• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Why Do I Write Christian Fiction?

by Chautona Havig · 5 Comments

Why Do I Write Christian Fiction?

One of the most surprising questions I receive as a Christian fiction author–and from Christian readers, I might add–is “Why do you write Christian fiction?”  Don’t get me wrong.  It’s a valid question.  But it still surprises me every time I hear it.

First, I think I should clarify something.  When people hear “Christian fiction,” they often think of what I call “evangelistic fiction.”  I do not write evangelistic fiction.  While occasionally one of my characters will feel called to share Jesus in an overt, evangelistic way or another character will be drawn to Jesus through the words or life of one of His people, it is not the primary focus of my fiction.

And that’s because of why I write Christian fiction. 

My novels are written to encourage the body of Christ–not to try to preach salvation to the saved. In fact, I work very hard to avoid preachiness in my books.  Where it exists, it’s usually to illustrate a point in a character rather than ram some doctrinal point down the literary throats of my readers.

I have no theological agenda in my books.

I write only to uplift the weary, encourage the discouraged, and to “stimulate” my fellow Christians to “love and good deeds.”  Some of my characters hold theological beliefs that I don’t.  This often surprises my readers, but it’s true.  I do this because I want to show how others come to different understandings of scripture.

I have a character whose children live a very specific conviction regarding female clothing.  Even my character doesn’t hold the conviction, but she lives it as an example to the children she’s raising.  Why did I do this?  Because I’ve seen the attacks that people who do hold this conviction have endured by those who felt judged by it.  I wanted to show that people who feel judged by others can be assuming condemnation aimed at them that isn’t.

What do I mean by that convoluted sentence? 

Sometimes, when we know others hold themselves to a particular standard, we assume that they look down on us–judge us–for not holding the same standard.  And guess what?  In that moment, we are guilty of the very judgment we’ve accused them of.  I wanted to remind believers that we’re all in this together.

Rather than feel condemned, why not encourage someone in their faith–their convictions?

When I meet someone who doesn’t eat pork, for example, I don’t flaunt my freedom to eat pork.  I serve beef.  I ask about their great chicken recipe.  I don’t try to persuade them to reconsider their conviction in the light of my “superior” understanding of Scripture.  God can convict and change (if He so chooses) through His Word and without my help.

If people want to know my opinion, they’ll ask.

Every month–sometimes weekly–I get at least one email that says, “Seeing how ABC character did 123 really challenged me.  I’m in prayer and study to see what the Lord says about this–about how I need to respond to it.”

And that right there, ladies and gentlemen, is why I write.  It’s why I read Christian fiction. 

People are often surprised to discover that I don’t listen to much Christian music.  While I love old hymns and a few Christian songs–particularly “devotional songs”–most of the music I listen to is instrumental or old secular stuff (mostly pre-60’s… decades before I was even born).  But my reading material is almost exclusively Christian fiction.

Why?  Because I, like most of humanity, learn best through stories.  There are reasons Jesus used stories to teach His disciples.  We learn well that way.  Seeing how someone else–even if that person is only fictional–reacts to the curve balls life throws us helps me see what I need to do to change my own reactions when things go wrong.

Obviously, I did write one non-Christian book. 

But for the most part, I fully intend to stick with my chosen genre–broad as it is.  I do it because I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. I do it because of how blessed I’ve been by the writings of other Christian fiction authors.  I do it because it’s my way of serving the Lord–my “spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1).

I’m curious, though.  How has Christian fiction blessed you?  Does it?  Do you read it because it’s clean, because it’s encouraging, or because you just love to read?  I love learning why others do what they do.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Writing

Previous Post: « 2015 Writing Dream (I’d say goal, but who am I kidding?)
Next Post: Why So Many Books? : Author Q & A »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Courtney says

    January 9, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    I like your books because they make me think and encourage me. The first series I read was Aggie. As I have six kids who were all added to our family within 3 years (through international adoption) and who were all older when they joined our family I could relate to a lot of Aggie’s experiences and it was so encouraging to hear some of my doubts and fears expressed through fiction. That hooked me and I think I have most of your books now!

    Reply
  2. Sarah Giddens says

    January 9, 2015 at 8:15 am

    I read christian fiction because I enjoy reading something that’s exciting, mysterious and “clean”. It doesn’t take you into the bedroom with explicit sexual language. It’s something I feel I can share with my friends and feel good about. I appreciate your writing and have followed the stories because they grab your attention right from the beginning and I love the serial novel.Good work. Keep it coming.

    Reply
  3. Cathe Swanson says

    January 8, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    I don’t find a lot of shallow Christian fiction anymore. The industry is becoming more sophisticated, and successful authors have to be writing solid novels to be competitive. Readers expect more than we used to, because we have more options.

    I like Christian fiction. The Christian worldview has expanded to other genres: romance, mystery, fantasy, spy thrillers, and more.

    Reply
  4. tabitha says

    January 8, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    There are few Christian books I can read. Some are just as lusty as the basic romances. Others are just to hollow with a message for me.
    Now yours. Are awesome and I have them all.
    Love ya!

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 8, 2015 at 5:57 pm

      Yeah, I don’t do well with the lust. Now and then pure fluff is a nice escape, but I usually like SOME meat to my fiction. Usually I like a “low carb-carnivore” literary diet. But now and then, spiritual bubblegum is fun to chew.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
byChautona Havig

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https: Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/512143
A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air.
Temps are dropping and time is running…
These beauties just arrived. Eeep! #AmReading #c These beauties just arrived.  Eeep!
#AmReading 
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
@lisaphillipsbks
This is what book sorting and cataloging and culli This is what book sorting and cataloging and culling looks like. The molding is still not finished,  a huge shelf sits empty, the above windows shelves are untouched (and therefore,  dusty)... but it's getting there...
#libraryprogress
#gottadoitbeforethekidcomeshome
#notquitebookstageam
Reading this right now. Just started last night, Reading this right now.  Just started last night, and I am already engrossed. 

Reposted from @lianaygeorge Get to know Perfectly Placed! Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart Series, it continues Nicki’s adventures in China and has her falling in love in ways she never imagined!

•
•
•

books book tropes convincing you to read perfectly placed hopeful hearts series contemporary christian fiction women's fiction ebook paperback
Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the n Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the next Bookstrings giveaway (this fall).

Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Link to these designs are in my bio!!!
#resbubbleartist 
#ilovestickers 
#artwork
How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... before time? Not often in my experience, but Jill Eileen Smith's Daughter of Eden takes a bold step to imagine the creation of the angels... of even Michael the Archangel!  Listen in while we chat about Eden, Eve, her children, and the war between those banished from heaven and those who remained to protect those made in God's image.
@revellfiction
@Jilleileensmith
#BecauseFiction
#ChristFic
#BiblicalFiction
#DaughterofEden
#BookishPodcasts
Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and h Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and he's still worn out. Plus, he misses @lornarose9 si we thought we'd say hi.
#NevilleLongBarkem 
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!