christian fiction
DEFINITION:
Christian fiction has at its core biblically-based attitudes, values and actions. It is sometimes called inspirational fiction or gentle reads, but these terms can be misleading. Christian fiction is characterized by explicit or implicit Christianity and little or no sex, violence or profanity. Often written in a series to show the growth of faith over time, these books pose religious questions and answers, show conflict over faith and morality, often emphasize a conversion or crisis of faith and exemplify Christian faith in real life.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Christian fiction has little or no sex, violence or profanity. These books always show Christian values and although there may be a conflict, or a crisis of faith, good and evil (black and white) is very clearly drawn. The pace may be slower with the emphasis on the characters.
APPEAL:
Many of the authors currently write series with a stand alone here and there. Series by favorite authors are a huge attraction. Also, readers know they can rely on these authors to be consistent in their subject matter.
READERS:
Most often, the readers are women of an evangelical faith. Also, you will have requests by young adult girls and their mothers looking for transitional reads in the romance and historical genres. As Christian fiction expands its subgenres, it draws young adults and adults who want biblical themes in their science fiction and fantasy. In the past, the readers were generally older women but this has changed over time due to perhaps television programs (7th Heaven, Little House, etc.) and better marketing by publishers.
SUBGENRES:
Most of the subgenres are what you would find elsewhere: apocalyptic, contemporary, historical, romance, western, science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, and additionally, biblical themes.
TRENDS:
Series are more popular than stand alones. Janette Oke’s books are popular again due to the recent release of movies based on her books. Many authors are addressing contemporary, often difficult, issues (e.g., divorce, alcoholism, abuse, etc.).
Historical fiction set during World War II remains very popular. These novels highlight veterans' and survivors' experiences to give the story authenticity. Authors Cathy Gohlke and Sarah Sundin engage readers with impeccable research and compelling characters.
Terrorism and political conflict are frequent themes in contemporary Christian fiction, often mirroring current events. DiAnn Mills' FBI: Houston series follows FBI agents tracking down terrorists and other criminals. Both Christian fiction and suspense fans may enjoy her books. Ted Dekker writes in several genres but his contemporary suspense novels focus on political issues, written from a subtly Christian perspective that some Christian fiction fans may like.
There is a great deal of crossover between Christian fiction and urban fiction. These storylines frequently cover serious topics, such as religious leaders going astray, nonbelievers finding their faith, and people turning to God to seem them through difficult times. Heavy hitters in these genre combinations are Kimberla Lawson Roby and Carl Weber.
AUTHORS:
Classic - Lloyd C. Douglas, Grace Livingston Hill, C.S. Lewis, Catherine Marshall, Janette Oke, Lew Wallace
Apocalyptic - Tim F. LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti
Biblical - Tessa Afshar, Joseph Girzone, Walter Wangerin
Contemporary - Randy Alcorn, Katie Ganshert, Robin Jones Gunn, Robin lee Hatcher, Karen Kingsbury, Cathy Liggett, Amy K. Sorrells
Historical (including Westerns) - T. Davis Bunn, Cathy Gohlke, Lynn and Gilbert Morris, Judith Pella, Michael Phillips, Francine Rivers, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Brock and Bodie Thoene
Romance (Contemporary or HIstorical) - Wanda Brunstetter, L.L. Chaikin, Colleen Coble, Al and JoAnna Lacy, Beverly Lewis, C. E. Laureano, Tracie Peterson, Sarah Sundin, Lori Wick
Science Fiction/Fantasy - Karen Hancock, Stephen Lawhead
Suspense - Terri Blackstock, Ted Dekker, Linda Hall, Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Nancy Mehl, DiAnn Mills, Cara Putman, Joel C. Rosenberg, James L. Rubart, Patricia H. Rushford
Urban Fiction - ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Michele Andrea Bowen, Victoria Christopher Murray, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Carl Weber
Christian fiction has at its core biblically-based attitudes, values and actions. It is sometimes called inspirational fiction or gentle reads, but these terms can be misleading. Christian fiction is characterized by explicit or implicit Christianity and little or no sex, violence or profanity. Often written in a series to show the growth of faith over time, these books pose religious questions and answers, show conflict over faith and morality, often emphasize a conversion or crisis of faith and exemplify Christian faith in real life.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Christian fiction has little or no sex, violence or profanity. These books always show Christian values and although there may be a conflict, or a crisis of faith, good and evil (black and white) is very clearly drawn. The pace may be slower with the emphasis on the characters.
APPEAL:
Many of the authors currently write series with a stand alone here and there. Series by favorite authors are a huge attraction. Also, readers know they can rely on these authors to be consistent in their subject matter.
READERS:
Most often, the readers are women of an evangelical faith. Also, you will have requests by young adult girls and their mothers looking for transitional reads in the romance and historical genres. As Christian fiction expands its subgenres, it draws young adults and adults who want biblical themes in their science fiction and fantasy. In the past, the readers were generally older women but this has changed over time due to perhaps television programs (7th Heaven, Little House, etc.) and better marketing by publishers.
SUBGENRES:
Most of the subgenres are what you would find elsewhere: apocalyptic, contemporary, historical, romance, western, science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, and additionally, biblical themes.
TRENDS:
Series are more popular than stand alones. Janette Oke’s books are popular again due to the recent release of movies based on her books. Many authors are addressing contemporary, often difficult, issues (e.g., divorce, alcoholism, abuse, etc.).
Historical fiction set during World War II remains very popular. These novels highlight veterans' and survivors' experiences to give the story authenticity. Authors Cathy Gohlke and Sarah Sundin engage readers with impeccable research and compelling characters.
Terrorism and political conflict are frequent themes in contemporary Christian fiction, often mirroring current events. DiAnn Mills' FBI: Houston series follows FBI agents tracking down terrorists and other criminals. Both Christian fiction and suspense fans may enjoy her books. Ted Dekker writes in several genres but his contemporary suspense novels focus on political issues, written from a subtly Christian perspective that some Christian fiction fans may like.
There is a great deal of crossover between Christian fiction and urban fiction. These storylines frequently cover serious topics, such as religious leaders going astray, nonbelievers finding their faith, and people turning to God to seem them through difficult times. Heavy hitters in these genre combinations are Kimberla Lawson Roby and Carl Weber.
AUTHORS:
Classic - Lloyd C. Douglas, Grace Livingston Hill, C.S. Lewis, Catherine Marshall, Janette Oke, Lew Wallace
Apocalyptic - Tim F. LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti
Biblical - Tessa Afshar, Joseph Girzone, Walter Wangerin
Contemporary - Randy Alcorn, Katie Ganshert, Robin Jones Gunn, Robin lee Hatcher, Karen Kingsbury, Cathy Liggett, Amy K. Sorrells
Historical (including Westerns) - T. Davis Bunn, Cathy Gohlke, Lynn and Gilbert Morris, Judith Pella, Michael Phillips, Francine Rivers, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Brock and Bodie Thoene
Romance (Contemporary or HIstorical) - Wanda Brunstetter, L.L. Chaikin, Colleen Coble, Al and JoAnna Lacy, Beverly Lewis, C. E. Laureano, Tracie Peterson, Sarah Sundin, Lori Wick
Science Fiction/Fantasy - Karen Hancock, Stephen Lawhead
Suspense - Terri Blackstock, Ted Dekker, Linda Hall, Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Nancy Mehl, DiAnn Mills, Cara Putman, Joel C. Rosenberg, James L. Rubart, Patricia H. Rushford
Urban Fiction - ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Michele Andrea Bowen, Victoria Christopher Murray, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Carl Weber