How a publisher with deep military roots found its perfect mission field among Christian speculative fiction writers
This past weekend (July 18-20, 2025), Defiance Press proudly participated in the Realm Makers Writers Conference and Expo, joining hundreds of Christian writers, industry professionals, and readers who gathered to celebrate faith-based speculative fiction. For our team, the experience reinforced why supporting Christian authors isn’t just good business—it’s essential to preserving the values that make America great.
A Perfect Partnership
Defiance Press & Publishing is a publisher of very high-quality, principled fiction, non-fiction, current events, and children’s literature, from outstanding authors with a special emphasis on God, country, liberty, and conservatism, to serve the diverse interests of our readers through various imprints. Given this mission, Realm Makers isn’t just a good fit for us—it’s a perfect one.
Realm Makers exists to support Christian writers who are creating stories that matter—tales that explore eternal truths through the lens of fantasy, science fiction, and supernatural thrillers. These aren’t just entertainment; they’re cultural weapons in the battle for hearts and minds. Every dragon slain, every dystopian future redeemed, every supernatural victory won on the page reinforces the timeless truths that our culture desperately needs to hear.
Our emphasis on God, country, liberty, and conservatism aligns seamlessly with what these Christian authors are accomplishing through their fiction. We understand that culture is upstream from politics. The stories we tell shape the values we hold, and the values we hold determine the leaders we choose and the policies we support. Christian writers aren’t just creating books—they’re creating the narratives that will influence the next generation’s understanding of good and evil, courage and cowardice, faith and despair.
Service, Sacrifice, and Storytelling
What struck us most about the Realm Makers community was their commitment to something greater than themselves. These writers aren’t chasing fame or fortune—they’re answering a calling to use their gifts in service of eternal purposes.
That dedication resonates deeply with our team at Defiance Press. Our founder and 50% of our staff have served in the U.S. Military, and we recognize the same spirit of service in these Christian authors that we saw in our fellow service members. Whether you’re serving your country in uniform or serving God with your pen, the heart is the same: a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort to defend something precious.
Military service teaches you that some things are worth fighting for, worth bleeding for, worth dying for. Christian writers understand this instinctively. They know that in a culture increasingly hostile to faith, every story that showcases biblical values is an act of spiritual warfare.
Why Christian Speculative Fiction Matters
During our time at Realm Makers, we were impressed by the quality and depth of the manuscripts, pitches, and conversations we encountered. These aren’t writers creating sanitized, preachy content that talks down to readers. They’re crafting sophisticated narratives that grapple with real questions while never abandoning the hope that comes from faith.
In an age when mainstream publishing increasingly promotes moral relativism and anti-Christian messaging, these authors are creating alternative narratives that remind readers that:
- Good and evil are real, distinct forces
- Heroes can rise from humble beginnings through faith and courage
- Sacrifice for others is noble, not naive
- Hope exists even in the darkest circumstances
- Truth is worth defending, even at great cost
These themes aren’t just literary devices—they’re foundational to the American character and the Judeo-Christian values that built our nation.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
After experiencing the passion, professionalism, and purpose of the Realm Makers community, Defiance Press is proud to announce our commitment to being an annual regular at this conference. We see too much value in what Realm Makers accomplishes to be anywhere else each July.
While our primary focus remains political and cultural non-fiction, we recognize that Christian speculative fiction serves many of the same goals we pursue: challenging readers to think deeply about truth, inspiring them to live courageously, and equipping them to stand firm in their convictions.
We’re exploring ways to expand our support for Christian authors beyond just conference attendance. Whether through publishing partnerships, mentorship programs, or promotional support, we want to help ensure that Christian voices continue to reach readers who hunger for stories that reflect their values.
Supporting the Mission
What impressed us most about Realm Makers wasn’t just the individual talent we encountered—it was the community’s commitment to lifting each other up. Established authors mentored newcomers, industry professionals offered genuine guidance, and everyone seemed genuinely invested in each other’s success.
This spirit of mutual support reflects the best of both Christian community and American entrepreneurship. It’s the kind of environment where excellence flourishes because people are working not just for personal gain, but for a cause greater than themselves.
As a publisher that proudly serves conservative and libertarian voices, we understand how important it is to support organizations that share our commitment to faith, freedom, and the values that make America exceptional. Realm Makers is doing vital work in cultivating the next generation of Christian storytellers, and we’re honored to support their mission.
Looking Ahead
The publishing industry has largely abandoned its responsibility to serve readers who hold traditional values. Major publishers actively discriminate against conservative and Christian voices, treating faith-based content as something to be quarantined rather than celebrated.
Defiance Press exists to be different. We believe that conservative Christians deserve publishers who understand their values, respect their convictions, and work tirelessly to get their messages into the hands of readers who share their worldview.
Our experience at Realm Makers reminded us why this work matters so much. Every Christian author who publishes a powerful story is striking a blow for truth in a culture of lies. Every reader who encounters faith-based fiction that challenges them to live better lives is a victory for the kingdom of God and the principles that made America great.
We’re proud to stand with Realm Makers and the incredible community of Christian writers they support. Together, we’re not just publishing books—we’re shaping the culture, one story at a time.
Join the Mission
If you’re a Christian writer working in speculative fiction, we encourage you to connect with Realm Makers and experience this incredible community for yourself. And if you’re an author whose work advances conservative principles or Christian values in any genre, we’d love to hear from you.
At Defiance Press, we understand that the battle for America’s soul will be won or lost in the realm of ideas and stories. We’re committed to ensuring that the voices of faith have every opportunity to be heard.
Because in the end, the stories we tell today will determine the world our children inherit tomorrow. And that’s a responsibility too important to leave to publishers who don’t share our values.
Learn more about Realm Makers at [realmmakers.com]. To discuss publishing opportunities with Defiance Press, visit [defiancepress.com] or contact us directly.
