The Complete Idiot S Guide To Writing Christian Fiction

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!

Suggests techniques for writing stories that reflect the principles of Christian faith while avoiding the pitfalls that specifically apply to religious fiction, and discusses business questions.

Explains various Christian mysteries and theological concepts such as the Incarnation, the Virgin Birth, the dual nature of Christ, the miracles of Jesus, and the Trinity.

"Great reads for busy people." This is a guide to help busy people find great reads in fiction and non-fiction. Filled with recommendations of popular, entertaining reading, this book covers mystery and suspense, romance, womenas fiction and chick lit, westerns, science fiction, such nonfiction topics as animals, art, biography, memoirs, business, true crime, and more. Plus, each entry includes a summary of the book, its significance, and a critique/observation/comment.

Get all the tools you need to craft compelling creative nonfiction prose. This helpful guide gives you everything you need to write real-life characters, compelling plots, natural dialogue, and captivating details.

This revised edition continues to walk both experienced Bible readers and those seeking it out for the first time through a chronological, story-by-story and person-by-person experience. Complete with maps of journeys and explanations of the acts and epistles, this book includes: The journeys of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, and the law from Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel and Kings, including David and Goliath, Gideon and Samson, and King Solomon. The captives, the women, the poets, the prophets and more through the Old Testament. The story of Jesus as told in the four Gospels. The acts of the Apostles as they spread the word of the new church; the letters from Peter, Paul, James, John and Jude on a variety of topics, and John's apocalyptic Revelation; The Apocrypha including Maccabees 1 and 2 along with other books included for other practices. An all-new reference glossary featuring names and places with descriptions and cross-references to their discussion in the Bible.

The word on spreading the word ... The Evangelical Christian movement is the fastest growing segment of American religion with 42% of all Christians in America identifying themselves as Evangelicals. Now, Evangelical Pastor David Cobia shares the genesis, history, and culture of this religion in America with a balanced, accessible tone. He also touches upon the controversies it's spawned regarding such topics as school curriculum, abortion, gay rights, and family structure. Written both for those inside the movement and those wanting to know more, it gives a clear, factual portrait of what this growing Christian movement is all about. --Balanced, positive yet objective tone and presentation of information --Provides a complete history of the movement, details about specific services and rituals, and interviews with Evangelical Christians about their beliefs and lifestyles --Discusses controversial topics and how Evangelical Christians feel about them

In The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing, two publishing industry veterans have much to share beyond choosing subject matter, improving grammar, and strengthening sentence structure. Yes, those elements definitely matter and are duly addressed, but there are other skills to be polished if one wants to get a proverbial foot in the publisher's door. Readers will gain an insider's view of how the Christian publishing industry actually works. Key topics include building relationships with agents and editors, keeping up with industry trends, developing a strong book proposal, the growth of electronic publishing, and more. For anyone called to Christian writing, this release provides the “know-how” that is needed to further the inspiration.