Why I Write Christian Fiction

At a recent interview, I was asked why I choose to write Christian fiction, instead of for the more popular secular market. The answer is multi-faceted and more complicated than it would first appear. It is intertwined with who I am and what I see as important in my life.

One of the main reasons I write Christian novels is that I view my writing as a gift from and blessing of God. When I look at my roots and where I came from, it is a miracle that I learned to love language and am able to write and publish a book. Since God gave me this love of writing, I want to use it to glorify His name and further His kingdom. This is also why I donate all my profits to Christian charities. May God use my writing as it pleases Him, and may I always write what is pleasing to Him.

I would like for my books to touch people in a special way. I want them to come away encouraged, enriched, and feeling they've discovered or been reminded of some important truth. I cringe at some of the books I see. I don't know how someone would want their name on a book filled with profanity; steamy, explicit sex scenes; or blood and gore. I want to write books that I can be proud of, even when my grandchildren read them.

I write Christian books, because my faith is a big part of who I am. At this point in my life, I think it would take more thought and be much harder for me to write a secular book than a Christian book. Although I have other manuscripts, I chose the series now coming into print to be first, because my roots are in Appalachia, my love is with history, and my heart and soul belong to Christ.

God has blessed me in so many ways and been with me through all the valleys and over all the rough terrain. He means everything to me. The better question is how could I not write Christian fiction?

___________________________________