*slammed with conviction* You’re not wrong and this is definitely something I’ll be thinking more on. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, Sarah! I had to write some pain for my characters recently that was very hard on me as well, so I’m glad for this timely reminder of why we went through that.

How do you guys ALWAYS know exactly what I’m working on?? Your posts are so timely. Thank you!

Thank you, Sarah! This is very helpful and something I struggle with. I am already doing some of these with my current WIP, but you have given me some more tactics to use too.
Much appreciated! 🙂

I enjoyed this article! ☺️🙌🏻The advice on staggering introductions reminds me of Gandalf’s plan to introduce the dwarves to Beorn two by two so as not to annoy him with everyone all at once. 😂

Excellent article! Love/compassion is, I think, one of those qualities that separates the good books from the great.

Thank you! I think compassion is one of the most important things to get right in fiction, especially for Christians. (Poor point #3, it’s so unloved… 😉 )

THANK YOU!

I think that drawing from our experiences and growth is what tips storytelling over the edge into genuine truthfulness and encouragement. It’s the difference between reading a self-help manual or watching your grandmother demonstrate the skills she’s learned. ❤

Thanks! Glad it resonated with you!

YIKES, I don’t remember that part, though it’s been a while since I read them. Those books are a minefield of horrible content. I was so stuck on the part where she married her dad’s best friend that I don’t remember much else. 😣

I really loved this article. Such a good approach to writing fiction as a believer. Still chewing on this one since it’s so densely packed with good stuff, so I can’t say which point was my favorite.

Loving readers by displaying compassion in story teller is such a tall order, but the examples you included to demonstrate giving characters opportunities for redemption illustrates that disposition so well. Wonderful advice and examples.

Hey Eloise! Glad you enjoyed this! I agree, epic heroes were always my favorites as well. As long as you take care to develop them realistically, with flaws and weaknesses, there’s no reason for them to be perceived as cheesy or less interesting than antiheroes. Good luck in your quest to unlock the un-preachiness of your novel!

Excellent article! I love working with the balance between epic and virtuous protagonists who are still flawed! They’re my favorite kind of protagonists.

And that point on glorifying mistakes is really important. It’s annoying when a book is said to be Christian but doesn’t have negative consequences for sinful actions. Especially rebelling against parents!
Right now I’ve got a deceptive protagonist, and I’m making sure her “little” lie comes back to bite her.

Fantastic article!! We really REALLY need more kids books with good role models. *frown*

Ooh, I never thought about that aspect of The False Prince before!! *will have to think on this* Thanks for the article!

Oooh, this is spot on, Sarah. I feel like this is what I’ve been trying to say for a long time, but you articulated it far better than my attempts. XD