Guest Blog by Christian-Fantasy Author Scott Appleton
I am excited to host Scott Appleton, veteran Christian-Fantasy author and really cool guy. His input and guidance to me as a writer has proved invaluable. And don’t forget to check out his websites and books below. Enjoy!
Fantasy fiction. The very phrase evokes feelings of dread and hope, both of which are powerful motivators in a story. From when I was very young I loved mythology and history. The old English book Pilgrim’s Progress left a lasting impression on me. I was amazed that such blatant allegory had succeeded in not only stirring my imagination but also in convicting my soul.
And that is the power of a good fantasy book. It can provide spiritual lessons that are easier to accept because we understand them in a fictional setting, and it can remind us of the stark contrast between good and evil. The most effective stories remind us that we are created beings accountable to an all-powerful God and we are either for him or against him.
Fantasy stories written from the Christian worldview provide some of the strongest scenarios of all, thanks to these facts: 1) An all-powerful God can exact terrible retribution on those who defy him, and 2) Christian writers value repentance which of course brings about the greatest evolution of characters in stories through transformation.
We are at an exciting time in Christian fiction. We still only have a handful of solidly written and truly original fantasy works available, but slowly that is changing.
My fourth Fantasy novel Neverqueen released December 2013 and it is part of the ever-growing storyworld of The Sword of the Dragon series. You can find my books in stores or online and learn more about me and my writings on my websites.
See you out there in the fantastic worlds that we will explore together!
Scott Appleton is a Christian freelance writer living in southeastern Connecticut. He lives with his wife and three children. His books include Swords of the Six, Offspring, Key of Living Fire, Neverqueen, and By Sword By Right.
Writing Contest Kids—College
CONTEST GUIDELINES: If you’re a middle schooler, high schooler, or college student and a writer, here’s your chance to shine. Sign up to follow my blog at http://www.nathanlumbatis.com, and then send me an email at nathan.lumbatis@gmail.com letting me know you are registering for the contest.
RULES: Submit a short story or the first chapter from your manuscript (app. first 15 pages or less) by email on or before May 23rd. Most genres are welcome, but any inappropriate material (gore, sexually explicit themes/scenes, etc.) will automatically disqualify the entry.
WINNERS: The best three entries will be chosen as winners: one from middle school, one from high school, and one from college. They will then receive a written critique of their entry, and the edited version of their work will be posted on my website and social networking profiles.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get experience and feedback on your writing!
It All Starts Somewhere
“When did I start on this path?”
Do you ever ask yourself that question? It’s something I’ve thought about a lot. When did I first know I wanted to marry my wife? When did I realize I wanted to become a counselor? When did I begin to love writing?
For you, the questions might be different, but they’re worth reflection. It’ll give you insight into how God has orchestrated your life: led you, pushed you, given you reign, or smacked you upside the head. The flip-side? It’ll encourage you for the future. Confused about something in your life? Not sure how all the pieces will fit together? Wait and watch. See how God will use it. Life is like a mystery story where every detail is there for a reason.
I remember when I really started on the path to writing. I didn’t know what it would come to in the end (and still don’t, if I’m being entirely honest). But it all began when I was homeschooling as a teenager. Nearly every day, my sister and I would hurry to finish our lessons so we could go exploring. The eastern fork of the Choctawhatchee River ran behind my house, and the sloping, wooded river basin was the perfect place to get lost, forget about the real world, and set up camp underneath an ancient beech tree. It was ideal for a little writing. And great inspiration for story-scenes and maps, which every fantasy author knows is a must.
What about your story? Your gifts? Your abilities? Already figured out how God will use them in your life, or are you still waiting to bloom? Just give it time. It is spring, after all.
What Inspires You?
Inspiration is the core of anything we create. And it can come from anywhere: a song, sunset, movie, or maybe a particularly comforting time with God. Nature has always been very inspiring to me.
This adventure inspired me to write a will.
In case you’re wondering, I survived.
I’ve also been especially influenced by Greek mythology, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander, and more contemporary writers like Rick Riordan and J.K. Rowling. Knowing what inspires you is one of the keys to writing. Why? If you don’t know what’s sparking your creativity, you will subconsciously become a creative copycat, punching out drab, hand-me-down stories that don’t grab people and pull them in. It’s like those Disney knock-off movies you see in the gas station. Who buys those things anyway?
If, on the other hand, you know what influences and drives your own creative development, you’ll be able to find a unique voice all your own. You’ll create something that contains elements of your inspiration, but is distinct enough to be relevant and worthy of attention.
If you’re a writer or artist, let me hear from you. What inspires you to create?
Nathan Lumbatis 
