Building a Storyline Around a Single Scripture

I write inspirational fiction. Scripture is my way of laying a foundation for my story. Think about the book you are currently writing. Write down a few words that describe your story. Think of what verses in the Bible contain those words. I use a concordance, or Bible Gateway online.

Here's an example. The novel I am currently writing is book 1 in the 'Daughters of the Potomac Series' entitled Beyond the Scarlet Dawn. The story is about a woman's search for love, forgiveness, and healing. Through a series of events, Eliza becomes vulnerable and commits an act that will effect everyone in her life. You will find in the opening pages this scripture.

But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared.

Psalm 130:4

In book 2, Beside Two Rivers, the foundational verse is Psalm 51:6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

 

In book 3, Beyond the Valley, the verse that will guide me is Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Do you have a scripture in mind for your story? How does this scripture help you to focus on your story?

Sleepy Paige Turner

She's my newest fan. You can read about her decision to purchase a copy of Surrender the Wind' on the sidebar of this blog. Even though she is fictional, and creation of my own vivid imagination, Paige Turner is one of my favorite people. Here's her latest update.

Paige Turner was late to work this morning. She went to bed on time, but tossed and turned for hours, wondering what decision Seth would come to after he saw that painting hanging in Mr. Stowefield's sitting room.

She had to know, else she'd never get any sleep. So she got up, threw on her robe, and plopped down on the living room couch. She opened to the place she had left off, just where Seth Braxton had walked into the room and fastened his gaze one of the prettiest faces he'd ever laid eyes on.

It was 4 am by the time she closed the book satisfied and shuffled back to her pillow and fell fast asleep. Then the alarm clock went off at five.

Update: After Paige got home, she called the head of the local womens book club to see how far Marg had gotten into Surrender the Wind, the club's book of the month.

"Seth is so brave," Paige sighed. "And Juleah, she's a strong woman, but I don't think she's strong enough to keep from falling in love with him. And I loathe Constable Latterbuck, don't you? What a dope."
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Paige Turner is a fictional character brought about by my vivid imagination. She embodies the quintessential reader, who loves a good book.