How to Write Historical Christian Fiction
I’ve been asked by a public library in northern Minnesota to teach a 2-hour class on “How to Write Historical Christian Fiction.” Apparently, their patrons requested such a class after an inspiring visit from beloved historical fiction author, Lauraine Snelling. Lauraine lives in California, so they sought out a local author instead—me.
A joy shared is a double joy. A burden shared is half a burden.”
—Swedish Proverb
Everything a person needs to know to write publishable historical fiction—everything I’ve learned over ten+ years—in two hours?!? Cue low whistle. That’s a tall order.
Before I agreed, I asked if I could divide the task (and the honorarium) with local author-friend, Michelle Griep. I had three reasons for doing this. One, to share the load. I don’t know everything, not by a long shot. Two, no one wants to listen to me for two straight hours. And three, it will be a lot more fun to share the long drive and the experience with a friend. Michelle agreed.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
Currently, we are putting together our PowerPoint presentation. In the immortal words of Alice to Ralph Kramden in The Honeymooners, it’s like trying to squeeze “two pounds of bologna in a one pound bag.” 🙂 We’ll have to do our best to give an overview and then provide handouts with resources for further study.
Here is the outline we have created so far:
How to Write Historical Christian Fiction
Introduction
What Sets Christian Fiction Apart?
How to Generate (Salable) Ideas
Research: Where to Find It, How Much is Enough, and Managing Mistakes
Planning Your Plot
Creating Memorable Characters
The Basics of Point of View
Incorporating Faith Into Your Fiction (without being preachy)
Tips to Finishing that First Draft
Self-Editing (and if and when to hire a professional editor)
How to Get Published—Traditionally
How to Self Publish a Book
Publishing Realities. Is it Worth It? (Don’t worry, the answer is yes!)
Q & A
Whew, I’m winded already.
Obviously, we can’t cover everything in detail in such a short time. (More experienced writing teachers could easily spend two hours on each of the above topics!) But hopefully, this outline sounds interesting and fairly comprehensive. Anything you would add? Wish us well!
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Wow! That’s a lot of information for only two hours, but I wish I lived closer. I’d love to be a student! Good luck!
I would love to sit in on your class! I’m sure those who attend will have a great time! Are you going to record it? Maybe someone could do a Facebook Live for part of the class. That would be interesting for reading and writing friends to see. Jocelyn Green recently filmed a class she taught.
Wish I could be there to listen and learn from you two gals!
Wish I lived near there and could take this class! It is a lot of information for 2 hours, but you should definitely have it videotaped.
What a wonderful experience for your class! What a big job for you two!
Will you be publishing this how-to? It sounds like something I’d love to learn from you gals! I have dreams of someday writing historical, but currently I’m in the contemporary realm of fiction.
Best wishes! Most of all, have fun!
Andrea
Oh, how I wish I could be there! This class sounds fantastic! If you do record it, I hope you can share it. Even the handouts would be awesome to have <3
If I could be in the area I would love to hear both of you.
I will be in the Branson, Missouri area on April 14 and I am SUPER EXCITED!!!
You, along with Becky Wade, Jody Hedlund, Katie Ganshert, Karen Witemeyer, and Courtney Walsh, I can hardly wait! I will happily stay if you all want to speak all day.
It’s a good game plan! Attendees can get in touch with you afterward.
I would love to see this information compiled into a book or YouTube video series. I have been considering attempting to write a historical novel and would love some advice.
Hi Julie.
I love that you and Michelle are doing this. If someone could videotape it and post a YouTube link later that would be amazing! That way we could go back and watch it at our leisure and take notes without being rushed. I know you will both be amazing and certainly a road trip with girls is totally a fun time worth the effort! Hopefully on the way back you 2 can adventure a little bit 🙂