Thinking about writing an inspirational novel, but don't know where to begin? Here's help! Your favorite authors offer tips on brainstorming, approaching tough topics, crafting a story, and marketing a book; and explain what makes fiction "Christian." Contributors include Jerry Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, Randy Alcorn, Colleen Coble, Angela Hunt, and many others. 250 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

Best-selling Christian fiction writers have teamed together to contribute articles on the craft of writing. A Novel Idea contains tips on brainstorming ideas and crafting and marketing a novel. It explains what makes a Christian novel “Christian” and offers tips on how to approach tough topics. Contributors include Jerry B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, and many other beloved authors. All proceeds will benefit MAI, an organization that teaches writing internationally to help provide literature that is culturally relevant.

With contributions from a series of bestselling Christian novelists including Jerry B. Jenkins, Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Terri Blackstock, Robin Jones Gunn, and Angela Hunt, A Novel Idea is a self-help book that explains the essential elements of writing effective inspirational fiction. Throughout the book, successful authors share their secrets using captivating stories and vivid metaphors to walk readers through the rigorous steps of the writing process. From developing the initial idea to marketing the final product, this book highlights helpful hints that make novel writing far less daunting.

The book begins by addressing the call on Christian writers to use their talents to best serve the Lord. Although each of the contributing authors are successful novelists, they offer expert advice without condescending tones, recognizing that every person called to write inspirational fiction has a unique and vital story to contribute. Drawing from their own experiences and observations about the craft, the authors explain how writers can harness their talents to please publishers, readers, and, most importantly, God. To illustrate the importance of helping new writers recognize their callings, the authors found inspiration in Galatians 6:4-5 from The Message, which says: “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Encouraging aspiring writers to accomplish their creative best, the authors introduce a variety of resourceful ideas in each of the book’s four sections: Fundamentals of Fiction, Developing Your Craft, Writing Christian Fiction, and Networking and Marketing.

Overall, A Novel Idea offers inspiring help on prewriting techniques, story progression, punctuation, narration, and developing three-dimensional characters with believable goals, motivations, and conflicts. By the end of the book, readers will be foundationally prepared to write, critique, and market their work to the best of their ability. This book is a great resource for all Christian novelists who hope to improve their craft by learning from the best in the business. – Kara Hackett, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

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