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What makes a Christian suspense novel desirable?
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Hi Folks, I wanted to share with you a novel just put on Amazon, a GenX Romance/Mystery based on four friends reading Thomas Hardy novels. Book One in A Redemption for Angel Clare is up! https://www.amazon.com/Hardy-Girl-Red...
Michael wrote: "Hello, Christian Readers!I'm a Christian suspense author looking for guidance/suggestions in terms of what readers want and don't want in a Christian suspense novel.
My philosophy as a writer is..."
Hello sir. I'm an author and an editor specializing in Christian books. The following comments are just my opinions, but I do have some experience on the subject.
Comment: Christian books should be clean and godly. Sin should always be frowned upon. They should set an example of what Christians should be like. Yes, in real life we are fallen people who cuss, lie, cheat, steal, etc. This, however, is not how we should be. I believe that a good Christian suspense novel should use its "good guy" main characters as examples of what a Christian should be like. Otherwise, in my mind, it says to the reader, "Yeah, Christians sin too, but that's okay. They are mostly good." Sin isn't okay, and a lie is a lie no matter how small.
Conclusion: As a reader, I like seeing Christian fiction books that contain main characters who I can admire and look up to. There are too few books like this out there.
Comment: Very often people will use a Christian fiction book as a preaching tool, incorporating a lot of their preconceived notions that may or may not be Biblically sound into their work. I once edited a book where the author was very preachy about drinking alcohol. It was somewhat in-your-face, and even if the concept was Biblically sound (which I don't believe it was; even Jesus drank wine) it was still distracting from the story itself.
Conclusion: I like it when writers of Christian fiction preach through Godly and Biblical actions of the characters, not through short diatribes by the author. I also think that if the book is trying to push a message, that message should be 100% Biblically sound, and it should be subtle and not distract from the story.
Comment: I don't like reading about sexual situations, even in suspense thrillers, adult novels, dark and gritty novels, etc. If it is an ungodly sexual situation, then it shouldn't be in a Christian book. If it is wholesome and between a man and his wife, then it should be private between those characters.
Conclusion: Sexual scenes are very private things, and I like it when they are treated as such. Reading a book, even a Christian book, that contains such things makes me feel like a peeping tom.
Comment: I have read many "suspense" novels (especially by indie authors) that had a plot that was easy to see through, and that really didn't have much suspense. If I'm reading a suspense novel, I don't want it to be easy to put down. I want it to hook me, keep me guessing, perhaps even misdirect me before ending in a twist that nobody saw coming. THAT is suspense.
Conclusion: I like a suspense novel of any type to live up to its name. Otherwise, it disappoints.
I hope these comments are able to help you craft a better tale. Other things I like about Christian suspense novels include exotic locations, tied-in KJV verses to head the chapters, and a male POV (too many Christian books out there are targeted towards women).
May God bless you and guide you in your new book. If you find yourself in need of a Christian beta reader, editor or blurb writer, feel free to drop me a message. :-)
Regards,
S. Daisy of Daisy Editing
hello Daisy. I just finished a series of novels that explores purist culture through the stories of four seminarians who are reading Thomas Hardy novels for class. like Hardy characters they are broken but the main characters are pursuing a Biblical model for their relationships. I'd be interested in your thoughts. this is not preachy, but shows young Christan men wresting with authentic questions and choices. Check this out https://a.co/d/fp2A0cs
Michael wrote: "Some great observations here. Thanks!"You are very welcome. I'm glad you liked my comments. :-)
Mark wrote: "Hello Daisy. I just finished a series of novels that explores purist culture through the stories of four seminarians who are reading Thomas Hardy novels for class. Like Hardy characters, they are br..."Hello. The books sound interesting. Rather than hijacking this gentleman's thread, feel free to message me and we can discuss it further. :-)
Thank you daisy. I apologize I should not have done that
Mark wrote: "Thank you daisy. I apologize I should not have done that"No problem. :-)
I'm a Christian suspense author looking for guidance/suggestions in terms of what readers want and don't want in a Christian suspense novel.
My philosophy as a writer is that my readers' desires come first. What they want in a book is more important than what I want. After all, what is an author without satisfied readers?
With this post I hope to generate dialogue as to what constitutes a satisfying Christian suspense novel and what attracts readers to certain titles but turns them off from others.
My goal is to mold my future works to more closely meet the specific wants and needs of my audience.
My current novel, OVER THE EDGE, is a modern David and Goliath story. If you've read it, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts with respect to the above.
https://www.amazon.com/Over-Edge-Mich...