity is powerful and purposeful.

5 Guidelines to Consider When Portraying Mental Illness

by Allison Raymond | Articles | 1 Comment

Despite being the most prevalent health condition in the United States, mental illness causes a devastating sense of isolation in the victim. That’s why those readers need characters they can empathize with—to remind them that they’re not alone and inspire them to push through dark moments. However, misrepresenting mental illness can be far more harmful than avoiding the topic altogether, as Netflix’s adaptation of 13 Reasons Why demonstrates. The month after the show’s premiere, youth suicides increased by 28.9 percent.

The Secret to Writing Depressed (but Not Hopeless) Characters

How to Imitate Your Favorite Authors without Accidentally Plagiarizing Them

Should Christians Write Fantasy That Contains Pagan Mythology?

Handle with Care: How to Confront Touchy Issues with Compassionate Storytelling

3 Lessons Christian Storytellers Can Learn from Adventures in Odyssey

4 Lessons Christian Writers Can Glean from the Horror Genre

3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Including Angels or Demons in Fiction

2 Ways Writers Can Portray God in Fiction (and Which Is Better)

4 Factors to Consider Before Including Physical Manifestations of God in Fiction

5 Guidelines to Consider When Portraying Mental Illness

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