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why i am writing fiction

Why I am writing fiction

Posted by faithforward@gmail.com 
· Friday, April 25th, 2014 

Writing fiction is a fairly new experience for me…

and I’m surprised how much I’m enjoying it.

To this point, with the exception of one children’s book (it’s kind of like Dr. Seuss, only not as good), I’ve leaned heavily on my pastoral ministry experience, and the teaching gifts that go along with it, to produce non-fiction, instructional books for Christians. You can see everything I’ve created so far, here.

So, why would a pastor/teacher turn to the realm of fiction?

Isn’t fiction just entertainment?

Isn’t it just a bunch of made-up stuff?

Isn’t it an escape from reality?

How could someone who believes he’s been called to teach the word of God waste his time writing fiction?

Good questions…

The reason I’m writing fiction stems from an observation I’ve made about myself, and my own life, in relation to the power of the written word.

Here’s what I’ve discovered…

writing fiction - well crafted stories quote

Many people who have rocked the world for good have known this to be true.

Martin Luther King, Jr. told stories of the “dreams” he had of a just society.

Charles Dickens has long been one of my favorites because he used the power of a well-crafted story to penetrate the calloused attitudes of his day, with hopes toward seeing change come about.

And the Master story-teller, though you may not think of Him in this light at first, is Jesus Christ. He used the power of parables, using everyday, common things, to pull His readers into a place of contemplation about spiritual truth that had the power to change their lives for eternity.

Jesus was a fiction writer, in that sense. He cloaked truth in the clothes of everyday life, and in doing so, gave people a desire to consider things on a deeper level.

That is an example I want to follow.

Why do I spend my time writing fiction?

Because I believe that stories, filled with engaging characters, like Hon, Gerrard, Silas, and Camille, are adventures that reveal to the reader that there is a story going on in real life, a story that is greater than they are. It helps them to see that they are players, participants in that story, the story of God’s work in the world.

The things that happen to the characters in my stories are the same kinds of things that happen to my readers. Loved ones die. Love springs to life between two young adults. Babies are born. Tragedies happen.

I believe that the way that my characters respond to those types of “made-up” events, good and bad, help readers consider how they would respond to the same events that happen in their lives. The struggles my characters have with faith, trust, and hope, while living in a very broken down world, push readers to face their own struggles with the same things.

A good story is able to touch the heart in a way that causes it to engage with the important concerns of real life in a fallen world. In that way, the “made-up” scenarios and people become real examples for us, showing us both wise and unwise ways to deal with the hardships and joys of life.

That’s why I’m writing fiction (besides the fact that it’s fun for me).

I want to create personalities and situations that make real people deal with real life, in a real way.

I’m curious what you think. What value do YOU see in fiction?

Feel free to leave your comments below…

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Categories : the writing process
Tags : christian fiction, christian speculative fiction, fiction writing, writing fiction
Dragon Slayer Beginnings fantasy fiction

How I decided to write a YA/Adult Christian fantasy fiction novel

Posted by faithforward@gmail.com 
· Friday, February 7th, 2014 

WHERE DID DRAGON SLAYER STORY IDEA COME FROM?

The Dragon Slayer Chronicles are stories I told to my kids years ago, made up on the spot for evening story time.

They’ve encouraged me for years to write them out, which has proved challenging, since they were made up in the first place. But, the more I’ve thought about the idea, the more appealing and compelling it has become. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at fiction, so this is my chance!

It’s been fun to get to know the characters that have only floated around in my head in the past. It’s also fun developing them, and the storyline, as I go. Yes, that’s how I write. I only have a rough outline in my mind when I begin… and it changed many times due to what came out as I wrote. Strange, I know… but it worked for me.

WHY FANTASY FICTION?

The genre choice comes in part from the fact that these are stories I made up for my kids. But it also probably stems from the fact that I read lots of fantasy fiction novels growing up. I just like the genre. Buy it’s not a “true” fantasy novel. Here’s why…

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THESE BOOKS?

Three main things:

1) Unlike most fantasy, I’m trying to keep these books as firmly based in reality as possible. No magic, sorcerers, or eerie, unearthly things going on. The only exception to that might be the reality of the spiritual realm (God, angels, demons), which definitely exist in my books, but I haven’t decided yet if I’ll make it overt (ala Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti). We’ll see.

You might say, “But the main character fights dragons. DRAGONS! That’s not very realistic.”

I beg to differ (sort of).  The book of JOB (in the Bible, Job 41) describes a creature that spits fire and puffs smoke and sounds like, well, a dragon. I believe the Bible to be true (not mythical) and therefore believe that these creatures did exist at one time. I mean come on, we have a Bombardier Beetles that can shoot boiling hot liquid out its backside…. why not dragons that can spit fire?

2) I believe good fiction helps us think about and respond to real life. I’m seeking to make these books about the journey of a boy into the realm of manhood, including the element of personal faith. Though the world in which Hon does his thing is entirely fictional (even geographically), I’ve tried to base the circumstances and events along the lines of what happens in the real world.

I am creating characters who are real, flawed, have struggles, and feel the weight and pain of their own losses, failings, and sins. Hon is no different. In the struggle with his own humanity he’ll also battle to have faith in God through Christ, in the very real circumstances of his life – good and bad. It might be helpful to think of Hon as a “real person” in a “different time.” The same needs we have are the needs he has.

I’m not going to be formulaic in how I present faith-based topics (a sign of “bad” Christian fiction, in my opinion) but I’m not going to shy away from the need to struggle through the issue of personal faith either. I’m also very clear about the gospel, every person’s need for it, and the reality of God.

3) Over the course of the series I want to use these fictional accounts to address biblical real-life issues that are important to the family. Life. Death. Relationships. Communication. Courage. Manhood. Womanhood. Parenting. PTSD… and the list goes on.

WHEN IS THE FIRST DRAGON SLAYER BOOK GOING TO BE AVAILABLE?

The first book, “Beginnings” should be available for purchase March 15, 2014. Right now I have it in the hands of a “writing coach” and am taking a break from even looking at the book.

WHAT FORMATS ARE YOU GOING TO PROVIDE?

I’ll be providing MOBI (Kindle) and hard copy (paperback) at first… possibly EPUB as well. I’ll likely move it into other electronic formats over time. The books will be for sale on Amazon, with links to Amazon here on the website.

I LOVE WHAT YOU’RE DOING. HOW CAN I HELP?

If you like the idea of what I’m trying to create, you can help by spreading the word. I’d love to see the book-launch week get an overwhelming response… and that can’t happen without you.

What that means is:

  • PRAY that God will guide me and bless me as I write. It’s hard work and I want to do it as unto Him.
  • Use the social media buttons at the bottom of this post or on the share page to, well,  share this page with others in every social media channel you use.
  • If you see me  post about the book on Facebook, Google Plus, or Twitter, please repost it, like it, plus 1 it, retweet it, whatever applies.
  • Share the posts you see on social media channels. The more you share it the more people will see it to make the book launch in the Fall a success.
  • Email your friends and share this link (www.dragonslayerbook.com).
  • Encourage them to sign up for the “Fan list” at the top of this page so that I can let them know when the book comes out. Everyone who does will be entered to win a signed copy of the book (paperback). Feel free to enter yourself as well!
  • Do you know of anyone who would be interested in reviewing this book on their blog or podcast or radio show? Make the introduction!
  • Do you know anyone who might be interested in interviewing me about the book (podcast, radio, TV)? I’d love the opportunity, and would be forever grateful!
  • PRAY that the LORD will propel this book into a place of prominence in the Christian fiction marketplace so that I can lead others to think about the real issues of life through these stories.

Thanks for your support, enthusiasm, encouragement, and prayers regarding this project. Your comments are welcome below!

Categories : about the series
Tags : Christian adventure, christian fiction, Christian novel, christian YA, How did I write my book, how to write a book, story ideas