Many, many years ago, while I was still in high school, I read my first Christian fiction book. At that time, my dream of becoming a writer was just a faint speck on the horizon. But I was an avid reader, I read everything I could put my hands on, and so it was inevitable that I would stumble on a Christian fiction book. I don’t remember the author’s name, but I think the title was In All These Things. I couldn’t put it down, and before I’d finished reading it, I’d convinced myself I would one day write a book like that.

So, that’s my first reason for writing Christian fiction — to fulfil a long-ago promise to myself.

I think what drew me to that book was the protagonist. I don’t remember the story or the character’s name, but I think the author developed her character in such a way that even though I don’t remember her name, I remember the impact she had on me. Through that work of fiction, I began to develop a desire to get to know God better and to get closer to Him.

And that’s my second reason — to create a memorable character(s), so memorable that even when readers don’t remember the story, they will remember the one who drives the story. In the same way they remember Huck Finn, Elizabeth Bennet, or Katniss Everdeen. Characters from Christian fiction novels can be just as captivating as those mentioned.

My third reason for writing Christian fiction is it gives me the freedom to express who I am and my view of the world. I don’t think any writer, secular or otherwise, can write a story without revealing something of his/her beliefs. That’s the beauty of art — freedom to express oneself. Everyone may not like it or agree with it, but for those who do, Christian fiction provides a format in which readers can develop their faith and understanding of God as they follow the characters on their faith journey.

If you regularly read Christian fiction, you may know the answer to this question. Is there a large market for Christian fiction? Publishers Weekly states, “Steve Oates, v-p of marketing for Baker Publishing Group’s Bethany House and Chosen imprints, estimates annual sales for Christian fiction at about $20 million and says that has even trended up in the past two years.” That’s pretty large, don’t you think?

The article goes on the say that while many of the large houses publish Christian fiction, some of them have cut back on their fiction lists, but still continue to depend on a backlist from Paul Young (The Shack) and regular outpourings from author Karen Kingsbury. In addition, indie authors of Christian fiction are also holding their own in what is a steadily growing market.

From what I’ve written above, you can see that I love writing Christian fiction. I believe God has blessed each of us with talents and abilities that we should use to bless others and bring glory to Him. And if I can do this by creating memorable characters, building plots that will help to draw readers close to God, and fulfil my long-held desire, then I will continue to do so.

Do you read Christian fiction? If yes, please state why and what you love about it in the comment box below.

Angela is a blogger and author of Christian women’s fiction and Christian romance. Her latest release is Making Music Together.

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Fairy Tale Retellings, Book Two (standalone)

Historical Romance (Medieval)

Date Published: 04-10-2024

 

 

Little Red Riding Hood reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Princess Blanchette’s world shatters when the Black Wolf tears apart her castle and everything she holds dear. All she clings to is the vow she made to her grandmother on her deathbed.

Hailed as the people’s champion, Sir Rowan Dietrich liberates the capital in a quest for vengeance. He takes Winslowe Castle with an army at his back and his wolf, Smoke, at his side.

United by a shared cause and powerful attraction, Rowan and Blanchette embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption—a path filled with loss, transformation, and ultimately, the healing power of love.

Can Norland’s resplendent princess, with her captivating beauty and spirit, tame the fabled Black Wolf?

Inspired by the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Red Kingdom is a passionate historical romance about the enduring quest for love and the longing for a world at harmony.

*Red Kingdom is a standalone installment in a series of reimagined classic fairy tales. Due to adult content and themes, it is not intended for readers under the age of 18. 

What you can expect from Red Kingdom… 

Dark, Medieval Setting

Enemies to Lovers

Slow Burn

Broken Alpha Hero

Strong Heroine

Wolf Companion

He Falls First

Redemption

Warring Kingdoms

About the Author

I live in Sunny California with my dashing husband, who inspires my romance novels every day!

Writing has always been an integral part of my identity. Before I physically learned how to write, I’d narrate stories to my mom, and she’d record them for me.

I graduated from Chapman’s film school, where I often received the feedback on my scripts, “Your stories and characters are great, but this reads like a novel!” That’s when I realized my true calling.

In my free time, I frequent reptile expos, lift double my body’s weight, and indulge in dinosaur trivia.

I’m passionate about writing stories that explore what it means to be human and to be loved. My books focus on hope, courage, and redemption in the face of adversity.

 

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Purchase Links

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Red Kingdom – ExcerptSelections.doc

Blanchette spots the Black Wolf during the siege. Death at her feet.

Death in her home.

Death in the air.

Death screamed in every corner of her mind.

Then she saw him. Rowan Dietrich, the fabled Black Wolf of Norland, strode through her castle like awaking nightmare. His armor was crudely made, black as the surrounding night, the helm’s dark metal twisted into the shape of a wolf’s snarling head. But the most striking thing about him was his height. He towered above the other fighters and battled with a chilling methodicalness.

How he moved and fought frightened Blanchette the greatest. He looked collected. Even mildly amused. As if this were nothing more than a game. Blood soaked his sword as the blade whirled, whipped, slashed, and claimed lives in a macabre dance of death. And that wolf clung to his heels, its muzzle wet with blood, snarling and leaping at any man who dared come close to its master. Monster. Demons.

The Black Wolf of Norland had always had a mist of legend around him. She remembered the stories her mother and governess had often whispered after the feasts and in the dark of the night. “To me,” the Black Wolf called to a soldier a few yards away, his deep voice effortlessly carrying above the tumult. He didn’t need to yell, not even over the mayhem.

The force of his tone was enough. One of her father’s guards raised his blade, but too slowly. Rowan Dietrich’s longsword cut his head off, then came flashing back in a terrible two-handed slash that took another soldier in the leg. With quivering anger, she realized that this man—this wolf, this beast—was the reason the sky was falling on her family. She clutched the dagger, wishing she could stand a chance against him. How good and right it would feel to plunge the blade deep into his heart and avenge what would likely be the end of her family’s dynasty. Of course, she’d never survive him or his demon wolf. avenge her family, if she was to keep her promise, survival meant everything.

Angela is a blogger and author of Christian women’s fiction and Christian romance. Her latest release is Making Music Together.

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