So you’ve got an idea for a Christian novel. A plot twist. A compelling character. Maybe even the ending. But when you sit down to write, the inspiration fizzles.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. So many aspiring Christian writers get stuck between idea and execution. They know God’s called them to write. They feel the nudge. But the novel never makes it past the mental note stage.
Let’s fix that.
Here are the key steps to turn your novel idea into a living, breathing story that honours God and keeps readers turning the page.
1. Define the genre and purpose
Before you type “Chapter One,” ask:
- What genre am I writing? (Thriller, contemporary, romance, historical?)
- Who is it for? (Teens, women, men, seekers, believers?)
- What impact do I want the story to have?
This clarity grounds your book and helps you avoid writing a novel that tries to do too much—and says too little.
Remember: clarity is not limitation. It’s direction.
2. Know if it’s plot-driven or character-driven
Plot-driven novels centre around external events (e.g. suspense, mystery, fantasy). Character-driven novels focus more on internal transformation (e.g. women’s fiction, spiritual journey).
Knowing which kind of story you’re writing changes everything about how you develop it.
3. Test the strength of your idea
A good idea is not just something you’re excited about—it’s something that will still excite you in chapter 15.
Ask:
- Does my idea have built-in tension or stakes?
- Will this concept sustain a 60,000+ word story?
- Does the story explore something eternal or meaningful?
If not, you might have a premise—but not yet a plot. Don’t panic. It just means you need to do more development.
4. Build a chapter outline (yes, even if you hate outlining)
Outlines aren’t creativity killers. They’re clarity creators.
A simple outline:
- Keeps you from getting stuck
- Helps you see pacing and progression
- Acts as a safety net when you hit the mid-point slump
You don’t need to plan every scene. Just map the major beats. Aim for 12–15 chapters to start. What happens, who it happens to, and what changes?
5. Create characters that live off the page
A good character profile goes beyond eye colour and job title. Ask:
- What do they fear?
- What do they want?
- What spiritual lie are they believing?
- How will God confront them through the events of the story?
The more real your characters feel to you, the more real they’ll feel to readers.
6. Start writing—imperfectly and obediently
Don’t wait to feel ready. Don’t wait for everything to be mapped. Don’t wait for the clouds or the Red Sea to part.
Start. You’ll learn the story by writing it. And the Holy Spirit often reveals the depth while you’re typing.
God doesn’t need your perfect manuscript. He just needs your yes.
Final encouragement
You don’t need a master’s degree or a six-figure advance to start your book.
You need:
- A Spirit-led idea
- A plan that gives you momentum
- Accountability and mentorship from writers on the same path
You’ll find all three inside the Christian Writer Accelerator.
Let’s go from idea to impact—together.
