2016 Christy Awards – Finalists Announced
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Jun 6, 2016
I’m not surprised that two of the three young adult finalists fall into the speculative category. I’m pleased, definitely, but not surprised. Speculative fiction is all around in our culture as TV programs, movies, games, and books. Why shouldn’t Christian novels reflect this same interest?
Why Do We Need Christian Fantasy?
E. Stephen Burnett, Jun 3, 2016
Should Christians enjoy stories outside or inside “Christian” subcultures? The answer is yes.
The Pox? How Delightful, The Pox!
Mark Carver, Jun 1, 2016
The apocalyptic horror that the Black Death unleashed upon the world is incomprehensible in our super-sanitized modern times, even though our entertainment is rife with zombies and bioterrorism and innocuous viruses that end up wiping out most of the population.
The Fate of Christian Speculative Fiction
Zac Totah, May 30, 2016
Why doesn’t Christian fantasy, sci-fi, or anything else “weird” sell with the overwhelming success of bonnet-and-buggy stories?
Realm Makers Presenters, Part 5 – Mike Duran
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 30, 2016
Mike identifies closely with the horror genre. In fact, he’s addressed this topic in previous years at Realm Makers, has a guest post here at Spec Faith on the subject, and has a nonfiction book—Christian Horror—that explores the topic. This year he will teach a continuing session on “The Theology Of Speculative Fiction” and an elective on “The Crossover Christian Novelist.”
Fiction Friday – Storming By K. M. Weiland
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 27, 2016
Cocky, funny, and full of heart, Storming is a jaunty historical adventure / dieselpunk mash-up that combines rip-roaring steampunk adventure and small-town charm with the thrill of futuristic possibilities.
Why Isn’t There More Christian Fantasy?
E. Stephen Burnett, May 26, 2016
Christian publishers avoid fantasy for surprising reasons.
Whiplash Wednesday – A Look At Preachy Fiction
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 25, 2016
How effectively can Christ’s disciples carry out the Great Commission if they never spell out what they’re talking about?
Realm Makers Presenters, Part 4 – Agent Julie Gwinn
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 23, 2016
At present Julie is open to submissions. She “accepts queries in the following genres: Women’s Fiction, Romance (contemporary, historical, suspense, inspy. Amish) Spec Fiction and Fantasy, Mysteries and Suspense, Inspirational Fiction and Nonfiction, Historical Fiction, YA.”
Christians, Your Neighbors Don’t Get God’s Grace
E. Stephen Burnett, May 20, 2016
In Christian stories, songs, and conversations, we keep assuming we can refer to God’s love and grace and non-Christians will get it.
Christians, Your Neighbors Don’t Get God’s Law
E. Stephen Burnett, May 19, 2016
In Christian stories, songs, and conversations, we keep assuming we can refer to God’s Law and non-Christians will get it.
The Power Of Ink
Mark Carver, May 18, 2016
Tattoos have historically been associated with strength, aggression, power, status, rebellion, and tribal identity.
When Man Plays God
Zac Totah, May 17, 2016
Many stories have asked, “What if we could play God and conquer death?”
Realm Makers Presenters, Part 3 – Tosca Lee
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 16, 2016
Most pertinent to writers who are considering attendance at Realm Makers, Tosca Lee continues to garner praise for her writing.
How Indie Novels Can Beat $4 Coffee and Chase Joy
E. Stephen Burnett, May 12, 2016
“Support indie authors” memes urge readers to do their Duty. Instead authors can help us chase Christ-centered delight.
What Isn’t Christian Fiction
Shannon McDermott, May 11, 2016
It can be hard to define what makes fiction Christian. So let’s define, instead, what doesn’t make fiction Christian.
26 Things We Learned In Civil War
Zac Totah, May 10, 2016
Civil War was the best Marvel movie to date. It had everything—fast-paced action, epic fights, probing themes, developed characters with meaningful arcs, priceless humor, sweet tech. The list goes on. There was so much at play in that movie, it’s […]
Realm Makers Presenters, Part 2 – Kathy Tyers
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 9, 2016
Kathy Tyers has also taken up the mantel of writing instructor. Having been certified as a classroom teacher after her graduation from Montana State University, she was not unfamiliar with the ins and outs of imparting information in a formal setting.
Fiction Friday – Dragonfriend By Marc Secchia
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 6, 2016
The traitor Ra’aba tried to silence Hualiama forever. But he reckoned without the strength of a dragonet’s paw, and the courage of a girl who refused to die.
Why That $4 Coffee Beats Indie Novels
E. Stephen Burnett, May 5, 2016
“If you spend $4 on a Starbucks coffee why not spend $4 on an ebook?” Here’s why.
A Deal With The Devil
Mark Carver, May 4, 2016
No one ever congratulates themselves on making a deal with the devil. They always regret it in the end.
Finding Hope In A Hopeless World
Zac Totah, May 2, 2016
One theme runs through almost every epic tale. The fragile hope that the hero will conquer in the face of what seem to be insurmountable odds. Hope. A small yet profound word. It’s an idea that recurs time and again […]
Realm Makers Presenters, Part 1
Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 2, 2016
Locke’s fiction, while fitting into the classification of inspirational, is not geared toward Christian readers, but toward a broader range, much like Tolkien’s books.
Fiction Friday — Embers By Ronie Kendig
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Apr 29, 2016
Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?
The Humility Deficit
Shannon McDermott, Apr 27, 2016
We all live under the same rules, and one of the most basic of those rules is: Don’t be a jerk.
Welcome To Christian Entertainment
Zac Totah, Apr 26, 2016
Stories by Christians should reflect timeless truths, grow naturally from the author’s worldview, and glorify God in striving for excellence. Which, by the way, isn’t a code word for “Let’s use blatant Christian themes.”
Christian Speculative Fiction News Of Note
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Apr 25, 2016
“You may sense my excitement for the future of Enclave, and for the genre as a whole.” Steve Laube
Fantasy, Theology, and The Depiction Of Evil
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Apr 22, 2016
In contrast to reality fiction, fantasy can have evil show up in whatever imagined form, but inevitably, the real truth about evil comes out: it is opposed to good. That’s the heart of evil.
Finish The Story
E. Stephen Burnett, Apr 21, 2016
“This is a stupid arc. This plot is redundant and the characters aren’t empathetic. I don’t even like the Hero that much.”
No Rest For The Weary
Mark Carver, Apr 20, 2016
Nothing offers us the sanctuary we thought it would when we first laid eyes on it. But we keep looking, and we know that we cannot stop or we will perish.
