Explore the wonderful world of Christian Writing. Here I offer some inspiration from some of the best Christian authors of all time. You will also find great resources here to help you along your writing journey. Content will be updated so please be sure to bookmark this lense and return often.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Christian Writing!
As believers in Jesus Christ what a great opportunity we have to offer his love and hope with others through the words he gives us to share. As we engage our minds in the task of writing, we also, and more importantly, engage our spirits so that we are able to reach an additional dimension of the humanness of ourselves and our readers.What is a self-help or counseling book without the healing and direction of the Savior?
What kind of authentic story can there be without including the spiritual aspect of the character's lives?
What a blessing to write curriculum that will help a person of many ages grow in their faith.
What an opportunity to write on the web as a vehicle of evangelism.
And what would it mean to even write technically, journalistically or otherwise without seeking the Lord's guidance in our task and endeavoring to maintain integrity.
Special Features:
- Classic Inspiration - Look for some inspiration from some of the great authors that have gone before us that will be featured each month.
- Articles - I will also be placing new articles here each month featuring advice and encouragement.
- Daily Updates - Word of the Day, and The Daily Motivator.
- Writing Tips - Get some help from experienced writers.
Thank you for browsing this lens and if you know of other Christian Writers please tell them about this page. May the Lord bless you!!
Featured Inspirational Author
Catherine Marshal (1914-1983)"One who writes to honor Christ should, I think, try to do the very best job possible."
"I am living proof that God fulfilled that dream [writing a novel]; living proof of the awesome power of a right dream in the heart of an individual who says yes to God's plan."
Learn More About Catherine Marshall & Her Works
Inspiration for the Christian Writer
The Christian Imagination: The Practice of Faith in Literature and Writing (Writers' Palette Book)
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 10/12/2008)
Write His Answer: A Bible Study for Christian Writers, 2nd Edition
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 10/12/2008)
Contemporary Christian Authors
Amazon Price: $52.00 (as of 10/12/2008)
365 DAILY TREASURES OF WISDOM (365 Daily)
Amazon Price: $7.97 (as of 10/12/2008)
Increase Your Word Power
- euphonious: Dictionary.com Word of the Day
- euphonious: pleasing or sweet in sound.
Daily Motivator
Christian Writing & Style
An Introduction to Christian Writing: An Indepth Companion to the Complete Writing Experience
Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 10/12/2008)
The Christian Writer's Manual of Style: Updated and Expanded Edition
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 10/12/2008)
Book Proposals That Sell: 21 SECRETS TO SPEED YOUR SUCCESS
Amazon Price: $13.50 (as of 10/12/2008)
10 Commandments of Christian Writing
Here are the "Ten Commandments of Christian Writing" written by Glenn White at the Write to Inspire Website. A great list for every Christian writer to keep by their desk.Ten Commandments of Christian Writing
Writing Prompts
Do you like opporunities to exercise your creative writing? Here are some great prompts:
Featured Article:
The Art of Christian Writing
by Jacyee Aniagolu-Johnson
Over the past years it is not at all surprising that Christian book sales, both fiction and nonfiction works, has soared. In fact not only are more Christian authors making a living from their writing, mainstream traditional book publishers have started to woo Christian authors, especially Pastors whose faces frequently grace Christian television networks. The reason for this is obvious. Christian writing has become more lucrative than it has ever been before.
The art of Christian writing is one that anyone who has passion for writing can master, if they stay focused and steadily perfect their writing. In many ways, Christian writing is not really different from secular writing, except in it's content and approach. For example, as Christian believers, the Bible commissions us to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a Christian your writing needs to evangelize and minister to others in the manner that Christ would have. Still, you need to assess your audience and know how to deliver your information. If your audience is mostly a secular one, you need to better clarify your use of Biblical language or you could lose them. Also, you can paraphrase the Scripture in simple every day language and then reference the Bible source, rather than use deep Biblical language that requires revelation knowledge to decipher and understand.
The essence of Christian writing is not just to reach Christian believers, but also to reach others who may be curious about Christianity and who may not know what the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ says or means. Also, Christian writing needs to identify and point out an existing problem, and give guidance and encouragement to readers on how to solve the problem. While many people think or believe that the Bible is just a collection of outdated stories, the Bible is really a "how to do" book that shows us the problems and challenges that individuals experienced, and how they overcame such problems by relying on God's grace and guidance. The Bible also points out the errors that individuals made and how such mistakes created difficulties in their lives, and sometimes even caused their death. Christian writing should mimic the Bible in its presentation of problems and solutions. The art of Christian writing includes bringing into words the light of God, to bring encouragement and hope to readers and solutions to their problems.
by Jacyee Aniagolu-Johnson
Over the past years it is not at all surprising that Christian book sales, both fiction and nonfiction works, has soared. In fact not only are more Christian authors making a living from their writing, mainstream traditional book publishers have started to woo Christian authors, especially Pastors whose faces frequently grace Christian television networks. The reason for this is obvious. Christian writing has become more lucrative than it has ever been before.
The art of Christian writing is one that anyone who has passion for writing can master, if they stay focused and steadily perfect their writing. In many ways, Christian writing is not really different from secular writing, except in it's content and approach. For example, as Christian believers, the Bible commissions us to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a Christian your writing needs to evangelize and minister to others in the manner that Christ would have. Still, you need to assess your audience and know how to deliver your information. If your audience is mostly a secular one, you need to better clarify your use of Biblical language or you could lose them. Also, you can paraphrase the Scripture in simple every day language and then reference the Bible source, rather than use deep Biblical language that requires revelation knowledge to decipher and understand.
The essence of Christian writing is not just to reach Christian believers, but also to reach others who may be curious about Christianity and who may not know what the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ says or means. Also, Christian writing needs to identify and point out an existing problem, and give guidance and encouragement to readers on how to solve the problem. While many people think or believe that the Bible is just a collection of outdated stories, the Bible is really a "how to do" book that shows us the problems and challenges that individuals experienced, and how they overcame such problems by relying on God's grace and guidance. The Bible also points out the errors that individuals made and how such mistakes created difficulties in their lives, and sometimes even caused their death. Christian writing should mimic the Bible in its presentation of problems and solutions. The art of Christian writing includes bringing into words the light of God, to bring encouragement and hope to readers and solutions to their problems.
This is why it is critical that a Christian writer remains an inspired writer. The ancient Greek word origin "theopneustos", which is the meaning of the word "inspiration", really means "God-breathed." So within an inspired Christian writer, God has placed His breath (Genesis 2:7), which is His "inspiration" in you to write.
A Christian writer is one who is driven by holy passion to inspire others. Christian writing should reflect the powerful healing words of God, spoken in truth and honesty to a hurting or wounded soul, to a discouraged mind, to a disconcerted person, to a seeking soul, to a business man or woman, to a father or mother, to a troubled teen or adult, or to a nation or country in distress or despair. Your writing should always present a Christian approach to problem solving in various situations. Christian writing should encourage happy and contented living, a successful and prosperous life, and a conquering mind that focuses on the positive aspects of life and not on the gloomy, negative downside of situations.
Being a Christian writer comes with additional responsibility. You are writing about the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and reaching many souls with powerfully inspired words that can bring new life to them. Perhaps, your Christian writing could stop someone from committing suicide or a couple from getting divorced. You never know how inspired words penned by you could touch another person's life. The art of Christian writing is not frivolous. The Christian writer does not have the luxury to write flippant works, but God-inspired teachings that touch the hearts and minds of many people across the world.
If you have been called to be a Christian writer, know that you have been called to a powerful ministry of bringing hope and new life to many through your brilliantly inspired penmanship. This is not a calling to be taken lightly, but one to be held in the highest esteem. As a Christian writer you have to acknowledge as late Blessed Mother Theresa said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending love letters to the world."
A Christian writer is one who is driven by holy passion to inspire others. Christian writing should reflect the powerful healing words of God, spoken in truth and honesty to a hurting or wounded soul, to a discouraged mind, to a disconcerted person, to a seeking soul, to a business man or woman, to a father or mother, to a troubled teen or adult, or to a nation or country in distress or despair. Your writing should always present a Christian approach to problem solving in various situations. Christian writing should encourage happy and contented living, a successful and prosperous life, and a conquering mind that focuses on the positive aspects of life and not on the gloomy, negative downside of situations.
Being a Christian writer comes with additional responsibility. You are writing about the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and reaching many souls with powerfully inspired words that can bring new life to them. Perhaps, your Christian writing could stop someone from committing suicide or a couple from getting divorced. You never know how inspired words penned by you could touch another person's life. The art of Christian writing is not frivolous. The Christian writer does not have the luxury to write flippant works, but God-inspired teachings that touch the hearts and minds of many people across the world.
If you have been called to be a Christian writer, know that you have been called to a powerful ministry of bringing hope and new life to many through your brilliantly inspired penmanship. This is not a calling to be taken lightly, but one to be held in the highest esteem. As a Christian writer you have to acknowledge as late Blessed Mother Theresa said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending love letters to the world."
References:
The Holy Bible: Genesis 2:7
Jacyee Aniagolu-Johnson, PhD is the author of an upcoming Christian non-fiction book release, "Rays of Victory: Nailing Racism to the Cross." For more information about the upcoming book release by Marble Tower Publishing, LLC please visit http://www.marbletowerpublishing.com
I grant permission to anyone who wishes to reprint and distribute this article on the condition that it is reprinted and distributed in its entirety, including all specified links.
© Jacyee Aniagolu-Johnson 2006
The Holy Bible: Genesis 2:7
Jacyee Aniagolu-Johnson, PhD is the author of an upcoming Christian non-fiction book release, "Rays of Victory: Nailing Racism to the Cross." For more information about the upcoming book release by Marble Tower Publishing, LLC please visit http://www.marbletowerpublishing.com
I grant permission to anyone who wishes to reprint and distribute this article on the condition that it is reprinted and distributed in its entirety, including all specified links.
© Jacyee Aniagolu-Johnson 2006
The Inspiration of Christian Fiction
Romancing God: Evangelical Women and Inspirational Fiction
Amazon Price: $17.05 (as of 10/12/2008)
Behind the Stories
Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 10/12/2008)
Christian Authors Share Advice on Writing
- Elizabeth George
- Diann Mills Interviews
- Francine Rivers
- Joy Dekok
- Tracy Bateman
- Randy Ingermanson
- Jim Watkins - 7 Habits
- Lisa Freeman
- Karen Kingsbury
- Terri Blackstock
- Judy Boettcher
- Lauraine Snelling
- Angela Elwell Hunt
- Gail Gaymer Martin
- Lois Richer
- B.J. Hoff
- Liz Curtis Higgs
- Robin Lee Hatcher
- Susan Page Davis
- Maryann Diorio
- Terry Whalin
- Victoria Gaines
- Brenda Coulter
- Jeff Gerke
- Tamela Hancock Murray
- Carol Cox
- Kristin Billerbeck
- Camy Tang
- Pamela James
Great Books from Christian Authors on the Craft of Writing
How To Write And Sell A Christian Novel: PRACTICAL ADVICE FROM A BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Writing for the Soul: Instruction and Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 10/12/2008)
Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 10/12/2008)
The Complete Guide to Writing and Selling the Christian Novel
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Write Away: One Novelist's Approach to Fiction and the Writing Life
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 10/12/2008)
Writing Tips:
Topic: Journalism
- "A Christian journalists's duty is to inform, edify and even entertain; but even more important, it is to reveal to his reader the face of Christ."
"In purerly practical terms the Christian journalist should never make the mistake of undermining his credibility by overstating his case with exaggerated generalizations that don't follow from the evidence. Let understatement trump overstatement."
(J. Fraser Field, Gilbert Magazine) - Keeping Faith in the Newsroom
Share Your Favorite Writing Tip Here
Jot a little something down to inspire us!
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TheCureForYouthMinistry
Hello, Posted March 21, 2008 |
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groovyoldlady
My biggest tip is to reread what I have written - even if it's only a comment on someone's blog and then ask myself this: Would I be embarassed to have my godly mother, godly husband or godly pastor read this? If I have ANY reservations, then I need to revise! Posted January 27, 2007 |
Expert Advice on Writing & Getting Published
Writers on Writing: Top Christian Authors Share Their Secrets for Getting Published
Amazon Price: $11.24 (as of 10/12/2008)
The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing: Getting Your Foot in the Publisher's Door
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 10/12/2008)
The Complete Guide To Christian Writing And Speaking
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 10/12/2008)
A Complete Guide to Writing for Publication
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 10/12/2008)
For the Write Reason: 31 Writers, Agents and Editors Share Their Experiences with Christian Publishing
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 10/12/2008)
Writing Guidelines
The following publishers still accept manuscripts without requiring a literary agent.
- Books
- Barbour Books Publishing
- Steeple Hill
- New Leaf Press
- MOPS Lit Fiction~ new
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Anthologies: - Cup of Comfort
- Chicken Soup for the Soul
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Periodicals: - Utmost Christian Writers Writing Markets List
- Freelance Writing Submission Guidelines List
- Christianity Today
- Relate Magazine
- GEMS
- Just For Kids Magazine
- Relief Journal
- MomSense
- The Upper Room
- Cook Ministries Freelance Opportunities
- InFuze Magazine
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Internet: - Christian Women Online
- Women Today
- Spirit Led Women
- The Dabbling Mum
- A Virtuous Woman
Book Promotion Ideas
from We Can Promote Our Books
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byContests, Writing Opportunities, Awards:
- Winning Writing Contests
- Christian Writer's Guild - Operation First Novel
- Touched by Love Contest - For writers unpublished in book-length romantic fiction
- First Chapters Contest - Completed manuscript submission
- Writer's Digest Writing Contests
- Dabbling Mum Essay Contest
- Crossway Poetry Contest
- Write His Answer Devotionals
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Writing Software
These tools will help keep your writing organized and guide you through the writing process.
![NewNovelist 2.0 [Novel Writing Software]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z0sJy8quL._SL75_.jpg)
NewNovelist 2.0 [Novel Writing Software]
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Write Brothers StoryView 2.0
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Power Writer (Novel and Fiction Writing Software)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Online Resources for Christian Writers
Websites and Organizations
- Faith in Fiction
- The blog of a Bethany House acquistions editor. Features great advice and a discussion forum.
- Christian Writers' Tour of the Web
- A great list of links for the Christian writer.
- Write To Inpsire
- Pursuing the Passion for Writing & God!
- Americas Christian Writers
- American Christian Writers can help you get into print.
- Christian Writers Fellowship International
- A multi-service ministry to Christians in publishing.
- Web Evangelism Guide
- A guide to web outreach.
- The Amy Foundation
- Home of the Amy Writing Awards.
- Faith Writers
- The Home for Christian writers!
- The Dabbling Mum
- Writers Magazine - Better writing skills. Earn money writing.
- Christian Writers Information
- The Professional Association for Christian Writers
- Christian Fiction Factor
- The Online Magazine for Christian Fiction Writers.
- Inscribe
- ...to stimulate, encourage and support your writing ministry!
- Christian Writers
- Christian Writers group.
- Writing for the Web
- ...journalism, not preaching.
- Christian Communicator
- What editors are looking for in articles.
- Chrisitan Writing Markets
- A compilation of paying publications for your Christian writing.
- Christian Songwriting
- Providing the Christian songwriter with the latest resources.
- Word Craft
- Writer's resources by writing instructor Deanna Mascle.
- Christian Writers Market
- Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Market Guide, now its 21st Annual Edition. On this site you will find more than information on the only market guide for Christian writers.
- Christian Authors Network
- A group of authors who are passionate about getting Christian books in the hands of other booklovers.
- Right Writing
- Through this site, Terry offers proven tools and methods to help you succeed. Every single link and page will focus on helping launch your career.
- Relief Journal
- The goal of this publication is to pursue a complete picture of Christ and life -- real, gritty, painful, wonderful, this-side-of-heaven life. In an effort to never offend, too many Christian publications fail to express the power of a real Christ in a real world, opting instead for clichés and placating expressions of the ideal. Relief seeks to bridge the gap between mainstream fiction and cotton-candy Christianity. Christ's goal was never to keep us sheltered and comfortable. He did not pull his punches. The primary measuring stick for good Christian writing cannot continue to be safety. It must be skill - the ability to expose what is real, express it eloquently, punch the reader.
- Evangelical Christian Publishers Association
- The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international, not-for-profit, trade organization serving its industry by promoting excellence and professionalism, sharing relevant data, stimulating Christian fellowship, raising the effectiveness of member houses, and equipping them to meet the needs of the changing marketplace.
- Faith-Hope-Love
- Faith-Hope-Love is a special interest chapter of Romance Writers of America.
- American Christian Fiction Writers
- ACFW is an organization geared toward meeting the needs of new and seasoned authors alike, as well as offering a venue for readers of Christian Fiction to learn more about their favorite authors and discover the vast array of choices available from the Christian Fiction market in general.
- Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal
- One of the finest articles on how to create a non-fiction book proposal. It is written by Mike Hyatt, the current President and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, courtesy the Steve Laube Literary Agency.
- Christian Writers Conferences
- A list of this year's writer's conferences for Christians.
- Christian Writer's Guild
- The Christian Writers Guild exists to educate, train, and support writers who desire to promote a biblically based, Christian worldview.
- Dancing Word
- Dancing Word Writers Network is a partnership of websites dedicated to consumers and writers of Christian books and music.
- Cross & Quill
- Christian Writers Fellowship International.
- Novel Journey
- Take time every day to be inspired. Author interviews, writer's tips, etc.
- Christian Writing Career Ministry
- A ministry to give Christian inspirational writers the instruction, guidance and support they need to become leaders in Christian publishing.
- Spiritled Writer
- Named one of the "101 Best Web Sites for Writers"
by Writer's Digest Magazine. - Inspired Author
- Open source website for inspired aspiring and published authors. Features an Online Writing School & Novel Writer Magazine.
- Literary Christian
- Our goal is to provide inspiration and community for aspiring and established artists who strive to write honestly about life's struggles and to follow the teachings of Jesus.
From the Editor
Hi, I am so glad you came by! As the editor of Noble Theme, I hope to provide some interesting and helpful things to encourage you in your writing. If you have any ideas, or anything you would like to submit, please feel free. May the Lord bless you as you write for Him!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About:
Forty-something and the mother of two grown sons, Carla Gade lives in an empty nest somewhere in New England with her husband and two cats; one resides on her computer, the other thinks he's a dog. She's an avid writer, a website developer, & thinks an awful lot.
It's her time to fly..
You can learn more about her writing by visiting her Portfolio or her website, Carla's Pathways.
Contact Carla Today! | The Writing Samples Scrapbook of Carla J. Gade
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