Into the Fire

Two blogs presented the ongoing but interesting conundrum of "preachiness" and "truth – whatever that might be". Take a look:

http://spirereviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/preaching-to-choir.html#comment

http://novelmatters.com/  (Post by Ariel)

Opinions vary on these subjects and judgments can be made whether justified or not. Christians and non-Christians both go radical on these topics if unrestrained.

I opt for the contrasts in my own writing. I don't like to paint the clichéd Christian characters because I find them to be uninteresting and unreal. Yes, unreal. Few things come off easy in this life on planet earth. I've known those who God has blessed with an enhanced joy, but they also demonstrate depth in understanding sorrow. Their joy is complete in Jesus, but anything that is complete in Jesus knows sorrow.

Whether or not you write quirky, serious, adventurous, withdrawn, spunky, cold, mean, or humorous characters, you must write them truthfully. Male or female, they must capture the essence of their gender and by that I don't mean feminine must be girly-girl or masculine must be macho. I mean the author must view them and translate them at their heart level, at who they are inside and out which can sometimes conflict. Characters drive the story. Without compelling characters many readers will abandon the story. Some will not because they're used to seeing plastic people in ordinary stories and don't expect much from either other than forgettable entertainment.

So many choices present themselves to authors and consequently readers. Some readers desire the gut-wrenching reality of trial, error, failure. Others want the lighter fluff with simple solutions. Whatever the writing styles, the preaching or the lack thereof can be a factor in telling the truth. Some like faith issues under the radar, some prefer the organic approach when exposing them, and still others like sermonizing. The irony was found in those who detest preaching/sermonizing in literature often raved about The Shack which is one long sermon.

The conundrums of writing and reading that thing called "Christian" fiction . . .     

Father, all that truly matters is what you desire from each one of us. Help us to deliver what you assign to us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.