Several years ago, I got the grand idea to write a novel, which morphed into the even grander idea of becoming an author. I knew I wanted to write for teens. There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing young people come into themselves and embrace who they were meant to be.
But why Christian fiction? Why not hop into the broader market of clean fiction?
Successful authors pinpoint their target audience, tapping into their interests, fears, and desires. An age group alone is not a narrow enough focus. And that plays into why I write Christian YA fiction.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
The Answer is in the Tagline
If you have keen observation skills (or you’ve spent a lot of time on my website), you may have noticed the tagline printed in tiny, neat letters under my name and logo at the top of every page:
“YA fiction for those who walk through fires.”
Ever wonder what that means? Is it some sort of cryptic message or an allusion to a fantasy world? It’s simpler than that. A tagline should be more than a catchy phrase. In my case, it epitomizes exactly who it is I write for, as spelled out in Isaiah 43:2:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2
At the time this verse was written, God’s people were facing their demise at the hands of the Babylonians, and the future appeared bleak. Worse than bleak. They’d gone from a unified group millions strong to a scattered few headed straight for annihilation.
Or so it would seem.
After 39 chapters of gloom and destruction, Isaiah pulls back the curtain to reveal God’s faithfulness, presence, and love. They weren’t alone—and never would be. In chapter 43, God essentially told them, For a short time, your life will be a living hell, but don’t be afraid because I will be with you the whole time.
This didn’t just predict the overthrow of the Babylonian Empire. It foretold a greater deliverance—for all believers—through Christ.
Which brings us back to you and me.
Walk Through Any Fires Lately?
Ever pull a Shadrach-Meshack-Abednego move and survive a fiery furnace? Or cross a river Moses-style? Perhaps not, but we walk through fires every day.
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only Christian left on earth.
A classmate ridicules you for praying at lunch. A teacher presents the Big Bang Theory as “proof” against an intelligent creator. Your teammates give you trouble for missing a Sunday basketball tournament because you choose to go to church.
For some, the fire is much hotter.
Your family loses its business for refusing to kowtow to immoral practices. Your father is thrown in prison for hosting a Bible study in your home. You are ordered, at gunpoint, to renounce your faith in Jesus.
And when that happens, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only Christian left on earth.
Christian Teen, You Are in Good Company.
God doesn’t promise the fire won’t come—or that it won’t eventually kill your physical body.
God doesn’t promise the fire won’t come—or that it won’t eventually kill your physical body. But he does promise that when it does, you will not be burned. The flood will come, but you will not drown. Satan can take your body, but he cannot touch your soul.
You are never alone.
Why I Write Christian YA Fiction
While I do hope many readers find my Christian books for teens outrageously funny/captivating/heart-rending/entertaining, the real reason why I write Christian YA fiction is so that as you, dear Christian teen, pass through rivers and walk through fires, you will see that you are not alone. Yes, God is with you, but so are countless others—Christians like you who seek answers, faith, and holiness.
They read my books. They’re in my books. They struggle with the same issues you struggle with. And like you, they will overcome.
What If I’m not a Christian?
I write for anyone who wonders if there’s something bigger.
If you’re not a believer, I am thrilled you’re on my website and taking the time to read this. Because these books are for you too. While I write from a Christian perspective with the assumption most of my readers share my faith, anyone who wonders if there’s something bigger and desires to know what’s beyond this life might find enlightenment in my books.
Because, yes, there’s something bigger. And the truth is, you’re walking through fire just by looking for it outside yourself. I want to help you find it.
Fiction to Remind You That You Are Never Alone
To the Christian teen, uncertain teen, or older YA fiction lover who is reading this: You are in good company. Even better, you are in God’s company. The next time you feel alone in your faith, seek the enlightenment and encouragement found in Christian books for teens.
More Resources For Lovers of Christian Books for Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Check out my short stories and sign up for my newsletter to receive exclusive content written just for you!
Looking for specific YA Christian fiction reading recommendations? Take advantage of my reviews:
- Christian Teen Fiction Spotlight: A Review of SOMETHING I AM NOT
- Christian YA Fiction Spotlight: Author Jenny B. Jones
- Spotlight on SEASONS OF KANE: A Christian YA Short Story Series
Other helpful resources:
When we walk through the waters, rivers and fire, it is such a comfort knowing our all-powerful God will be with us and never leave us. He remains faithful to all his promises. Thank you again, Lauren for writing of the sure hope we have through Jesus and the gift of the love and support God gives us with our Christian family/friends. God Bless.
We always, always have our God to hold on to and it is so important to remember that especially during the hard times. This verse was used by my sister to comfort a friend of mine many years ago during a very hard time and it has been very special to me ever since. It reminds me of the song lyrics, “When you walk through a storm hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark.” There are so many encouraging words from our Lord in the Bible to reassure us of his presence and his promise to never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for sharing that comfort and assurance. God bless your mission work.
Comments are closed.