Wednesday, May 26, 2010

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?



3 comments:

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rita -

You've chosen some power verses for your books.

I don't have Bible verses selected for my books, but scriptural principles are woven throughout.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jessica Nelson said...

Good post, Rita. I like have a scriptural foundation for my stories but I usually think about it afterward rather than before.

Rita Gerlach said...

Susan, that is the way to do it. Weave it into the story without being preachy reaches more people in my opinion.

Jessica, I do the same. I should have mentioned in the post that a scripture that reflects the story doesn't usually come until after I've started writing the book and know where it is headed.

Thanks to you both for posting as much as you do.