Christian Writer, Are You Prepared to Talk About Your Calling?

A simple question at the car wash reminded me that Christian writers are called to more than the page.

I had an unexpected conversation at the car wash today.

One of the attendants, a young man who came over to help dry my car, asked what I do.

I told him I write biblical fiction, an answer that came easily, which is interesting in itself.

I’ve only recently started saying “biblical fiction” when people ask what I write because until last year, it was a side project. But in January, I realized I needed to go in whole hog. Since then, I’ve embraced it and made a complete genre shift from Christian historical romance.

There’s another reason saying “biblical fiction” out loud felt strange.

Since you’re a Christian writer too, you can probably guess what I’m going to say. People are often interested that I’m a writer until I tell them what I write. The name of Christ can be an effective conversation killer. He told us to expect as much (Matt. 10:22).

Our calling as Christian writers can be very, very lonely.

But wouldn’t you know, this time the person’s eyes lit up?

Then he asked another question. And another. And another.

He wanted to know what biblical fiction is, and he wanted to know specifically about my books. I shared that I write about ancient Babylon, which he particularly liked. He then asked how many books I’ve written. “The one I’m writing now will be number thirty-two,” I told him. (I only knew because I recently revamped my website and had to count!)

The whole exchange took me aback. It was delightfully foreign.

We talked a little more about the life of a writer and about finding joy in whatever job we choose (his wise take on work life).

And then I drove away.

It wasn’t until afterward that the Holy Spirit whispered, “Why did you leave it there? Why didn’t you tell him about Me?”

I had been ready to answer questions about my books. But had I been ready to talk about the reason behind them?

This young man handed me an open door that I didn’t fully walk through. I’m not talking about preaching at the car wash or forcing an awkward spiritual conversation.

But I could have stopped what I was doing and given him my full attention. I could have asked him a question or two. Or found out what specifically piqued his interest about the words biblical fiction.

Maybe the conversation would have ended there, or maybe it would have gone somewhere important.

I don’t know, because I didn’t find out.

Peter tells us: “Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Pet. 3:15, ESV)

Be prepared.

Peter’s words mean a little something different to me today.

As Christian writers, we spend an enormous amount of time preparing to communicate on the page.

We study craft. We polish manuscripts. We pick endlessly at blurbs and pitches. We consult critique partners and editors. But are we prepared to talk about the work God has given us when someone asks?

We understand we’re called to write. But do we understand that we’re also called to talk?

When someone opens that door, are we prepared to walk through it, to talk boldly about the work, the calling, and the One who gave us both?

I’m thirty-two books into this writing life, and apparently, I’m still learning to do that.

So here’s something to think about this week: If a stranger asked you tomorrow, “What do you write?” how would you answer?

And if their eyes lit up and they asked you to tell them more, would you be prepared?