Christian Fiction Writer's Circle
On Substack
So, back when I had fewer followers and subscribers than I do now, we started the Christian Fiction Writer’s Circle (described and current members below). Now that I have a few more subscribers and followers, and there are a lot more people reading and writing on Substack, I thought I would reintroduce it.
Some of us are already reading and commenting on each other’s work, but let’s get the group wider! Comment with your info in the comments, or DM me, and we will get you added!
Christian
This group is for overtly Christian writers only. The Apostles Creed at a minimum.
Christian Fiction
This group would be dealing with explicitly Christian fiction only. Not mere ‘fiction by a Christian author’, but fiction intended to advance the cause of Christ. You can write all sorts of things, but submissions to this circle should be explicitly Christian and fiction. This can include dystopias, allegories, science fiction, fantasy, etc. It can be gospel focused, or teach life lessons. It can include all ages. Foul language will not be permitted.
Circle
This group would be a ‘circle’, meaning everyone would have responsibilities equal to the benefit they get from it. It would be for improvement, not mere encouragement. Theological disagreements would be allowed. (Cause if they weren’t, I couldn’t join.)
Participation
So I can see the following participant levels:
Full
You write Christian Fiction, and post it on Substack. You want to like, re-stack, and comment helpfully on other member’s fiction. You have your name on the member list, along with a link to your writing.
Telescope
You write Christian Fiction, but not on substack. You want to like, re-stack, and comment helpfully on other member’s fiction. You have your name on the member list, along with a link to your writing. You would like comments, but understand it will be harder. People can write a ‘note’ with a link to your writing.
Partial
You don’t write Christian fiction, but like to read it. You want to like, re-stack, and comment helpfully on other member’s fiction. You have your name on the member list.
Occasional
You don’t write Christian fiction, but like to read it. You want to like, re-stack, and comment helpfully on other member’s fiction. Occasionally. You read our posts, but don’t have your name on our list.
Invitation
So, if this interests you, reply in the comments. No commitment implied.
Members
Von
Name:
Stack(s): Von’s Substack
Confession: LBC 1689
Fiction: Sci-fiction, Fantasy, Anti-Romance (or, upside down romance: love-feelings comes after commitment), Historical Fiction, Dystopias
Goals:
-To glorify God
-To preach the gospel
-To challenge the church in areas of modern heresy or false doctrine
-specifically marriage
-specifically, the path to marriage
-specifically, authority within marriage
-specifically sexual relations in marriage
-specifically fruitfulness from marriage
-specifically breastfeeding as a picture of the gospel
-specifically modern Gnosticism in light of the marriage bed
-specifically in the ‘perfect princess’ concept
-specifically issues of honour thy father
-Child Training, including chores and spanking and responsibility. Which area includes modern heresies, certainly.
-When writing Historical fiction, not to bow down to our modern age. To use concepts, language, and attitudes of that time, not our time. To deal with issues as they faced them then. (Thus a modern Christian novel or movie might have a man struggling with pornography on the internet. The 19th century equivalent was… mistresses. The female equivalent in both eras was probably romance novels.)
- To avoid modern, false stereotypes… such as ones where the woman is super Godly and the man a foolish jerk.
Bio: Grandfather, former missionary, former teacher, former LVN and EMT.
Victoria
Name:
Stack(s): Victoria Jensen's Books and Short Stories
Confession: 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith
Fiction: science fiction, fantasy (possibly dystopian and historical fiction in the future)
Goals:
- To bring glory to God through my writing
- To present biblically accurate pictures of men, women, and creation
- To reach the culture through my writing without falling into the same patterns and sinful ideals of the modern world
- To show what is wrong the with the culture's view of beauty and truth
- To be a light to a dark world
Bio: 16-year-old homeschooler, daughter and sister
Michael
Name: Michael P. Marpaung
Stack(s): Germanicus Publishing
Confession: The Catholic Church (Latin Rite) (I don’t think this is a confession per se, but I think it is clear enough)
Fiction: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Space Opera, Adventure, Contemporary, Romance (as a sideplot)
Goals:
-To write fun and engaging speculative stories that are in line with Christian morality.
-To depict zeal and religious fervor for the Christian religion in a positive light
-To explore the question of Providence and the movement of God’s hand in human history.
Bio:
-Catholic convert, born in 1992, American by citizenship, Indonesian by nationality, Batak by race. 17th-generation Marpaung. Former TSA agent, now trying his hand at being a serious writer. Holds a Master’s Degree, for what it’s worth.
Stephen Weller
Name:
Stack(s):
Sancti Stulti, da solo a piediConfession: Roman Catholic (not a confession but OK)
Fiction: I have never written fiction: I am writing a memoir on da solo apiedi which comes closer to it than my usual non-fiction wheelhouse.
Goals:
Substance: I want to write a book of short stories that help explain the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. i.e. stories that take place in contemporary life but elucidate the spiritual dynamics of each mystery. I would also like to write short satirical plays for street theatre performance. These two are my immediate goals. I would also someday like to write historical fiction about Christ and the Apostles on Mission and the Early Church.
Intention: I would like to convert souls and be able to produce fiction that is considered of the highest quality.
Bio: American, catholic convert. I live as a missionary and pilgrim in europe
Karaļauču Augusts
Name:
Stack(s): Konigsberg Papers (Nothing yet)
Confession: The Book of Concord (Confessional Lutheranism)
Fiction: None (But intend to lean into fantasy and science fiction)
Goals: To write speculative fiction stories in a Christian frame and do my part in creating a Christian cultural space.
To portray and examine faith, vocation, heroism and fate removed from Modernist conceits.
To attack the framings of the forms of all kinds of modernism.
Bio: Latvian (born, raised and living in the Fatherland's emerald shores) early zoomer (23), student of theology, lover of history, convert from atheism. Some talent with languages, though as much as a tad too much time on the net has given me a grasp at English that I would consider good.
Joseph
Name: Joseph
Stack: Brothers Krynn
Confession: The Catholic Church
Fiction: Mythology-Fantasy
Goals:
-To write mythological and fantasy tales in line with Christian morality.
-To depict Christian values and Chivalry in a positive manner
-My goal is to show-case the benefits of Eucatastrophes and of God's love on earth
Bio:
-Canadian by citizenship, am of Franc-Celtique descent. Left Christ for almost half my life, but then returned two years ago. Never leaving him again, as I have no wish to return to being a 'prodigal son'.
Megha
Name: Megha
Stack(s): Classical Ideals
Confession: Catholic
Fiction: Fantasy, Romance, Fairy Tale,
Goals:
- To write good quality fiction that is at least in the same ball park as the classics, if not at the same level yet
- To write fiction that is suitable for young and old
- To challenge and overturn the propaganda that is anti-Man, anti-God, anti-hierarchy. To destroy the Girlboss and through fiction show how we may overcome the vices of the modern world
- To tell the truth about the human heart
- To bring enchantment and delight through beauty
Bio: Mother, Wife, I have one baby girl, age 28, addicted to writing, idealistic to a fault, judgemental and harsh toward the vile, the evil and the vulgar, very sensitive
Avgust
Name: Avgust von Bornhauser
Stack: After Eden
Confession: Orthodox
Fiction: Horror, Paranormal, Occult
Goals: To develop Orthodox apologetics via world-building and speculation
Bio: Anglo-Norman-Rhodesian-Jew (Kavkazi, Ashkenazi, Sephardi), rage-filled, ex-homeless, published neuroscientist, Korean translator and failed-via-injury competitive boulderer, divorced father of one
Thank you for reading Von’s Substack. I would love it if you commented! I love hearing from readers, especially critical comments. I would love to start more letter exchanges, so if there’s a subject you’re interested in, get writing and tag me!
Being ‘restacked’ and mentioned in ‘notes’ is very important for lesser-known stacks so… feel free! I’m semi-retired and write as a ministry (and for fun) so you don’t need to feel guilty you aren’t paying for anything, but if you enjoy my writing (even if you dramatically disagree with it), then restack, please! Or mention me in one of your own posts.
If I don’t write you back it is almost certain that I didn’t see it, so please feel free to comment and link to your post. Or if you just think I would be interested in your post!
If you get lost, check out my ‘Table of Contents’ which I try to keep up to date.
Von also writes as ‘Arthur Yeomans’. Under that name he writes children’s, YA, and adult fiction from a Christian perspective. His books include:
The Bobtails meet the Preacher’s Kid
and
Arthur also has a substack, and a website.
Thanks again, God Bless, Soli Deo gloria,
Von
Name: Will Dole
Stack: Stopping to Think
Confession: Remsen Bible Statement of Faith (Calvinistic Evangelical) https://www.remsenbible.com/about-our-church/statement-of-faith
Fiction: I've dabbled in short stories, but haven't published any yet.
Goals: Communicate biblical principles and teaching in the most effective manner possible.
Bio: Husband, father of four, church planter/pastor, small business owner, former postal worker, reader.