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Outlining Christian FictionWhen you are outlining or drafting the Skeleton of your novel, understand that outlining Christian fiction is different than any other type of writing. Why? Because, as a Christian, we must first listen to the Lord and what HE has to say about things. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before you begin your story. Remember to answer truthfully or you will deceive yourself into taking wrong paths. That will do no one any good, least of all yourself.
1. Am I a Christian writer or a Christian who writes?A) A Christian Writer is one who writes for the glory of God, strictly. Their focus is to get the message of Christ into the hands of the reader.B) A Christian who writes is someone who may or may not write Christian books, but their love of God is not diminished. They may write for the secular market in fiction or non-fiction. Their work may have Christian principles woven throughout but the work does not need these references to stand. Outlining by prayer is important in either case. John Grisham is a wonderful example of this. Read his book "Testament" to see what we mean. 2. What am I called to write?Articles, non-fiction, fiction, newsletters, bulletins, letters etc.3. Will I discipline myself to pray, to the reading of the Word, attending church and submitting my life to the authority God has placed over me?Example:spouse, pastor, elders, friends that partner with me etc.4. Will I make my relationship with God my first priority, my spouse second, my children third and my writing last?When these get out of order so does everything else in your life. Keep these straight!Just so you know......we all have trouble with this one from time to time. 5. Am I called to this or is this an offering to the Lord only?A) An offering is something you may not be called to do but you do because you can.B) A calling is something God burdens your heart to do and you can't seem to get away from it (whether you try to or not). Once again, outlining by prayer is important in either case.
If you have answered these questions truthfully and are ready, lets talk about what you need to do now. When beginning a story the Word of God must come first.Seek first the kingdom of heaven (God’s will for the story) and all these things shall be added (the flesh of the story.) Matthew 6:33This is where prayer is key in writing. You may not always know what is going to happen in the story, especially if your story is character driven instead of plot driven. However, you should have a pretty good idea about why you are writing it and what it is basically about. If not, prayer is the key here. The Lord knows what he wants to accomplish in this story so ask him!Ask yourself: Why am I writing this story?
Remember, you cannot lead others where you have never been yourself.If you want your readers to experience the grace of God in your story, you must first have experienced God's grace.If you want your readers to touch worship in your story, you must first be a worshiper...etc.
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