Into the Fire

"Truth" is the last thing those that don't read fiction expect to see describing it. However, the truth in fiction is the primary element that makes the content of novels enticing, believable, and noteworthy. A familiar expression from those who come upon something baffling have been known to remark: "Truth is often stranger than fiction." 

Yes, novels are made up stories, but no matter what genre – and that includes speculative and science-fiction – without some evidence of truth either in the characters, events, or emotional context, a novel will do little to matter in the memory of a reader. In fact, the more real a fictional tale is, the more engaged a reader becomes. 

When an author can be truthful enough to put the reader right in the center of the story, living the lives along with its characters so that their "truth" resonates within the reader, that makes the novel a success. In other words, to capture truthfulness in the make-believe enhances the experience of reading that book. 

Father, thank you for helping me reveal truth in words that tell stories, to create fictional characters who seem real. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.