Today I want to look at examples of these and I'd LOVE your helps to provide more.
Remember this table?
Let's look at some variety of published fiction out there: Books which show God's grace through fiction in various ways.
1. – fewer subplots and less complex story line.
Simpler does NOT mean less, it just means simpler.Harlequin, particularly LoveInspired, is known for their focused plotlines. These books usually do not have a lot of extra subplots and tend to be shorter in wordcount. Harlequin's books can be coupled with a variety of:
a. subtle/overt christian themes
Tina Radcliffe and Ruth Logan Herne probably keep with more subtle here and Missy Tippens might be more overt.
b. PG/PG 13 themes and language
LoveInspired definitely keeps to PG, many of the other Harlequin lines go beyond PG
Janice Thompson's books probably fall under the simpler storyline, though they are longer. It's a straight-forward and fun-filled romance, with the purity of the romance being the focal point of the story. though there are a few subplots, those are also simpler.
2.2. Complex Story-Line – more deeply and complex story line
Many of our longer books in fiction have more complex storylines. These are books with varied and detailed subplots which carry through the main plot, enhancing it in subtle or overt ways. We can apply the same above standards with these too.
a. subtle
Mary Connealy writes Christian fiction with more complex plotlines but a more subtle Christian theme.
Some of Laura Frantz's are like this too and definitely Siri Mitchell's.
Denise Hunter would probably fit here too.
Debbie Macomber books fall between simple and complex storylines with extremely subtle Christian themes.
To go a little 'classic', Jane Eyre is subtle for our day, but was probably more 'overt' in Bronte's day. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings has definite Christian themes, though subtle - as does Austen.
b b. overt
Julie Lessman might be that in-between overt and subtle in her Christian themes, but there are some fantastic, very direct Christian themes. (Her Daughter's of Boston series would be considered PG-13, but her newest book, Love at Any Cost, would be rated at more of a PG level)
Jody Hedlund's and Laurie Alice Eakes are also among this group. There are clear and direct 'come to Jesus' moments, a strong Christian struggle, and inner monologing which clearly sets up a Christian worldview.(These two would probably be rated more PG in their romantic tension)
The Dance by Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh fits here as well, though it can fall between simple and complex.
Some classics?
C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia is certainly an overt allegory, as well as something as dark and foreboding as Dracula (which would be considered more PG-13, btw).
So, can you add some more to this list? Can you break them down and tell us how they fit into this table? Remember, God uses all types of stories to bring about His story.
********************************************************************************************************************************************
Pepper Basham writes Blue Ridge romance peppered with grace and humor. She's a mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate. When she's not aggravating the wonderful AlleyCats, you can visit her at her personal blog, Words Seasoned With Salt. She's represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.
