As we speak and live, I think we are seeing the stage set for the unfolding the end times reality. If you stop and think about the events that have led to our present time, nothing is really clear except in hindsight. We all have been taught what to expect and look for in the unfolding of prophecy and that is what most end times or Revelation based fiction reflects. Hence, it tends to be predictable, stereotypical and over done.
Since prophecy is grounded in the entire Bible, to study the old prophecies, their fulfillment and the confusion surrounding their fulfillment in history would help give fiction based on the remaining unfulfilled prophecies a more realistic approach. The Jewish nation had a preconceived stereotypical Messiah in mind and when Jesus came, he didn't fit the mold. It is also true of the book of Revelation, though we can understand the themes, it is extremely difficult to pin down the actual events. I remember a few years ago while I was doing a personal study on prophecy, the Lord saying to me at the time, "It's not going to be how you think it is. You'd best shore up your relationship with me so you won't be lead astray." I have never forgotten that.
Personally, I think anyone who writes that sort of fiction would have one heck of a research project to tackle before writing a word. As I said earlier, I haven't read the left-behind series but I do know that Jerry Jenkins knew he needed a theologian to help him. I'm not sure how closely it came to reality so I can't comment on that.
