In the boundless realm of creative expression, Writergram stands as a beacon for writers of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Nestled within this vibrant community are Christian writers, whose faith infuses every word they craft. In this blog article, we embark on a journey to explore the intersection of faith and creativity, as we sit down with some of Writergram's most prolific Christian authors. Join us as we delve into their inspirations, challenges, and the profound impact their faith has on their written work.
Interview
Why do you think so many Christians on Writegram write fiction?
YY: (@yy.writes)
I think Writergram naturally tends to cater more towards fiction writers in general, but I do think that creativity and imagination are gifts from God, and Christian writers like myself find joy in expressing those gifts through stories!
Dani: (@dreaming_inpages)
I think so many of us write fiction for one simple reason: we are made in the image of God. Let me elaborate. God is the greatest Creator, the storyteller of the World. He wrote a book! The greatest book, in which there were stories and history, poetry and nonfiction. Jesus himself used parables (fictional stories) to explain things to us. One of the ways in which we were made in God's image is our creativity. It's a reflection of God's creative nature. He created out of nothing, we create out of what He created in a reflection of the one who made us. It's really something beautiful about who we are.
Nora: (@shecontemplates)
I feel like Christians write fiction to escape this world or maybe to express a deep message through characters and how they overcome relatable struggles.
Auryn: (@auryn_writes)
I think so many Christians on Writergram write fiction because that’s what Writergram is for. It doesn’t mean that the majority of Christians write fiction, just that (some) of the Christians who do have found other Christians who write fiction on Writergram.
2. Is there anything you have to write about or can’t?
YY:
I don't feel that there's anything I have to or can't write about, but I do think that my Christian worldview influences my writing in some ways. I generally don't write super dark stories or depressing endings with no hope, but I don't think we necessarily can't write about those as long as we still show truthful themes (it's just more of a personal preference).
Dani:
I'm not sure there's anything I NEED to write about, but there definitely are things I can't write about. I won't write smut, for example. Smut is just one step closer to pornography, and it can be addicting. So many of us were exposed to things we shouldn't have been at a young age because of this, and I feel convicted never to expose a child to that and never to partake in it. Intercourse was created by God and is something that should be kept within marriage, it doesn't need to be opened up to the world through writing.
Nora:
I feel like we all have to write about some type of faith in our books. Let it be faith in oneself, if someone, something or God, if you wanna include Him specifically in your books. But I feel like that’s important. Also, writing lust or smut or a ton of bad words is smth I usually avoid.
Auryn:
I don’t think there’s anything you have to write about or cannot write about. I would encourage all writers to seek God’s guidance on what He wants to be written. He’s going to want some Christians to write about one thing while He’ll call others to write about different topics. However, I do believe that Christians should not be promoting sin as a good thing. Sometimes, presenting the reader with sin is necessary in showing the indescribable nature of forgiveness and redemption, but presenting sin as a good thing or something okay to do is not biblical. God would not call someone to do that because it is against His nature to do so.
3. Do your characters have to represent the same values as a Christian?
YY:
No, not necessarily! Of course, they shouldn't be endorsing anti-Christian values, but stories are all about portraying truths of this world, and of course, many values that don't align with Christianity exist. To write a realistic world would require showing different values, but also not neglecting showing the negative consequences of those that don't align with God's plan.
Dani:
Not all of them. I write fantasy, there are always villains and they definitely don't represent my values. Even my main characters, sometimes they aren't walking with their Creator, and they represent opposite values. But I always show the consequences of deviating from our Lord, and I like to have my protagonists at some point brought to their knees before their Savior. But that doesn't mean all my characters do, because we live in a sinful world. However, that doesn't mean we need to be graphic about showing sin. Balance, guys, balance.
Nora:
I feel like Christians write fiction to escape this world or maybe to express a deep message through characters and how they overcome relatable struggles.
Auryn:
Again, I would defer to the Holy Spirit on this one. The books He calls us to write are vastly different, and He may call us to write characters that are not directly related or represent a certain aspect of Christianity. God can use both allegorical and secular writing to glorify Him.
4. What is something that the writing community gets wrong about Christian writers?
YY:
I think there's been a lot of controversy lately and accusations about Christian writers being intolerant in different ways, but God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and we really do try our best to be loving and kind while standing firm by our values. Also, I don't know how widespread of a belief this actually is, but people might also think that Christian writers only write Christian fiction, but that is not the case at all! We write in such a diverse range of genres, from fantasy to historical fiction to horror and just about anything in between (no smut though >:( )!
Dani:
Unpopular opinion, but I think one thing the community gets wrong (within the Christian writergram world even) is that we need to somehow bend or hide or be subtle about our beliefs to be successful. You do NOT need to quiet your voice, and it's not wrong or judgemental to be true to the Bible and God's law.
Nora:
I feel like we all have to write about some type of faith in our books. Let it be faith in oneself, if someone, something or God, if you wanna include Him specifically in your books. But I feel like that’s important. Also, writing lust or smut or a ton of bad words is smth I usually avoid.
Auryn:
Something that the writing community gets wrong about Christian writers is that our love is the same as (or worse than) hate. Some believe that when we tell them that they are living a sinful lifestyle, we are saying that they are sin and God hates them when, instead, we are trying to share the good news of the Gospel with them. We are sinful, just like everyone else, but Jesus rescued us from those chains. We want our Writergram friends who aren’t Christians to walk in that same freedom, so we share in Truth and Love. However, when people put their identity in their sin and see themselves as inseparable from it, they take our message as saying that since God hates sin, God hates them (which couldn’t be farther from the Truth. Jesus died for our Writergram friends just like He died for us).
5. If you integrate Christianity in your writing, how do you do so?
YY:
Most of my current WIPs don't integrate my faith that directly, but I try to always remember that I'm writing for God and for his glory, and I try to remember Philippians 4:8 when creating any sort of content. I also try to portray themes that are truthful according to a Christian worldview, and I try to integrate casual representation of Christian characters by showing that they're just normal people too. My latest WIP (a Les Mis retelling set in 20th century China) does have themes of redemption, God's grace, and sacrifice, as well as directly talking about Christianity in China, so that one is the most explicit about it!
Dani:
I write fantasy, so it's not possible to always lay out the gospel word for word, but I always have references to a "Creator" or "Maker" and I always call sin out for what it is, call corruptness what it is. In TMTMU (The Monsters That Made Us) for instance, the main theme is how sin leads to destruction, in our hearts and our lives. It's woven in through every fiber of the story even if I'm not citing Bible verses. I also managed to tie it in a bit more by having a character I love, Gus. Gus is Starla's uncle, and he used to be a monk (not necessarily in the Catholic sense, because the way that Christianity operates in TMTMU is like Protestant medievalism, sort of) and he helps share the truth with Starla without it feeling out of pocket. It's part of his backstory! He was a monk for most of Starla's childhood, then gave it up to help guide his niece and join her crew.
Nora:
I integrate Christianity in some of my books. Some are very centered around it, some just mention it. Maybe it’s also done in the form of a “magic system” if you will. I will always try to stick close to my values no matter if the book I write isn’t Christian or does have Christian elements to it.
Auryn:
I write allegorical fantasy, so I do incorporate Christianity into my writing. The storyline of my WIP, Refiner’s Fire, is a parallel to spiritual warfare with The Refiner (the Jesus figure) leading the Caelumians (the parallel of Christians) against the Hostonians (evil). The characters parallel the seven churches in Revelation, and their journeys showcase the freedom and peace found in the Refiner. God has led me on a great journey to get to this place with Refiner’s Fire, and He’s still leading me onwards.
As shown by these talented young authors, Christian Writergram truly shines a light on the worthy Most High. This vibrant community continues to be a vessel for creativity, passion, and a deep love for the Christian faith. It’s a gift to be able to express the joy that the Lord has given us for the written word. We truly hope that you enjoyed this article!
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