How deep should you go?

Hey all! I’m bleary eyed today because I was up late reading “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by the author of the Kite Runner. I loved the Kite Runner – powerful story, evocative writing. And, although it was a secular book, it still contained themes of redemption, forgiveness, grace….everything that makes a book resonant. He did the same with Splendid Suns, weaving in themes of purpose and destiny, and love.

What I liked about the Kite Runner and Splendid Suns, is that they make the reader ponder these spiritual issues, regardless of their religion (they’re written from a Muslim perspective). As a reader, I don’t want the spiritual plot to be so thick that it strangles me – and as a writer, I don’t want to strangle my reader. I want the story to intrigue, to draw my reader deeper, to allow them to look at the issues and wrestle with them without feeling as though they are told what to believe and think. I want them to experience the issues through the eyes of the main characters. If the spiritual thread is so thickly woven that they find themselves entangled, even strangling, then the book isn’t a fiction story – but a non-fiction dissertation.

But each writer is different, just as each spiritual journey is different. So, how do we weave in a spiritual thread that enhances the story, and blesses the reader?

Here’s some questions to ask yourself as you consider the spiritual plot:

1. What kind of spiritual depth are you going to put into your story? What are comfortable reading, yourself? Are you the kind of reader who enjoys seeing the spiritual epiphany drawn out for you? Or would you rather read an allegory, and discuss the deeper meaning over a venti decaf latte?

Consider the different degrees of “spirituality” offered by today’s hottest CBA authors:

 Ted Dekker – His themes – ie, the inner struggle between light and darkness, or even a study of the book of Romans -- are embedded in his plots without even mentioning scripture. But they allegory can’t be missed, and thus, the message that much more profound.

 Brock and Bodie Theone – Writer’s of Biblical fiction (as well as historical fiction) tell stories of Christians caught in dark times, and their characters lead by example.

 Francine Rivers -- Who doesn’t want to be like Hadassah? (Mark of the Lion series?) More than that, her books, sprinkled with scripture, are about people just like us, who struggle, and win. She helps us see the trust through the eyes of her characters.

 Dee Henderson – Master writer Dee draws us in with her thematic plots, the angst of her heroic-yet-flawed characters, and allows us to see hwo scripture, in the hands of saved friends, works to redeem.

 Frank Peretti – He’s a master of taking us “behind the veil” to the spiritual battles waging around us, letting us decide which side we want to be on.

 My personal bent – I believe scripture is the catalyst that changes people. I like to weave in one particular verse that I hinge the entire story on, and let it redeem the mind and hearts of my characters.

So, now you know what kind of story you want to write – now, how do you start your hero on his spiritual journey? Tomorrow we’re going to take a look at techniques and rhythm for weaving in the spiritual thread!

And don’t forget to post and tell us what your recent favorite book has been, and why!

See you tomorrow!

Comments

[Karla Akins]

I loved THE KITE RUNNER and A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS. I was touched profoundly by those books. Of the two, THE KITE RUNNER was my favorite. And of all the books I've read recently, I'd say A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS was one that influenced me the most.