By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Hey, suspense writer, have you ever been asked why anyone would read Christian suspense? Isn’t suspense a taste of reality, gritty, and violence runs through page after page? How can you manage the genre expectations in a Christian book?

If that question hasn’t been posed to you yet . . . it will. Perhaps now is the time to form a response because the words we use to express our calling as Christian suspense writers show our faith and our commitment to creating outstanding stories. The two are entwined and can’t be separated; both demonstrate the value we place on our gift of writing. The writer may publish in the general market or the Christian. It doesn’t matter; integrity and a willingness to create the finest story is the key to a successful story.

Look at the list of 13 attributes below. Christian suspense writers— 

1.  Build stress, conflict, and tension in every line by drawing on emotions and action. 

2.  Develop a unique voice.

3.  Encourage brainstorming with other writers for credible plots.

4.  Engage the reader in the first line with a sympathetic bond and empathy.

5.  Ensure characters are three dimensional with strengths and weaknesses, wants and needs, and have gripping internal and external issues.

6.  Help all writers strive to add quality to their writing projects.

7.  Maintain the highest level of writing standards.

8.  Pace the story to fit the suspense genre.

9.  Practice the use of foreshadowing, red herrings, and other literary techniques.

10. Show a spiritual arc in which one or more characters solve their problems through a Christian worldview.

11. Understand the necessity for an unpredictable plot.

12. Use authentic or fictional story ideas and characters who mirror real life.

13.Value prayer before and during the writing and editing process.

Now take a deep breath, pray, and write your response to why would anyone read suspense from a Christian writer. Let’s share our answers!

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller. 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, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Follow DiAnn on Twitter: @DiAnnMills