Christian Historical Fiction discussion

I'm a new Christian author, debuting my first novel late this summer. It's a historic novel, based on the Civil War. Christian historic fiction is my favorite to read, and I was hoping to connect with other historic authors. I'd love the chance to check out your books and swap talk from time to time. Hope to hear from you soon!

A.M. wrote: "I'm a new Christian author, debuting my first novel late this summer. It's a historic novel, based on the Civil War. Christian historic fiction is my favorite to read, and I was hoping to connect w..."

Hi, A.M. :-) I'm a fellow Christian author who writes an eclectic mixture from my debut novel fantasy-historical-fiction hybrid (published last year) to straight-out historical middle-grade children's fiction (book releasing this summer) to my current project set in the early 20th century. Sending you a friend request. :-)

Great thank you!!

I'm not an author, but I saw your post and wanted to let you know that Christian historical fiction is my favorite genre, and I love to read books set during the Civil War or the American Revolution. I will be watching for information about your book, and I hope you find lots of authors to connect with.

Barbara wrote: "I'm not an author, but I saw your post and wanted to let you know that Christian historical fiction is my favorite genre, and I love to read books set during the Civil War or the American Revolutio..."

Thank you!! I love reading from both of those wars as well. I don't find too many Christian books in the American Revolutionary section. Do you have any that you would recommend?
Also, my book is already posted here on goodreads if you want to add it to your Want to read list. You can find the book and uploaded quotes on my page here and even more info on my webpage (the link is also posted here on goodreads) Thanks for your interest :)

I'm a Christian Historical author too! High Five! It's been my favorite genre since I first learned to read. The Civil War is also my favorite era. What's your book titled?

Amber Schamel
Bringing HIStory to Life
Www.AmberSchamel.com

Hi A.M. - "The Fiddler's Gun" and "The Fiddler's Green" are written by Christian author A.S. Peterson (the brother of Christian singer Andrew Peterson), and are set in the American Revolution. Definitely worth reading!

I am an historic Christian fiction author as well. My debut novel was published in Sept. 2012. and is set in Oklahoma Territory in 1904. It's based on the life of my grandmother whose family staked two claims in the Land Rush of 1893. The title is Through The Eyes Of Grace.
So excited to meet more authors to exchange ideas and advice.

Lauren wrote: "Hi A.M. - "The Fiddler's Gun" and "The Fiddler's Green" are written by Christian author A.S. Peterson (the brother of Christian singer Andrew Peterson), and are set in the American Revolution. Defi..."

I'll look for them. Thank you!

Amber wrote: "I'm a Christian Historical author too! High Five! It's been my favorite genre since I first learned to read. The Civil War is also my favorite era. What's your book titled?

Amber Schamel
Bringing ..."

High Five back at you, Amber! Somehow I just knew we'd be friends :) At least 80% of the fiction I read is historic and of that I'd say at least 30% (if not more) is Civil War related :)

My book is titled, Where Can I Flee. You can find it on my profile page here at Goodreads. You'll also find a book trailer video there as well.
I have tons of pictures that I took at different reenactments I've visited during my research phase as well as an 1860s Christmas tree I created last year for my living room. You'll find all those fun pics on my website: authoramheath.wix.com/amheath

Debi wrote: "I am an historic Christian fiction author as well. My debut novel was published in Sept. 2012. and is set in Oklahoma Territory in 1904. It's based on the life of my grandmother whose family staked..."

Thanks for connecting with me, Debi! I'm checking out your profile and novel now :)

I also write Christian historical fiction and specialize in the Civil War. I have two books out on Kindle, a Civil War series called Southern Sons-Dixie Daughters. Book 1 is titled Vengeance & Betrayal and Book 2 is titled River Ruckus, Bloody Bay. It tells the stories of four Gulf Coast families set against the backdrop of David Glasgow Farragut's naval campaigns. I've been a serious student of the war for over forty years, since I was twelve years old.

John wrote: "I also write Christian historical fiction and specialize in the Civil War. I have two books out on Kindle, a Civil War series called Southern Sons-Dixie Daughters. Book 1 is titled Vengeance & Betr..."

Awesome! Another Civil War author on top of that! :)
You've taken a very different approach. Mine is a Christian romance, although, there is enough war theme to entertain the menfolk. :) I based my novel around a real infantry regiment from Tennessee so I studied certain battles for months. I tried so hard to learn the specifics of the battles, but I wasn't able to understand very much of it. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but I eventually learned that my knack was for bringing out the emotion of the battle. I focused mostly on telling what my character felt in the heat of the moment rather than the army movements.
I hope your series does well!

Thanks! Your book sounds great! I hope it does well, too! I love your website. I'm in the process of rebuilding my website so I can sell my books.

John wrote: "Thanks! Your book sounds great! I hope it does well, too! I love your website. I'm in the process of rebuilding my website so I can sell my books."

Thank you! I didn't think I would ever finish. :)

I know the feeling!

A.M. wrote: "John wrote: "I also write Christian historical fiction and specialize in the Civil War. I have two books out on Kindle, a Civil War series called Southern Sons-Dixie Daughters. Book 1 is titled Ven..."

It's so cool there are so many Civil War novelists! My first book, 'Gideon's Call,' won Jerry B. Jenkins' Operation First Novel, and is a Civil War novel! Historical Fiction marches on!

Congratulations on your Jerry B. Jenkins award, Peter!

Peter wrote: "A.M. wrote: "John wrote: "I also write Christian historical fiction and specialize in the Civil War. I have two books out on Kindle, a Civil War series called Southern Sons-Dixie Daughters. Book 1 ..."

Congrats on the award! And I agree, we can never have too many Civil War novels :)

I agree with you on that, too! Civil War novels are the best!

Nice to "meet" you all here. :) I write Christian historical romance. My Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel, comes out in October. It's 1890, not Civil War, though I love reading in that time period too. I just finished Mary Ellis' The Lady and the Officer, book two in her Civil War Heroines series.

Nice meeting you also, Sandra. Welcome aboard! The 1890s is also an interesting period. I don't know of many novels set in that decade. Let us know when it comes out!

Thanks, all!

John wrote: "Nice meeting you also, Sandra. Welcome aboard! The 1890s is also an interesting period. I don't know of many novels set in that decade. Let us know when it comes out!"

Thanks, John. That period seems such a time of transition into a more convenience-conscious and "modern" world.

I see you're from Mobile. That's where my husband is from (among other places). Have you read Beth White's novel The Pelican Bride? It's set in Mobile at the time of the founding of fort (early 1700s).

A.M. wrote: "Amber wrote: "I'm a Christian Historical author too! High Five! It's been my favorite genre since I first learned to read. The Civil War is also my favorite era. What's your book titled?

Amber Sch..."

That's awesome! I'm going to click on over and check it out. :D

Sandra wrote: "Nice to "meet" you all here. :) I write Christian historical romance. My Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel, comes out in October. It's 1890, not Civil War, though I love reading in that time pe..."

That's a great time period in which there are far too few Christian historical fiction novels set (excepting prairie fiction). Glad to hear your novel is debuting soon. :-)

Sandra wrote: "Nice to "meet" you all here. :) I write Christian historical romance. My Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel, comes out in October. It's 1890, not Civil War, though I love reading in that time pe..."

You've caught my attention. Let us know when you're ready to post a book cover or description :)

Isn't that a coincidence, Sandra! Mobile and New Orleans are my series' two central settings, along with the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River for the naval scenes. I haven't read The Pelican Bride. I must definitely read it. Thanks for the recommendation!

My Georgia Gold Series is faith-based and carefully researched, historical romance with a touch of mystery and lots of military action, covering the period of the Georgia Gold Rush and Cherokee Removal through the end of The War Between the States! SAUTEE SHADOWS, THE GRAY DIVIDE, THE CRIMSON BLOOM, and BRIGHT AS GOLD (Sept.1). deniseweimerbooks.webs.com

Denise,
Sounds wonderful. I have relatives who traveled the Trail Of Tears from SC to OK. Such a sad period in our history.

Definitely, Debi! My story follows a couple of Cherokee and part-Cherokee characters who remain in this area after the Removal. I wanted to show how the challenges they and others who lived through the hardships of the time period, including the WBTS, were able to refine character and come out BRIGHT AS GOLD. :)

That is a story that needs to be told, Denise. I live in Alabama, another state where the Cherokees once lived and thrived.

Hi A.M.! I have some historical novels out, the most recent Annie's Stories from Tyndale House. I haven't written anything Civil War as yet. Congrats on your book!

Denise wrote: "Definitely, Debi! My story follows a couple of Cherokee and part-Cherokee characters who remain in this area after the Removal. I wanted to show how the challenges they and others who lived through..."

HI Denise. That's interesting because we discovered Cherokee roots through our ancestors who moved from VA to KY and never left there. I think they tried to hide their Indian ancestry.

John, we seem to have a lot of interest in common. My books also include shipping/naval exploits, but along the Atlantic coast during the Civil War. So you have your next novel to write about the Cherokee from AL! That would be interesting. Cindy, yes, up through the early 20th century the Cherokee heritage wasn't much talked about.So many adopted Anglo Saxon names. Best of luck to you both!

Alicia wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Nice to "meet" you all here. :) I write Christian historical romance. My Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel, comes out in October. It's 1890, not Civil War, though I love reading ..."

Thanks, Alicia! I like the 1870s and '80s, but felt this one needed a little later time.

A.M. wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Nice to "meet" you all here. :) I write Christian historical romance. My Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel, comes out in October. It's 1890, not Civil War, though I love reading ..."

Will do. It's up on Amazon already, but there is no cover yet. The publisher is still working on that. :) Thanks!

John wrote: "Isn't that a coincidence, Sandra! Mobile and New Orleans are my series' two central settings, along with the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River for the naval scenes. I haven't read The Pelica..."

That's a great area to write about, John ... lots going on there in several eras. The Pelican Bride reminded me of the Last of the Mohicans movie. After I mentioned that in my review, Beth White said she watched the movie several times while writing the book, so I guess that explains it. :)

Last of the Mohicans - one of my all-time favorite movies!!

Cindy wrote: "Hi A.M.! I have some historical novels out, the most recent Annie's Stories from Tyndale House. I haven't written anything Civil War as yet. Congrats on your book!"

Your Ellis Island Series has been on reading list, but I haven't had the pleasure of reading them yet. They sound great and the covers are beautiful. Thank, and congratulations on your success!

Denise wrote: "My Georgia Gold Series is faith-based and carefully researched, historical romance with a touch of mystery and lots of military action, covering the period of the Georgia Gold Rush and Cherokee Rem..."

Thanks for sharing! They sound interesting and I've added them to my reading list. :)

I, for one, wish my days had a few more hours in them - hours in which I could catch up on all these great books! :-)

I've published one work of historical fiction so far, a novella set in Victorian England. It doesn't have an explicit Christian message, so maybe it doesn't fit here. What makes historical fiction Christian?

That is a great question, Jeff. I've thought about that since my novels are definitely faith-based but I kept it more subtle so it could draw readers from the mainstream audience as well. Could it have to do with whether part of the main plot revolves around the salvation of a character or a faith-based struggle or lesson they learn (i.e. often involving crisis of faith)? And how strongly the author states the concepts behind that? For me, I aimed to show how faith was needed and how faith transformed certain characters, especially as they embraced God and His ways in the midst of hardship, but it wasn't the only plot resolution. What do you think?

Denise wrote: "That is a great question, Jeff. I've thought about that since my novels are definitely faith-based but I kept it more subtle so it could draw readers from the mainstream audience as well. Could it ..."

In my novel, the only Christian aspect follows the fight between Unitarians and Baptists. Christianity plays very little central role, but yet, all the Christian bookstore carried it. I think a writer must tell the story, and if the writer is a Christian, it cannot help but point to God...

Jeff wrote: "I've published one work of historical fiction so far, a novella set in Victorian England. It doesn't have an explicit Christian message, so maybe it doesn't fit here. What makes historical fiction ..."

For me, if the writer is a Christian, then the purpose of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. If the book points to that in some way (and I can't see how it wouldn't if the author is a walking-with-Christ Christian), I consider it "Christian," whether that message is subtle or broad. I think, though, some readers are looking for a more pointed message if the book is categorized as Christian. In my own work, I just let that part come out naturally, as it should in life. Real Christianity is never forced. :-)

:) There seems to be too many responses to "tag", but I'll post my opinion anyways.
I agree with the basic thought each of you seem to have. If the author is Christian, it should naturally point to Him in some way. For me, the message doesn't have to be mainstream, although in my own work it is. But that stems back to what Alicia says, I do what comes naturally in real life which for me just happens to be a very pointed witness.
With that being said, I don't mind a more subtle Christian message. I grow more irritated when the message is confused more by worldly personalities. I'm not saying every character has to be Christian, but the Christian characters or that religious turning point shouldn't be hidden leaving the reader guessing about what was really going on. I enjoy the work C.S. Lewis did in the Narnia Series. His work wasn't obviously Christian and yet the similarities were easy to spot. But compare that with another author that simply chooses to have their characters pray at random times, but never really walk the life of a Christian (and possibly even showing more of a sinful nature without clear repentance), in my opinion hurts the message more than spreads it.
I'll go a step further and say that for me, if the book is clean and doesn't teach me things contrary to what the Bible teaches about Christ, I'm not opposed to reading it. I may not categorize it as a Christian work, but as a Christian I wouldn't feel bad about reading it.

I also agree with Alicia's comment further up the page "Too many books and not enough time!" :) I'll check out the other books mentioned and allow my reading list to grow a little further.

A.M. wrote: ":) There seems to be too many responses to "tag", but I'll post my opinion anyways.
I agree with the basic thought each of you seem to have. If the author is Christian, it should naturally point t..."

Totally agree, A.M.!

All great points, A.M., and I agree.

I've read Christian-marketed books that are blatant and ones that have little mention of God and faith. Mine probably fall in-between or even lean more to the blatant side. It's just the way I write, which is, I think, aimed more to Christians than non-Christians. I think God gives different audiences to different writers.

Thanks, Ladies!
And I agree, Sandra, God gives each of His writers a place to minister. The key for us is to stay faithful in what He would have us write without compromising for the sake of gaining fans and increasing sales.