What is Christian Fiction Anyway?
Christian Fiction stars heroes and heroines who are experiencing a time in their lives when their faith isn’t strong. They must overcome obstacles like the characters in books published by the ABA (American Bookseller Association). In the CBA (The Association for Christian Retail) the faith–not the religion–is part of the character’s journey.
Christians do write for both CBA and ABA and some make a choice to write for only the CBA. That’s what I’ve chosen. It feels write for me and where my voice comes out the strongest. I cannot and do not wish to separate myself from my faith. Some can write amazing stories that I love, like Dean Koontz. Is he a Christian? I don’t know and don’t care, but his books are good vs. evil and good always wins.
Just like the ABA publishing houses the CBA also has requirements about what they will publish. Some houses like Barbour request the characters not engage in dancing, gambling, drinking and have a personal commitment to Jesus.
Other houses, like Revell are a bit more lenient guidelines. A few of my favorite authors that write edgier Christian fiction are Julie Lessman and Lynette Eason.
Wondering what edgier means? Those authors are able to tackle the problems that are present in our culture. People make mistakes, big ones and yet they are able to recover because of their faith.
Are you thinking that Christian fiction is nothing but a big Sunday morning sermon? Not even close. Christian fiction writers take on solving murder, fighting demons, dealing with rape, and sometimes written for light entertainment. That’s where I fit in my writing journey.
Bio:
Christian author, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, writes historical and contemporary romances. She’s also written We’re Not Blended-We’re Pureed, A Survivor’s Guide to Blended Families. Once widowed and now remarried she writes with humor and experience on the difficulty of joining two families. Her first historical A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee releases May 2012. For now please look for Diana Lesire Brandmeyer’s book Hearts on the Road snuggled in the middle of Wyoming Weddings.
blog: 26 letters into words
website: DianaBrandmeyer.com