By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Have you ever heard a reader indicate they didn’t read Christian fiction because of poor writing? Either the characterization, plot, dialogue, setting, emotion, or description disappointed them. It’s always a good habit to evaluate our writing and how we can raise the bar and attract readers to a quality story.

Some Christians write for the Christian market, and others write for the general market. The adage is true that we can take the Christian content out of the writing, but we can’t take the Christian out of the writer. In the Christian market, we typically avoid profanity, sexual content, and graphic violence for violence’s sake. But the writing must be stellar.

Christian fiction is a story in which one or more of the characters solve their problems from a Christian worldview. Values and beliefs are shown not told. I often use the hashtag #cleanfiction, #cleanromance, and/or #cleanread to point readers to my writing. 

Our fiction is not a platform to evangelize those who aren’t followers of Jesus. The faith aspect is not an engine additive. Unrealistic and predictable characters, preachy content, and verbiage only a Christian understands can be condescending to any reader. The practice lowers the importance of a writer’s first priority: entertaining the reader. The Christian novel is different because of the writer’s belief system. Good overcomes evil. Writers can give examples without trampling on the feet of unbelievers. 

We strive for outstanding craftsman and literary skills that show high standards in the publishing industry. 

A quality written novel must have:

• Well-rounded, three-dimensional characters
• Intriguing plot
• Emotion and symbolism to enhance the reader’s evocative experience
• Witty dialogue
• Body language
• Antagonistic setting

Without the writer mastering the above literary techniques, their stories may fail. No matter the audience or genre, the belief system of the writer has no bearing, but the professional writer uses authenticity to create an excellent read. 

A Christian writer adds a unique element of insight to their stories, a deeper look at God working in the lives of those who are open to a glimpse of what dependence upon God means. It’s a feature of truth shown in the character’s actions. The character’s faith demonstrates courage in the midst of a crisis and doesn’t have to quote Scripture. The behavior gives pause to the reader. Did the character face the problem from a human perspective? Or did the character reach out to a power beyond him/herself?

We writers may have God on our side, and He is the Author of where we find our storylines. But without devoting consistent time to developi our craft, we can’t expect to impact readers with excellence.

How do you define Christian fiction?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Nonfiction, Novelists, and Speakers with social media specialist Edie Melson. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn or her website: diannmills.com