Show don't tell

Show the problem, action, scenes, feelings, etc. instead of telling them. This will draw readers into your story without spoon feeding them and make for a more professional piece of writing.  Here's an example:

Keeper was cold. It was now evening. She wasn't used to this because Mia usually came by now to check on her and bring food, which she got quite used to.

Keeper's back and legs shivered. A snort of misted ice shot from her nostrils. The darkness enveloped her like an unwelcoming blanket. She stirred and neighed loudly, raising her thick neck. Her wide eyes swept towards the farmhouse. No sign of Mia.

The first paragraph is an example of "telling," the second is the same paragraph reworked to "show" instead of "tell." Can you see how the paragraph the "shows" draws us into the scene and allows us to search and contemplate, drawing our own conclusions? It uses inference to convey to the reader that Keeper is cold, in the dark, and nervously awaiting Mia.

Keep in mind there are times when "telling" is necessary; for instance, when inside a character's thoughts or relaying information that can't possibly be shown.

Let the reader draw their own conclusions

This is Huge. If you've submitted a story to us, you might have received a comment from me about this. It's also connected with the above. Beginning writers are often quick to lay bare their intentions or get their message across in their writing but this can make a piece of writing seem sermonizing or condescending, and ultimately it deadens the narrative because there's nothing to investigate, chew on, contemplate, etc. Life is mystery and a journey. Let your stories be the same. Good stories speak of truth and virtue just through the events and dialogue themselves. Let your story speak loud things quietly, in the everyday situations or events of the story itself, not through a "moral of the story" monologue from a character to make sure the reader "gets it." When a reader feels the freedom to explore through a story and draw their own conclusions, they'll appreciate it and get more out of it.

Use subtlety whenever possible

Also connected with the above. Christian writers have a tendency to overtly use allegory to make sure their readers know they're talking about God, Jesus, Satan, etc. Sometimes this is well thought out and works, and we have accepted stories that use allegory in a way that is slightly more overt. But often, it is too obvious and risky and serves to flatten the narrative. Ask yourself if what you've written easily translates into the story of Christ, a Bible story, etc. If so, think about reworking it. Otherwise, your just telling us the same story over and over again with some different details. We already have the New Testament. What we don't have are stories from young Christians that subtly convey the truth of their faith in creative ways. Since God is everywhere present and fills all things, and since Jesus is found in the face of every person, your main character doesn't have to be a shepherd or a carpenter or a prince. How about an archer, a rock climber, or an engineer? God is the Author of Life. Therefore, everything in life has the potential to reveal to us His love, glory, truth, wisdom, etc. if conveyed properly.

Avoid sentimentalism

What we receive over and over again are stories that are too sentimental, especially crying. We understand that Christian teens often incorporate their own emotions and experiences into their stories because that's a healthy form of expressing themselves and their relationship with God. But on the reader's end, it can make for a sappy experience. Readers are looking for good stories, not overly sentimental emotions. Don't make the mistake to think that sentimentalism is more Christian or heart warming, etc. This will water down your story big time. Keep crying to a minimum.

Beware of cliche'

If you've heard it before, steer clear and try to come up with a different way to say it. And don't just avoid cliche' sayings, like "cold as ice," "white as snow," etc.; also avoid cliche' scenes, like the ones we often see in Hollywood or worldly sitcoms. Instead, strive for scenes and stories with situations and relationships that contain depth and mystery, and are according to a Christian standard.

Use active verbs

Active verbs make your sentences tighter, stronger, and more clear.

Tom fired the bow (Active).

The bow was fired by Tom (Passive).

Trim down the fat

Beginning writers have a tendency to overwrite, believing the more they put in the better it will be and more able to convey what they want their writing to convey. Nothing could be further from the truth. When it comes to good writing, less is more. Think quality, not quantity. The most powerful sentences have the fewest words. They're usually charged with more meaning, and give more opportunity for readers to contemplate and draw their own conclusions.

Read again and rewrite

This can be really helpful. Put your poem or story away for a few days, then go back and read it again. You'll be surprised at how much you can edit to make it a stronger piece.

Have someone else read your work

Two eyes are better than one. Someone else may find something in your poem or story that you didn't see, or they may have suggestions you never thought of.

Pray...

Super important. Ask God to give you the wisdom and creativity to make your writing a worthy piece of literature. It's not magic, but God hears our prayers and will give you the grace to write to His glory.

...and write

Writing is a craft that must be exercised, shaped and fine-tuned. Write often. The more you write the better your writing will become.

Read

Reading other people's works broadens your vocabulary and enhances your own writing style.

Grow from criticism

Use criticism to your advantage, moving past personal pride and seriously honing your craft. Your writing will improve dramatically when you take heed to the advise and suggestions of other writers.

Fiction Writing Tips

Creativity for Christian Teens