Why Bother?

A post by C.E. Lavender

Some might say that I'm one of the most unlikely of writers in the Lost Genre Guild. I grew up in a conservative community of Free Will Baptists. Most of which still prefer good old fashion hymns instead of praise and worship music. (Not saying that either is bad as I like them both.) My dad was the head-deacon and taught the adult class on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Needless to say we barely missed a service.

I'm now an ordained minister and very ministry oriented. Christianity never seemed as a new concept in my life. Writing fiction, however, is.

Most think that Christian fiction isn't ministry oriented. That those in the industry are doing it for one purpose, money. I've come to learn otherwise. As I've pursued writing Christian fiction, I've learned something very important. "I'm not that different than most writers out there." Many of the writers that I've come in contact with are writing fiction for the glory of God.
So if I write for His glory, then why not write non-fiction?

Sure, I've dabbled in non-fiction. And I'm not saying that I won't go back because I'm sure I will, I have plenty to say on the non-fiction side.

So why bother?

Why spend my time and energy on writing fiction?

And a lost genre of all types?

Oh, the answer is simple.

Because I have something to say.

A message to get across.

Sure the doubters might question what could I possibly have to say that is completely made up in a genre that is deemed lost by the industry big wigs. Well, it's true that a writer is going to write what he/she enjoys writing. That's just simple logic. I grew up reading fantasy novels from the likes of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, and R.A. Salvatore. While I enjoy fantasy and stories from various authors of this guild, its not just about the type of writing.

Like I said, I have a message.

If I want to get across the message of Christ to unbelievers the conventional pulpit preaching, going to church thing isn't going to get it for a majority of non-believers. And some of them won't even pick up a Christian non-fiction title.

But how many more might pick up a Christian fiction novel? In my opinion, more non-believers would pick up a made up story for entertainment than they would go to church.

But that still doesn't answer why I chose to write in the Lost Genre. Out of all the different types and styles, why here?

I have something to say.

I've really focused my writing on Spiritual Thrillers. Everyone likes a thriller right? But how many of us just want to reject or avoid the idea of a spiritual warfare that is waging around us? Doesn't it say in the Bible that we don't battle against the flesh? I believe the spiritual battle is waging heavier today than it ever has. I have seen a few cases, and I'm sure you have to. Unfortunately, the casualties in this war equates to a spiritual death and not a physical death.

That's the final death, the death of a soul. One that will die forever. In my writing I want to bring this to light. Sure I want to entertain, and I want something exciting and fun to read. But most of all I want something with a purpose, something to glorify His Holy Name.

So why bother?

Sometimes we must think outside of the box to save souls in this war. What are souls worth? Can we put a price on a person's soul and say "I wouldn't write Christian fiction. What good would that do?" Well, let me tell you that Christian fiction will not only keep you reading things that are wholesome and Christian oriented, but it also might save the soul of someone you love.

The war is waging, what are you doing in this struggle of good verses evil?