Christian Author Resources and Communities

Many writers struggle with finding the right resources and support to truly succeed. It can be especially hard for writers of Christian fiction.

But you’re not alone.

If you’re a Christian author looking for resources and a supportive community to help you on your writing journey, you’re in the right place.

This blog post will guide you through some fantastic Christian author resources and communities that can provide inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of fellowship. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned writer, these tools and groups can help you enhance your skills and connect with like-minded individuals.

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Why Community Matters for Christian Authors

The writing journey can often feel isolating, especially when you’re faced with the unique challenges and joys of writing Christian fiction. Finding support and connection within a community of fellow Christian writers is not just beneficial—it’s essential. These communities provide a nurturing environment where writers can share their struggles, celebrate their successes, and grow in their faith and skills together.

Encouragement and feedback from like-minded individuals help to refine your writing, boost your confidence, and keep you motivated. Additionally, being part of a supportive community can open doors to networking opportunities, collaborations, and mentorships, all of which are priceless in finding your way through the often complex world of publishing.

Eventually, the bonds you form within these communities bring a sense of belonging and purpose, reminding writers that they are not alone on their journey and that their work has a meaningful impact.

Online Resources for Christian Authors

Writing Guides and Blogs

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW): ACFW’s mission is “to help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.” They offer writing courses, critique and genre groups, local chapters, and the Christian Fiction Conference. You’ll also gain fellowship and encouragement from other authors and have the opportunity to join their prayer loop.
Steve Laube Blog: Steve Laube is the president and founder of The Steve Laube Agency. His blog focuses on different subjects to help you during your writing journey, such as getting published, book proposals, and writing craft. My favorite section is Fun Fridays.
Inspire Christian Writers: This blog is dedicated to helping Christian writers in different areas of their writing journey, such as how-tos, writing tips, and more.
Christian Writers for Life: This blog focuses on helping Christian writers succeed in the publishing industry.

Educational Courses

Writing With Grace: Author and speaker Ann Swindell teaches Christ-centered courses for writers where you’ll learn how to grow your writing skills.
Jerry Jenkins Writing Academy: The Jerry Jenkins Writing Academy is an online educational platform created by Jerry B. Jenkins, a bestselling author known for the “Left Behind” series. The academy is designed to help writers of all levels improve their craft, whether they are aspiring authors or seasoned professionals.
Christian Writers Institute (CWI): The CWI includes courses on fiction, nonfiction, marketing, getting published, and more.
COMPEL Training: COMPEL Training is a faith-based online writer’s membership site founded by Lysa Terkeurst. She created it to be a community for writers who need direction, training, and encouragement. You may need to sign up for the waitlist.

Publishing Resources

Bethany House Publishers: Part of Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House specializes in Christian fiction, such as historical romance, contemporary fiction, suspense, and inspirational non-fiction. They do not accept unsolicited manuscripts but will accept them through a professional literary agent.
Tyndale: Tyndale is known for producing high-quality Bibles, Christian fiction, and non-fiction books. They only accept proposals through professional literary agents.
Revell: Revel is an imprint of Baker Publishing Group that focuses on Christian living, self-help, marriage and family, and inspirational fiction. They require manuscripts to be submitted through literary agents.
Xulon Press (Christian Self-Publishing): Specializes in helping Christian authors self-publish, offering various packages that include editing, design, and marketing services. Xulon Press is tailored to Christian authors, providing faith-based support and resources.

Communities and Networking for Christian Authors

Online Communities and Forums

Joining online forums and discussion groups for Christian authors offers a ton of benefits. These platforms provide a space for you to connect with like-minded people, share experiences, and receive valuable feedback on your work. By participating in online communities, you can gain inspiration, enhance your writing skills, and find support in navigating writing challenges from a Christian perspective. There are also opportunities to network and collaborate, which allows you to stay updated on industry trends and Christian author resources.

Here are some popular online forums for Christian authors:

Christian Writers Community: Christian Writers offers a community discussion where you can talk about writing and publishing, have general Christian fellowship, post prayer requests, plus other community topics.

Faith Writers: Faith Writers provides a platform for sharing work, receiving feedback, and connecting with other writers.
Christian Creative Writers: This forum is a place where Christian writers can connect with others for feedback, find Christian author resources, and have general discussions and fellowship with one another.

Social Media Groups

Social media groups can be one of the best Christian author resources because there are so many people who use social media these days. These groups are a great source of support and networking. Sharing your work with other Christian authors is a good way to get constructive criticism and feedback on your writing, plot, and characters with a faith-based perspective. Also, writing can be lonely, and social media groups provide a space to connect with others. They are great places to find encouragement and help you stay motivated.

Social media groups are also great places to learn from experienced Christian authors and ask questions. You can connect with other authors in your genre and build relationships, which leads to future collaborations. And you may get lucky and find some beta readers for your work.

Some groups allow members to promote their books or upcoming releases, which helps you reach a wider audience.

Some examples of social media groups for Christian authors include:

Local and Regional Writing Groups

Face-to-face interaction and networking offer unique benefits, such as:

Deeper relationships and trust: Building relationships online is great, but face-to-face interaction allows for deeper connections. Body language, tone of voice, and shared experiences foster trust and a stronger sense of community.
Mentorship and accountability: In-person groups create opportunities for seasoned authors to mentor newer ones. The accountability of meeting regularly can help keep everyone motivated and on track with their writing goals.
Brainstorming and collaboration: Discussing plot points, overcoming challenges, and brainstorming new projects together can be highly productive.
Encouragement and prayer: Praying for each other’s work, offering emotional support during tough times, and celebrating successes together strengthen the bond and create a unique sense of fellowship.
Learning Opportunities: Local workshops, conferences, or retreats offer focused learning experiences with established authors. These events provide a chance to develop craft, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights.

Here are some ways to find or start a local Christian writers’ group:

Christian Bookstores: Many Christian bookstores host author events or have bulletin boards where you can leave a message seeking a writers’ group.
Local Churches/Ministries: Reach out to your church or local Christian ministries. They might have existing writing groups or be open to starting one.
Writers Associations: Check with national writers’ associations (e.g., American Christian Writers Association) to see if they have local chapters in your area.
Social Media: Check Facebook groups or online forums dedicated to Christian writers to see if anyone has started a local group or is interested in forming one.
Take Initiative: If you can’t find an existing group, consider starting one yourself! Spread the word at your church, local library, or online platforms, outlining meeting details and inviting interested Christian authors.

Conferences and Events for Christian Authors

Annual Conferences

Writing conferences are one of the best Christian author resources because they offer a treasure trove of benefits for both aspiring and published authors. Joining conferences led by established authors and industry professionals will allow you to learn new writing techniques, improve your storytelling skills, and gain valuable insights into specific genres. Attending keynote speeches, panels, and other author discussions can renew your passion for writing and provide a much-needed boost of inspiration.

Conferences also allow you to network with editors, agents, and publishers who specialize in Christian publishing. This way you can get firsthand information about the current market, querying tips, and the traditional publishing process. You can also network with other Christian authors.

Some conferences offer pitch sessions, where you can present your book proposal to agents or editors. And some even offer manuscript critique services so you can get valuable feedback on your work.

Scott Lorenz has a list of Christian writers’ conferences here.

Workshops and Retreats

Workshops and retreats are typically a mix of personal reflection workshops, author platform-building sessions, and engaging community interactions. They are beneficial to writers because they allow you to isolate from the real world once in a while to find support in silence, peace, and quiet. Dedicated time away from distractions allows you to focus only on your writing.

Workshops focused on personal reflection and spiritual growth will allow you to dig deep into your inner thoughts and emotions, sparking creativity through self-analysis. Many retreats combine elements of spiritual renewal along with writing, which helps you reconnect with your faith and draw inspiration from your beliefs to improve your work.

Also, workshops can teach you how to mix your faith into your writing without sounding preachy. They offer guidance on exploring theological themes, creating characters with strong faith journeys, and managing the fine distinction of Christian storytelling.

Retreats are great for stimulating your creativity by exposing you to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback. You will learn from experts, mentors, or coaches who can offer valuable advice as well as support.

Farrah Daniel has a great list of writers’ retreats on The Write Life.

Additional Christian Author Resources

Mentorship Programs

A mentor, someone more experienced in the writing world, can offer personalized feedback on your work, helping you identify strengths and weaknesses. They can guide you through the writing process, answer your questions, and provide encouragement during challenging times.

Mentors can share their knowledge of the publishing industry, including the querying process, navigating agent relationships, and understanding the different publishing avenues. They can also offer tips on marketing your work and building a platform as an author.

Having a mentor can keep you motivated on your writing journey. Knowing someone believes in your work and is invested in your success can be a powerful motivator. Additionally, regular check-ins with your mentor can hold you accountable for your writing goals.

You can find a mentor through writing organizations, conferences and workshops, and online communities. When looking for a mentor, identify your specific writing goals and desired areas for improvement. Look for someone with expertise in your genre or experience in the areas you need help with.

Inspirational Books and Podcasts

Books and podcasts often feature inspiring stories and testimonies of successful Christian authors, sharing their journeys, struggles, and triumphs. These are motivational because they show how faith, perseverance, and dedication can lead to success.

Many books and podcasts offer practical writing advice personalized specifically for Christian writers. They may cover topics such as honing writing skills, developing engaging narratives, creating relatable characters, and incorporating faith-based themes effectively into storytelling. This guidance can help writers improve their craft and navigate the challenges of the writing process.

Here are some books and podcasts to check out:

Books:

Writing for the Soul: Instruction and Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life by Jerry Jenkins
Guidelines for Writing Christian Fiction: A Comprehensive Help for Aspiring Authors by C.E. Maychild
The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style: 4^th Edition by Robert Hudson

Podcasts

Building a Supportive Writing Community

Christian author communities flourish on give-and-take support and engagement. Be a cheerleader, offering encouragement and thoughtful feedback. Share your knowledge, answer questions, and volunteer for events. Stay active and consistent by joining discussions and even starting your own online events. Don’t hesitate to share your work for critique or contribute guest posts. Finally, become a champion for others by reviewing their books, promoting them on social media, and even collaborating on book signings.

A writing group can be a powerful tool for growth, but you need to remember that in order for them to work, there must be collaboration, feedback, and accountability.

Collaboration: Bouncing ideas off each other, brainstorming plot points, and sharing resources can inspire new opportunities for your writing. You’ll be able to see your story from fresh perspectives.
Feedback: Receiving honest constructive feedback on pacing, dialogue, and overall effectiveness can be tough, but it’s important for improvement. In a writing group, you’ll learn to give and receive feedback, honing your critical eye and strengthening your own writing.
Accountability: Knowing other Christian writers in your group are expecting to see progress from you is a powerful motivator. When you set goals together, share milestones, and offer encouragement, you’re more likely to stay committed to your writing.

Conclusion

The writing journey can feel lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A supportive community of Christian writers offers an encouraging environment where you can share struggles, celebrate successes, and grow in faith as well as your writing. A network of like-minded people who offer encouragement and insightful feedback will help you build confidence and improve your writing. Networking opens doors to valuable connections and potential collaborations. Most importantly, this community provides a sense of belonging, where shared faith and purpose fuel creativity and celebrate the impact Christian fiction can have.

So be sure to check out the Christian author resources I mentioned above and let me know in the comments which one(s) helped you the most.

Do you have some Christian author resources you would like to add to my lists? Please feel free to leave them in the comments so we can help each other.

You can find more writing tips in these helpful posts: