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The Complete Guide to Writing and Selling the Christian Novel
Suggests techniques for writing stories that reflect the principles of Christian faith while avoiding the pitfalls that specifically apply to religious fiction, and discusses business questions
- GenresWritingNonfiction
239 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1998
4 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Penelope J. Stokes
44 books179 followersIt’s often been debated whether a person’s destiny lies in genetics or environment, but either way, I suppose I was destined to be a fiction writer. A Baby Boomer with an English teacher and a social worker for parents, I grew up being challenged to develop my imagination, and to seek out for myself the meaning and significance of life. I learned early both the magic and mystery of stories and the importance of people–their dreams, their hopes, their longings, their struggles.
From the age of four, when I first learned to read and discovered that words had incredible power, I dreamed of being a writer. But the fulfillment of that dream was a long time in coming. Ten years of university study, culminating in a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature, led me to a career as a college professor. I loved teaching, loved the students and the challenge and the interaction, but the longing for full-time expression of my creativity never died. Finally, after twelve years of college teaching, I left the classroom and turned my energy toward my life’s passion–writing fiction.
In the process, I discovered another passion–the magnificent grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.
I was raised in Mississippi, and as a child I remember family vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I loved the undulating layers of blue and purple and green, the rushing streams coming down over the rocks, the cool glades and misty mornings. And now I live here—in the shadow of the Blue Ridge near DuPont Forest, where rare and remarkable white squirrels chatter wisdom to me from the trees outside my office window.
White squirrel in TamaracBut scenery can only take you so far. Fiction is about people. Not just what happens to them, but about what happens in them–the spiritual, emotional, and psychological passages that lead people to an understanding of their inner selves, and of one another. That’s what I like to write about: the heart, the mind, the soul. Authenticity of character and profound spiritual transformation. I want to draw my readers into a different kind of world–one marked by purpose, significance, and hope. Most importantly, hope.
Some readers have criticized me for dealing with uncomfortable subjects in my fiction–subjects which do not lend themselves to easy answers. The truth is, there are no easy answers in life. There are not even any easy questions. Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that our character is determined not so much by the certainties we cling to, but by the uncertainties we are courageous enough to face.
At the end of the day, only a few things in life really matter: Love. Insight. Growth. Grace. When we’re committed to going deeper, to following the unknown path, our journey can lead us to an understanding of our own our inner being, to a connection with a power that is both within us and beyond us. And that understanding, that connection, gives meaning and purpose to our days.
From the age of four, when I first learned to read and discovered that words had incredible power, I dreamed of being a writer. But the fulfillment of that dream was a long time in coming. Ten years of university study, culminating in a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature, led me to a career as a college professor. I loved teaching, loved the students and the challenge and the interaction, but the longing for full-time expression of my creativity never died. Finally, after twelve years of college teaching, I left the classroom and turned my energy toward my life’s passion–writing fiction.
In the process, I discovered another passion–the magnificent grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.
I was raised in Mississippi, and as a child I remember family vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I loved the undulating layers of blue and purple and green, the rushing streams coming down over the rocks, the cool glades and misty mornings. And now I live here—in the shadow of the Blue Ridge near DuPont Forest, where rare and remarkable white squirrels chatter wisdom to me from the trees outside my office window.
White squirrel in TamaracBut scenery can only take you so far. Fiction is about people. Not just what happens to them, but about what happens in them–the spiritual, emotional, and psychological passages that lead people to an understanding of their inner selves, and of one another. That’s what I like to write about: the heart, the mind, the soul. Authenticity of character and profound spiritual transformation. I want to draw my readers into a different kind of world–one marked by purpose, significance, and hope. Most importantly, hope.
Some readers have criticized me for dealing with uncomfortable subjects in my fiction–subjects which do not lend themselves to easy answers. The truth is, there are no easy answers in life. There are not even any easy questions. Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that our character is determined not so much by the certainties we cling to, but by the uncertainties we are courageous enough to face.
At the end of the day, only a few things in life really matter: Love. Insight. Growth. Grace. When we’re committed to going deeper, to following the unknown path, our journey can lead us to an understanding of our own our inner being, to a connection with a power that is both within us and beyond us. And that understanding, that connection, gives meaning and purpose to our days.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 23, 2015
This book was amazing! So helpful!!! Right now I'm working on filling out the back, but I finished reading it!
June 15, 2023
I love this book because there are no "ifs".
Not one single if.
Penelope J. Stokes is constantly telling you, dear reader, that you WILL publish a book. You can do it, you will do it, and nothing is impossible through Christ! Most of the writing books I've read say something along these lines: "Yeah, so, if you get published, here's what to expect. Don't get discouraged if you don't get any offers, because it's hard, life's hard, and so make sure you have a backup plan!!"
Uh-huh. This book is so incredibly encouraging!!!! Read it!
Not one single if.
Penelope J. Stokes is constantly telling you, dear reader, that you WILL publish a book. You can do it, you will do it, and nothing is impossible through Christ! Most of the writing books I've read say something along these lines: "Yeah, so, if you get published, here's what to expect. Don't get discouraged if you don't get any offers, because it's hard, life's hard, and so make sure you have a backup plan!!"
Uh-huh. This book is so incredibly encouraging!!!! Read it!
June 30, 2008
Okay, friends of mine who write for the LDS market, this one is a must have! It talks about writing beliefs authentically and gaining our own testimonies of the things we write so we can convey that to our readers without falseness. Truly a remarkable book.
March 7, 2011
The one thing I absolutely loved about this book is the author's application of biblical principles to writing techniques. A must read for any author considering writing for the CBA!
September 5, 2023
Very helpful in my writing journey at this time. The author answers so many of the questions that had been plaguing me this month. I was switching from first person to third person and struggling. The section in this book that deals with point of view is invaluable. For anyone. Christian writer or not. I highly recommend this book for any aspiring author.
August 13, 2020
Readers Advisory class, read along with one of Stokes' novels
June 5, 2019
I have read many books on writing. Next to Elements of Style, this is probably the best book I have read on improving one's writing form. Even non-Christian fictionists will benefit from this.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews