Write Faith-Based Fiction for Kids
By
Rachel LaMonica Pellegrino
Publisher
and Managing Editor of Little Lamb Books
So, you read the post last Tuesday here http://bit.ly/2mmx2hG and you agree that we not only need faith-based fiction for
children, but you feel called to write faith-based fiction for either
elementary, middle grade, or young adult readers.
Now What?
Good question, and while there are many ways to
move forward, it’s as simple as looking at your FAITH.
F
is for Foundation:
Whatever genre or age group you choose to focus
on, build your foundation by reading books in that style, researching other
authors, and following the writing guidelines. The foundation of your picture
book or chapter book should be the same as any other book like it. Don’t skimp
on character development, don’t forget the arc of your plot, and don’t forget
that all writing rules and directions apply. Incorporating faith in the form of
your main character or within the storyline does not give you a license to do
less…it requires you to do more. Make sure the bones of your manuscript are
strong, just like the foundation of your spiritual walk should be.
A
is for Author Platform:
As much as you want an agent or publisher to sign
you and to validate your work, your job is NOT done once the manuscript is
finished or has been selected. In fact, your job has just begun. How have you
developed your author platform? Do you have a website? Do you have followers on
any media accounts? Have you joined any organizations, like SCBWI or ACFW? Are you networking with
other faith-based businesses and leaders? Are you involved in a non-profit? Do
you have a home church? Are you a part of a writing group? These are just some
of the questions that need to be answered, and that will have an impact as you develop
your manuscript into a book and as your book becomes available to readers.
I
is for Invest:
Invest time in the Word of God, in prayer, and in
worship. It seems so simple, but if you choose to follow this calling of
writing faith-based fiction, don’t just assume God will show up in your text
and your illustrations. Invest time in a Bible study. Invest in memorizing
scripture or Bible journaling. Invest your heart by spending time with God and
asking Him to open doors, answer your questions, and provide where needed. You
need to invest in your FAITH so that
you can share it authentically in your stories. You also need to invest because
the moment you begin to pursue this calling, there is an enemy roaming around
searching for ways to cast doubt and create strife because he does not want you
to reach our young people for Christ.
T
is for Target:
Who is your target audience? Who are you writing
for? Young readers learning Bible verses for the first time, or teens facing
the challenges of being a light in our dark world? Who are you selling to? Sunday
school teachers, youth pastors, parents, or grandparents? Know who will buy
your book and read your book so you can purposefully target your audience and
market to them effectively.
H
is for Harvest:
For your faith-based manuscript to collect readers
and reach others, you must plant the seed by submitting it to faith-based
publishers. It is easy to look around and wonder if it would be better to water
down the faith within your story so you can approach a secular company, but
then you wouldn’t be fulfilling your purpose. My company, Little Lamb Books, is
just one of many independent and traditional publishers looking for faith-based
fiction manuscripts. Don’t allow doubt to stop you from moving forward. Don’t
hesitate to research publishing companies and query them. Take the time to
plant your faith-based manuscript with the right agent or publisher who is
willing to lead you, pray with you, support you, and assist you with your
audience, marketing, and sales, and you will reap the blessings of hard work,
determination, and prayer.
I believe God is calling many writers to write
faith-based fiction so that we can raise-up a generation that is strong in
their beliefs, morals, and values. We need entertaining stories in creative
settings led by interesting characters that our children can enjoy getting to
know and learn from, as they grow in their FAITH
day-by-day and book-by-book.
LAST WEEK'S GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN EXTENDED. Check it out at: http://bit.ly/2mmx2hG You can still enter until Tuesday, April 4, Midnight, CDT.
For more information about writing in general or writing faith-based fiction for kids specifically, be sure to check out our blog at www.littlelambbooks.com/blog
For more information about writing in general or writing faith-based fiction for kids specifically, be sure to check out our blog at www.littlelambbooks.com/blog
