February 15, 2018

Fiction For Hope and Redemption - Tracy Krauss

Fiction can be a powerful tool in the hands of a writer and has influenced society in ways that we probably don't even realize. Classics like 1984, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Tolkien's trilogy The Lord of the Rings come to mind, and that's without even looking up the stats. (When I did google the most influential fiction of the twentieth century, all three of these made the list.) Unfortunately, there is also a lot of garbage influencing people these days.

In Christian circles we sometimes think that for a work of fiction to have spiritual impact, it must either be an allegory, or it should be blatantly evangelistic, but I'm not sure I agree. This month's prompt asked "In what way does your writing bring hope and redemption to others?"

At the risk of sounding redundant, I reposted something I wrote for InScribe's professional blog back in June of 2017 which addresses this very issue. Enjoy - and please comment!
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While non-fiction is probably the most direct way of addressing issues of importance, my personal preference, for both reading and writing, uses fiction as the vehicle.
A few months ago I read a book called Then She Was Born, written by Cristiano Gentili and translated into English by Lori Hetherington. I am often asked to review books and in this case, I received an unsolicited copy. I don’t always have the time or desire to read the books I receive, but something inside nudged me to try this book. I’m glad I did for it impacted me profoundly. The book is about the plight of African albinos living and struggling to overcome deeply rooted superstitions, even in today’s ‘modern’ world. I had no idea. Although I’m sure I would have been sympathetic to the cause had I read an article in a magazine, hearing it from the point of view of a person going through it brought the issue up close and personal.
That’s what good fiction is supposed to do: transport us into the lives of the characters in such a way that we feel what they feel; experience what they experience. As a Christian writer, I see huge opportunities to spread the gospel in an unobtrusive way while highlighting some of the struggles common to both Christians and non-Christians. I don’t need to get on a soapbox to talk about drug and alcohol abuse, pornography, the occult, or sexual promiscuity. I just let my characters struggle with these issues. Hopefully, but not always, they come out on the other side with the help of the Lord and other caring individuals. Sometimes things don’t get wrapped up quite so neatly, however, but I think there are lessons to be learned no matter what the outcome.
I’ve heard it said that you should write what you know. I’m not sure I totally agree. I wouldn’t want to have to go through some of the abuse that my characters have had to and I don’t need to murder someone in order to be able to write about it authentically! I think this is where writing from a place of personal passion comes in. My goal is to expose the darkness and shine the light of Jesus on whatever situation my characters find themselves in. In the end, it is up to them how they choose to respond.
I’ve taken some criticism about the use of ‘edgy’ content in my work. My characters have pretty much done it all: drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, pornography, dabbling in the occult, promiscuous sex – not to mention lying, cheating, stealing, greed, doubt… the list goes on. Some are believers while involved in these activities, some aren’t. For me, God’s grace and the redemptive power of the cross is everything – for those who don’t know Him and even more for those who do and mess up. While I do not feel comfortable writing graphic scenes (most of the aforementioned occurs ‘off camera’) I don’t try to hide the fact that it takes place. God’s power shines brightest against the darkness.
Perhaps part of my desire to write what I do stems from my own experiences. I came to the Lord as a young adult, having dabbled in some of the seedier side of life before crossing over to the light. My husband and I have also been in ministry for many years and we’ve seen some pretty dark things, even among believers. The truth is, all have fallen short of the glory of God. To pretend that hot button issues aren’t relevant in the church is to bury one’s head in the sand. All is not always as it seems.
The good news is, nobody is too far gone for God. Hallelujah! That’s why I will continue to write the kind of fiction that I feel called to write. God’s redemptive power can shine, even in fiction.
Tracy Krauss writes from her home in northern BC. Visit her website for more - fiction on the edge without crossing the line -

4 comments:

  1. Dear Tracy, I agree inspirational fiction is a powerful way to shine Redemptive Light into the world. And amen to: "I just let my characters struggle with these issues."
    Good writers are supposed to give their characters a bad time. What better way to do it than surrounding them with temptations and trials. :)
    Blessings as you continue to write in the way God has called you to ~ Wendy

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement Wendy!

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  2. I appreciate what you are saying about fiction writing, Tracy, and I admire your ability to write in this popular genre. Some years ago, I got hooked on Francine Rivers' books. Francine Rivers had been brought up going to church and had accepted Christ, but hadn't truly made him Lord of her life. Those years before she turned her life over to God, she calls B.C. (Before Christ.) Instead of saying more, I would recommend, if you are interested, that you read more of her story at francinerivers.com/faqs/

    One thing I want to mention is that each of her novels has been written as an answer to a particular question she has about faith. Now that I see her questions, I am curious to reread some of her novels I have already read.

    Do you know Rivers' books? She also writes about life in the raw stages? Real life can be pretty rough and messy. I don't think we can write around these issues, so keep on writing, Tracy. You have interesting and true-to-life characters in your Neighbourhood Series and I'm sure these have appeal for young readers too.

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    1. Francine Rivers is one of my favourite Christian authors. i had heard some of her story before. I think one of the things I like best about her work is the fact that they are raw and real with little sugar coating. Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

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