Shoud the Christian Writer Fit In or Stand Out?

 

The world tells us we need to all look a certain way, dress according to the latest trends, and listen to the same music. Even churches fall into that trap. Probably at some point we have all wanted to fit in. Is that what we should do?

God has told us what He expects in His Word. He said we need to fit in the unity of faith, building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:12b,13

We are also to fit together with Christ and other Christians. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

Christian writers also need to fit into the right genre when writing. Be mindful of the expectations within every genre. From the book cover to the storyline, make sure you add the elements that are expected within each genre. You will need a good story arc and character arc along with powerful edits that make for a good reading experience. 

If you include only "clean" elements (no sex or profanity) you will fit into a clean or cozy genre. If you include sexual scenes or strong language, be sure to label the work accordingly. You don't have to be evangelical. It can be clean, wholesome, and be filled with biblical truths without being preachy.

It's also understood that Christians will write from a Christian perspective, with a Christ-filled heart and a Christian worldview. If you add strong Christian themes, you will fit into both the cozy and Christian genres. A powerful storyline and meaningful characters can be written without the sex and profanity outside Christian/clean genres.

Christians are also called to stand out from the world, but not like the world tells us. It's common for people to try to stand out among the crowd to get attention for themselves. You can see it in their clothing, attitude, and hear it in their voice.

Christians are told to stand out. In God's Word we read, for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. Ephesians 5:8

As Christians are different from unbelievers, Christian writers are also different from other writers. While our books might include trauma, demons, or other disturbing elements, the evil will always be shown in contrast to what God has to offer. Unbiblical actions might take place, but will be clearly understood as"wrong" from the theme of the book, sometimes by including a godly protagonist to shine truth on evil.

The same with humor. Christians find ways to add humor to their books without deriding someone or including lewd content. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Jesus illustrated how to stand out like that. He said in this world of darkness, believers are to allow His light to shine through us, overcoming the darkness. Christians often handle tough topics but with an overall theme of showing God's redemption and provision. 

I always pray my books fit in and stand out. 

I pray they meet the reader with something they expected within the genre, and provide some meaty nuggets pointing them to God, above all else. 

~

Dear Christian writer,

While we are on earth, we will need to both fit in and stand out, but not like the world thinks. We can write simple or monumental books that will be on bookstands alongside popular fiction or nonfiction titles. Even so, our books must stand out as lights in a dark world, shining for Him.

Understand that you might be criticized for writing Christ-honoring material. Jesus said, If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. John 15:18,19

But, remember, we are not writing to please the world. We are writing to glorify God.

Father, bless the writer reading this today. Fill them with the wisdom to write what You have called them to write and the courage to share it with others.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Two things to remember if you are doing your best and still don't win an award.

While being genuinely thrilled to hear of fellow writers achieving their goals and being recognized within the industry with awards, writers can still be disappointed about their lack of one. Other writers'  walls fill with plaques and certificates but yours lacks that one elusive award or perhaps your latest work has yet to earn any recognition. It is so common in the industry we call it the "imposter syndrome." 

It is natural to want your work to be noticed, even praised. You worked hard on it and expected it to make an impact on the world. When it doesn't happen in the form of winning a contest, we can feel as if we aren't really doing what we should be doing. We doubt if we should even call ourselves "writers."

First, remember your calling to write. God gave you the mind, the words, and the desire to write. You are writing to honor Him. Your obedience to obey His calling is what He desires. He will provide the fruit from your labors in His time. 

You may never know this side of heaven of the impact of a simple comment, an article, devotion, or novel made in one person's heart. Those words you prayed over and wrangled into place hit home with someone. It could have changed their response to a situation from a volatile response to a more measured one. Your words might have prompted someone to open their Bible one more time, read and pray. The story you wrote might have touched their heart into action for a ministry or service. It could have been the one thing that God used to prick their heart into a deeper faith.

1) You are working for God, not the praise of men. He will reward you.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily (from the soul), as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians  3:23,24 (NASB95) 

2) If you are writing/working to please men, it is not likely you will be writing for the Christian market. Christian writers rarely have comparable income or praise as secular writers. 

You aren't writing to impress. You're writing to bless.

For am I now seeking the favor or men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Dear Writer,

Please remember your audience is the Lord God. He will use your words in ways you might never realize this side of eternity. But, oh, in heaven, how great will be your reward!

Keep writing for Him, precious writer! I'm cheering for you! Encourage another writer today. They need the boost as much as you do. Your encouragement might inspire them to write a little more.

Blessings,

Lisa

Father in heaven,

Encourage the writer reading this today. Remind them of the calling You have for them. Strengthen them when they feel discouraged and empower them with the message You want them to share.

In Jesus' name, amen.

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I want to write but I feel stuck

It's not uncommon for every writer to go through a slump. Writing can be a roller coaster of highs and lows. Some books and stories can be well received, others seem to never gain momentum and take flight.

Writers with Christian elements and themes in their books face the same ups and downs. Life circumstances change our writing habits. A negative review makes us hesitant to put our work out there. The plague of "imposter syndrome" is rampant in writing communities, often settling in when we compare our success with that of another author. 

What can we do when we're in the low part of the ride? Below are four "whos" for the Christian writer to remember when it's hard to write.

Who called you to write? 

When God called Moses, he didn't feel qualified. When God called Elijah, he sometimes ran in fear. As He did back then, God often calls people to do things they do not feel qualified to do. We might have to spend time in training, but probably not the decades Moses spent in the wilderness before leading the people out of captivity from Egypt. 

Hone your skills while writing. Seek critique groups to help you find areas to work on while you write. Attend seminars, conferences, or work with a coach while you are writing. Don't wait until you feel equipped. No writer has achieved perfection, and it's not likely you will either. He expects and will use your obedience to His call. If God asked you to write, what could be more important? Prayerfully ask God to renew your desire to write and have His words flow from you.

Who will receive glory from your book/stories?

When God called you to write, He didn't do it to put your name in lights. If the fear of not being good enough is a hindrance, remember it isn't about the critics. It's kingdom work. 

Writers with a Christian theme or elements are drawing readers closer to God or perhaps introducing them to the Savior. That's far more important than my fear of rejection from man. Remember the reason for the words--to gently draw another soul toward heaven.

Who did He call to write this story? 

Sure. There are many great Christian writers out there. However, He called you to write the one in front of you, or in your heart. This is your chance to obey the God who knows who needs to hear this story--the one He wants you to write. He chose You. 

Who wants to stall your message?

The enemy, Satan, has the most to gain if we set our calling aside. He will not be happy with anyone who speaks the truth that expose his lies. He will find ways to distract you and delay you. He often slips in a little doubt to sway you from being obedient. 

He planted doubt in the heart of Eve in Genesis by asking if God really said to not eat from the tree.

He plants doubt in the heart of the Christian writer by asking if God really called us to write, if God really want us to write boldly about Him, if God really wouldn't rather you make a lot of money by writing more lucrative stories with unbiblical themes. 

You know the gift He has given you. You know the responsibility that comes with it. You also know who would love to see you give up.

Meanwhile, God is cheering for you. I am too.

Father in heaven,

remind us of your call on our lives and give us the courage to stand against anything that tries to draw us away from it.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Dear writer,

Prayerfully recall the desire God already planted in you. Write it down and keep it front and center of your writing space. You could make it your mission statement to keep you focused.

Remember He is the one who will bring the fruit from it if you cultivate it and keep at it. Don't quit. Your cheering section is rooting for you.

Blessings,

Lisa 

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I want to write but don't know where to start.

I want to write. Where do I start?

12 tips for beginning writers

Set aside a regular time to write. It could be a daily routine or several times per week, but schedule it as you would an important meeting. 

Write. Don't let the blank page or computer screen intimidate you. 

Start small. Don't expect your first work to be a full-length novel. I suggest starting with a single truth you noticed in Scripture. Expand on it. Find a practical application for it and write it out. Let God's Holy Spirit guide you in expounding on His Word, being careful to stay within the context of Scripture. Stay within the one single theme of the verse or verses. 

Edit. Clean it up using tools that are built into your word processor and products like Grammarly, look for errors in spelling and punctuation. Read it aloud. Does it make sense? Does it have an easy-to-understand message?  

Expand your edits to look for repeated, flamboyant, and unnecessary words. Keep it simple.

Critique. After you have cleaned up your story, let a critique group look at it. (Not family or friends. They are biased.) Put on your thick skin, and remain silent while they show you where and how you can improve. We all need to improve and hone our skills. If you are part of Word Weavers, the group will give you both positive feedback as well as help you find areas to work on.

Re-write. Don't be afraid to write it again. Writers write and re-write. That doesn't mean you have failed. It means you are learning and growing.

Share it with the world. Share it on social media. That's a great way to gather readers no matter the topic. Start a blog and add to it regularly. Write an editorial or article for your local newspaper.

Keep writing. Set aside a regular time to write and have a general goal, whether one or two pages or a thousand words. Set your time. Write, and keep to your goals.

Study the craft of writing. 

Attend writers' conferences.

Join writers groups to sharpen your skills.

Be patient. It takes time to learn the craft.  

 

Dear writer, I pray that you will seek out what God wants you to write and that you will be obedient to that calling, fearless to pursue His will and do His work.

Lisa Worthey Smith

 

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