I didn’t know they existed until recently. My first encounter went something like this: Guy messaged me on Facebook requesting a free copy of my first novel in exchange for a “great review.” I Googled him and didn’t see a blog or any “great reviews,” just puff pieces on Amazon. I Messaged him back politely [...]
There’s a long-standing opinion that Christian fiction is inferior to mainstream fiction, both in craft and content. Is this a valid criticism? Several months ago, Online Journal of Christian Communication and Culture, ran an article entitled Diluted Reality, in which they addressed this subject. Their take was decidedly critical: Christian fiction is full of stories [...]
There’s a common denominator to all Christian apostasy. Coincidentally (or not), it is also the first step toward a liberal or progressive view of Christianity. I was reminded of that connection recently while reading From Intelligent Design to Atheism. One of the architects of intelligent design, Michael Behe, wrote the controversial, but important book, Darwin’s Black [...]
It’s official — I’m part of the Orange County Christian Writers Fellowship (OCCWF) 2012 Conference staff. This year’s conference will held May 18-20 at the beautiful Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach, CA. The OCCWF faculty includes editor and writing mentor Mick Silva, author and screenwriter Bill Myers, Urban Fantasy novelist Merrie Destefano, and senior editor [...]
Writers love to talk about how fallible “the writing rules” are. The rules are made to be broken, we say. And proceed to do so. However, this rule — “show v. tell” — is one that often gets the brunt of our wrath. But why? For my part, I have benefited from the rules and [...]
Nancy Kress is a prolific author, having written more than sixty short stories, sixteen science fiction novels, three fantasy novels, four short story collections, and three books on writing. Her book on the elements of fiction writing, Beginnings, Middles & Ends, is often considered to be one of the best in the Writer’s Digest series [...]
I have never quite understood readers who refuse to read different genres. Yes, I understand the issue of taste. I understand that you prefer one genre over another. I understand that you may not like what certain genres have become. I understand that you may not like what certain genres attempt to do (i.e., scare, [...]
I’ve begun work on a side project involving “Christian Horror.” It’s a rather slippery subject for several reasons. One, the Christian publishing industry is still averse to actually using the term. Two, there’s so much that could potentially be included in that term. I admit, it’s possible I’m (and writers like me) forcing a connection [...]
I first heard of R.J. Anderson from my critique partners. They were passing around a copy of Faery Rebels and raving about it. Even more interesting to me was the fact that Rebecca (the “R” in R.J.) was a Christian who wrote YA fantasy for the general market. Not long after that, Rebecca somehow magically [...]
Making money is NOT an evil thing. Unless you’re a Christian writer, agent, or publisher. Then, suddenly, the tables turn and you’re supposed to do it simply for “the love of the game.” I’ve never quite understood that. I spoke at a church this Sunday. Two services. My topic was “Loving God With Your Mind.” [...]
