The Variety of In-the-world/not-of-the-world Writing Part 2

Last time I talked about various types of Christian books. You can read that post here.
Today I want to look at examples of these and I'd LOVE your helps to provide more.
Remember this table?

Let's look at some variety of published fiction out there: Books which show God's grace through fiction in various ways.

1.  – fewer subplots and less complex story line.

Simpler Story-Line
      Simpler does NOT mean less, it just means simpler.Harlequin, particularly LoveInspired, is known for their focused plotlines. These books usually do not have a lot of extra subplots and tend to be shorter in wordcount. Harlequin's books can be coupled with a variety of:
    a. subtle/overt christian themes
         Tina Radcliffe and Ruth Logan Herne probably keep with more subtle here and Missy Tippens might be more overt.
    b. PG/PG 13 themes and language
          LoveInspired definitely keeps to PG, many of the other Harlequin lines go beyond PG 
          Janice Thompson's books probably fall under the simpler storyline, though they are longer. It's a straight-forward and fun-filled romance, with the purity of the romance being the focal point of the story. though there are a few subplots, those are also simpler.

2.2. Complex Story-Line – more deeply and complex story line

             Many of our longer books in fiction have more complex storylines. These are books with varied and detailed subplots which carry through the main plot, enhancing it in subtle or overt ways. We can apply the same above standards with these too.

        a. subtle

              Mary Connealy writes Christian fiction with more complex plotlines but a more subtle Christian theme.

              Some of Laura Frantz's are like this too and definitely Siri Mitchell's.

              Denise Hunter would probably fit here too.

              Debbie Macomber books fall between simple and complex storylines with extremely subtle Christian themes.

             To go a little 'classic', Jane Eyre is subtle for our day, but was probably more 'overt' in Bronte's day. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings has definite Christian themes, though subtle - as does Austen.

b    b. overt

           Julie Lessman might be that in-between overt and subtle in her Christian themes, but there are some fantastic, very direct Christian themes. (Her Daughter's of Boston series would be considered PG-13, but her newest book, Love at Any Cost, would be rated at more of a PG level)

           Jody Hedlund's and Laurie Alice Eakes are also among this group. There are clear and direct 'come to Jesus' moments, a strong Christian struggle, and inner monologing which clearly sets up a Christian worldview.(These two would probably be rated more PG in their romantic tension)

           The Dance by Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh fits here as well, though it can fall between simple and complex.

            Some classics?

            C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia is certainly an overt allegory, as well as something as dark and foreboding as Dracula (which would be considered more PG-13, btw). 

 So, can you add some more to this list? Can you break them down and tell us how they fit into this table? Remember, God uses all types of stories to bring about His story.

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      Pepper Basham writes Blue Ridge romance peppered with grace and humor. She's a mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate. When she's not aggravating the wonderful AlleyCats, you can visit her at her personal blog, Words Seasoned With Salt. She's represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

Heroes According to Jane Austen - Part 1



http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/2011/04/guestblog-juliet-archer-tampering-with.html

Oh! What are men compared to rocks and mountains?  - Pride and Prejudice       

 In honor of the bicentennial of Pride and Prejudice’s publication this year, I thought I’d talk about heroes. I know...SUCH a hardship, right? :-)

And from who better to draw inspiration, than the witty word-weaver, Jane Austen?

I love a well-written heroine, but not even the best heroine can outshine the perfect hero (for me), so I thought I’d start off our Valentine’s week with PART1  of  3 swoon-worthy posts ;-).

As we think of Austen's men, one thing to keep in mind is their very ‘humanness’. They are not perfect, sometimes their character flaws are quite obvious – but throughout the stories their imperfections are met with the perfect match in their heroines.
They are vulnerable and fallible - which makes them realistic.
That’s why we end up liking…or loving them. That's also why they are memorable.

Though there are more Austen heroes, for time’s sake I have chosen one example under each of the six categories. People may or may not agree with these categories, but I believe they cover most hero-types in novels or movies out there. (and some heroes are nice combos of two different types)

The Six Categories I've discovered are:

The Reluctant Hero

The Subtle Servant

The Good Guy

The Best Friend

The Reformed Rogue

The Anti-Hero

 Though many of you will prefer the latter two hero-types, I’m going to save those for Part 3 and discuss the ‘less popular’ two today. Please remember, less popular does not mean less important. In fact, The Subtle Servant is one of the most quietly beautiful hero-types out there. Our dear, Casey Herringshaw, has a beautiful example of one in her current WIP and my hero in book 3 of my Mitchell's Crossroads series is a Subtle Servant too.

So, let’s get on with the first two, shall we?

The Reluctant Hero

This is not to say these men do not want to be heroic. This type of character has the heart of a hero, but doesn’t always show those characteristics until situations or circumstances (or the right woman) force them into the fray. Unfortunately, this is often viewed as indecision or weakness of character. He doesn’t truly realize his ‘hero potential’ until he must become the lead man in the situation, or in the heart of the woman he loves. Insecurities may cloak his awareness of his own heroism, but he will rise to the occassion.

Edward Ferrars – The wrong thing for the right reason

One of Sense & Sensibilities quiet heroes is Edward Ferrars. Our first impression of him in the novel is this:

"He was too diffident to do justice to himself; but when his natural shyness was overcome, his behaviour gave every indication of an open, affectionate heart. His understanding was good, and his education had given it solid improvement.”

Everyone makes mistakes, right? But not everyone stands by their poor choices to honor their own promises. Though Edward's character appears weaker than his romantic counterpart, Eilnor Dashwood – and certainly less constant than his fellow hero, Colonel Brandon, Edward’s compassionate nature and anchor-to-duty becomes apparent when he is forced to take a stand – even against his supercilious mother and sister. And he does exhibit character growth. In the beginning of the novel, he has NO control over his life –and has allowed his mother and sister to make choices for him. By the end – and through poor choices and convenient circumstances- he becomes the owner and creator of his life. Elinor sees him as a hero - and he's a great match for her, because doesn't long for a raging romance, but a steady flame. She gets it in her perfect hero.

Not dark or dashing, but a good heart and someone who will choose to do the RIGHT thing, even if it hurts.

(Edmund Bertram from Mansfield Park would fit within this type, IMO)

Some movie and book examples of this type of hero are:

Mary Connealy’s heroes: Alex and Logan in the Sophie’s Daughters series.

Patrick O’Connor strikes me as a reluctant hero in Julie Lessman’s Christmas novel, A Light in the Window.

Ryan Reynolds’ character in The Proposal and maybe even Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings. Mr. Fantastic from The Fantastic 4 could fall into this category too.

The Subtle Servant  

This hero is also one that obtains less glory from ladies who prefer dark-and-brooding. This type of hero usually makes himself known in the subtle, small, and quiet ways – being available, observant, and faithful. In fact, being noticed is the furthest thing from his mind.

He may not charge onto the field on his steed, but he will seek out a heart-sore woman and carry her through the rain to shelter. He will rescue a ‘fallen’ woman from a life of destitution, he will provide a means of income for a ‘good’ man who has lost his inheritance, and he will hold on to love in an unassuming, yet strong-as-steel, sort of way.

I absolutely LOVE this type of hero – even though he’s not as popular. There is a quiet strength about him and an undeniable sense of faithfulness.

Colonel Brandon – is a sensitive and subdued man who suffered the loss of his lady-love when his parents refused the match – then his lady fell into the life of promiscuity and finally died, so he took her illegitimate child into his care. Now, after years in the army and unmarried, this sensitive man finds a ‘kindred’ spirit in the young Marianne Dashwood. Due to Marianne’s indifference to him, and the apparent age-gap, Colonel Brandon maintains a friendship with the family, and ready service to them, but does not pursue Marianne. Brandon’s acts of kindness are sprinkled throughout the story in quiet, and finally, grand ways – until Marianne sees him for the hero he truly is.

I think he is a reserved romantic, whereas Marianne is an overt one. The nice comparison between Colonel Brandon and his counterpart, Willoughby, is to show that the true test of love is in trial and time. Colonel Brandon succeeds on both counts.

Some examples of a Subtle Servant in movies and books are:

Red Shirt in Laura Frantz’s fantastic novel, Courting Morrow Little.

Wade Sawyer and Grant Cooper in Mary Connealy’s Montana Marriages series.

I think Griff from Laurie Alice Eakes novel Choices of the Heart might fit here too

Maybe Jack Buchanan from Liz Curtis Higgs amazing novel, Mine is the Light, might fall into this mix too.

  Okay - it's your turn.

Can you think of a book you’ve read…or one you are writing, where the hero matches either of these descriptions?

What about all you Austen fans out there? Do you have a soft-spot in your heart for any of the ‘quieter’ Austen heroes?

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Pepper Basham writes Blue Ridge Romances peppered with grace and humor. Though she dabbles in all types of genres, she enjoys focusing on historical and contemporary romances for now. She's a pastor's wife, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of jazz. She also remains in awe of God's kindness in providing His amazing love for her life, His unending mercy for her sins, and His awesome creation of chocolate for her mental health. You can find out more about Pepper at her personal blog Words Seasoned With Salt www.pepperbasham.com

What's Up the Street For Next Week?

Pepper here, and I’ve brought you some glimpses of Autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I hope you enjoy these pictures I took while hiking with my family this weekend, and may you enjoy the beautiful artwork God uses to usher in Autumn.


So, let’s talk about setting.

What setting are you using in your WIP? Why did you choose that setting? How have you made the setting its own character?

What do we have for you this week?

Monday – Plotting With a Pantster ;-) Taking the Hero’s Journey on Pepper’s new WIP.

Tuesday – October 20th was the National Day on Writing and Sherrinda’s here to share a post entitled “Why I Write” (maybe she’ll share some tasty excerpts from her medieval…hint, hint)

Wednesday – Mary Vee adds another thoughtful post from her mentoring series. On Begin Mentored: Our Responsibilities

Thursday – Romantic Suspense 2011 Genesis winner Renee Ann Smith is Casey’s guest today.

Friday – Krista’s back to surprise us with another fun-filled post as only she can write.


SIDEWALK TALK

Mary Vee helps celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month as a guest blogger on Debra Ann Elliott's blog: http://www.highheelshotflashes.blogspot.com/ . Stop by and be inspired as Mary shares about God’s blessing in the battle.

If you missed ACFW or want to catch up on the workshops you didn’t get a chance to attend, check out Afictionado’s quick glimpse into each workshop or continuing session. It is ACFW’s ezine. Learn more about it at http://www.acfw.com/ezine/archive/2011/10/15

Sarah’s ACFW recap is up on her blog (along with her new bio pic which is FANTASTIC). Check it out at http://sarahforgrave.com/2011/10/19/acfw-conference-recap-and-pictures/

Something New:

from Thomas Nelson

Love By the Book by Cara Lynn James

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf

From Revell

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

Hello Hollywood by Janice Hanna Thompson

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman (featuring The Writers Alley’s own Casey Miranda Herringshaw) 



From Bethany House

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson

Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

From Zondervan

Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher

Naomi’s Gift by Amy Clipston

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

1000 words of backstory... and counting!

Last weekend, while I was sitting in the hospital beside my sweet, sleeping baby, I wrote 1000 words of back-story.

And dad gum it, I'm PROUD OF IT!

Many of you rule followers out there are cringing, as well as all those who read Wendy Miller's WONDERFUL post last week on back-story.

1000 words? Back-story? Where is the ruler to slap my hand with!?!

But hang in there with me so I can explain (before my hand is black and blue...)

Backstory isn't bad. Every great novel MUST have it.

It's how we put it into our novel that is the key. You can't "not" tell your reader what happened in the past. It is important and integral to your current story. The past is what makes us who we are today, just as Wendy pointed out. If we ignore it, it makes our current character feel flat and undeveloped, and leaves our reader confused.

My Back-Story Story

So about a year ago, I started on a new book. I wrote about 8000 words, then life took over and I wasn't able to get back to it until now.

Please keep in mind... I am a MAJOR seat-of-the-pants writer, so what I had was only a germ of a story, and I really wasn't sure where I was taking it. But I'd gotten to the point where I knew a little bit of what about what was going on and needed to get the details down.

So, I wrote back-story. 1000 words of it (and counting.) I just sat down last Saturday and let my brain run rampant through the fields of time. I wrote in free form everything that had happened to my characters, jotted notes about the stuff I didn't know and still needed to decide, and detailed the events that lead them up to their current conflict.

It was the most freeing exercise EVER. I flicked off the little guy on my shoulder that screams at me, "BACK-STORY ALERT... horrible writing Krista, STOP IT!"

And you know what? I think my book will be better for it. I know where my characters have come from and what makes them tick. I still have a few questions, but now as I get ready to actually write again, I can write from a place of confidence.

I still am very much SOTP writer. Not sure what's going to happen in the next chapter yet. But I am now equipped with the backstory and have the ability to sprinkle it into my pages a little at a time, to hint to some of their motivations, and give the reader little tastes of what happened long ago and why my characters are a little bit loony.

Moral of the story: The only info dumps needed are ones that won't make it into manuscript!

Discussion: How do YOU develop your character's back-story? Because there are a TON of different methods... the key is to make sure you DO IT!

*GIVEAWAY*

We're at the end of the FIRST week of our 300 follower celebration!!! Today's give away is Laurie Alice Eakes "Lady in the Mist" (Thanks, Pepper, for helping me out with this one... you're a doll!)

Leave a comment to be eligible to win! This weeks winners will be announced on Saturday! 

CHEERS!

Heroes: Body, Mind, Heart, and Soul

Heroes: Mind, Heart, Body, and Soul


HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!

Romance, flowers, chocolate, music and….

Heroes!

(and one of my Movie-FAVORITES is in the pic)

Oh yeah!

I know, I know – there are some GREAT posts in cyberspace about the perfect hero.

To get a yummy taste of a few go here or here.

But I want to examine a few specifically. A few heroes from novels and what makes them heroic. Generally, there are four basic pieces to a person – including heroes. Three of them are intricately woven together, and the fourth, well it’s just for eye-candy.

So…where to begin?

Let’s start with the most obvious trait: Body.

Most heroes are handsome, let’s admit it. There are rare occasions when a hero isn’t super-gorgeous, but 90% of the time, the physical appearance of the hero catches the heroine’s attention in some way or other. Whether his eyes, his hair, his smile, or maybe even his voice, there is something that first sparks interest in the heroine.

Let’s look at a few examples:

Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes –

Tabitha had never seen a man with such beautiful eyes. The rich, deep brown of coffee, they sparkled with pinpoints of gold light behind a fringe of lashes that would have made them feminine if not for his strong cheek bones and firm jaw. The powdered hair, ridiculous as it was in Seabourne, created a striking contrast to the dark eyes and sun-bronzed complexion.

Beautiful description isn’t it?

How about this one.

For Pete’s Sake by Linda Windsor

Ellen loved taking a guy out of his four-wheeled cage and putting him on two wheels with nothing between him and the abrasive paving. It separated the men from the boys. And Sinclair was definitely a man. He’d leaned with her on the curves in the road and kept her from wobbling all over creation like stiff, first time riders tended to do. And that rock-hard chest under his silk shirt and business suit was definitely that of a manly man.


Still, she’d never been held quite so…whole-heartedly.

Notice that physical characteristics are the first signs of interest. Most of the time in fiction (and in life) this is the case, but as we all know – it’s only a package. What’s on the inside is what matters most – and that’s true for stories too.

Mind – Heroes are smart, savvy, quick witted. They may be ‘stupid in love’, as Julie Lessman says, but there is something else about them that shows their particular intelligence. Usually it comes out in their profession, but sometimes it can be their smarts in handling their women :-)

Sharpshooter in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

He pulled back, only inches, his intense eyes and stubborn jaw filling her whole world. Made her want. Made her feel. “I’m taking your children out of this fortress tonight. You can come with me or stay behind.”


Made her crazy. “I won’t let you.”


“You can’t stop me.” He fell silent and waited. A big, tall stack of pure stubborn…


When she didn’t respond, Tom set her on her feet, turned, and stalked toward the house, as if he planned to pack the three children up and take them without her permission or company.


She reached for her rifle and grabbed…air. Looking down by her right hand where the muzzle was always waiting, she realized, it was gone. Looking up, she saw Tom carrying it.


“Looking for this?” He raised his arm high so the gun was silhouetted against the starlit sky.

Smart man :-)

What about a man’s talent? Audra Harders describes it like this in her debut novel, Rocky Mountain Hero.

Gabe’s fingers danced along the neck of the guitar as graceful as the hawks she’d seen the other day soaring through the air. Gabe hummed and picked at his guitar. His eyes closed, he appeared in complete worship.


Beautiful.

Many times our heroes have specific smarts. Sherlock Holmes is the ultimate example. He certainly wasn’t part of a romance (though the notion of a novel like that is spinning through my head), but his brilliance defined him. Each hero shows his knowledge. How does yours?

Heart – the compassion, tenderness, protective-instinct, determination, ROMANCE, and spirit of your hero. There are SOOOOO many examples, but let me just share a few.

From Laura Frantz novel, Courting Morrow Little


“Are you missing home, Morrow?”


Thoughtful, she met his steady gaze. “No…I’m missing you.”


He came to her and rested his hands on her shoulders, tipping her head back so that cold moonlight spilled into her eyes. “How can you miss me when I’m standing here beside you?”


“I-I don’t rightly know,” she said, feeling she’d stepped off a safe path onto perilous ground. “Aren’t you…missing me?”


His handsome features turned perplexed. “You think I…” …


Gently he framed her face with his hands and brought her head up. “Morrow, you’re mourning.”


Mourning. A startling realization stole over her. He was telling her he wouldn’t touch her so soon after Pa had passed, that she needed time to grieve….


“Yes, I’m mourning,” she said, softly. “I believe I’m mourning you.”


A flicker of surprise played over his handsome face, but his gaze remained steadfast….


“Morrow…are you sure?”


The tender question touched her. “Never surer,” she answered.


Gently, like they were about to dance, he took her in his arms, and she felt a wall within him give way.

Whew…isn’t that scene so lovely. Passion and tenderness all rolled up into such a short amount of space. Oh dear, I do so love that story.

Shall I turn up the heat even more? No one does it better than Julie Lessman- let’s look at a short scene from A Hope Undaunted.

Massive palms slowly grazed the side of her arms, as if he thought she might be chilled, but the heat they generated made her feel anything but. In fluid motion, they moved to her waist, the gentle caress of his thumbs all but stealing her air. His blue eyes deepened in intensity as he leaned in, and his husky voice made her mouth go dry. “Let’s face it, Katie Rose,” he whispered. “I don’t want ice, I don’t want water, and I definitely don’t want chocolate.”


She caught her breath when his words melted warm in her ear.


“I want you…”

And before the air could return to her lungs, his mouth dominated hers with such gentle force, it coaxed a breathless moan from her lips, heating the blood in her veins by several degrees.

WOOOHOOOO!! Hot!

Last, but definitely not least, is Soul

As Christian writers, our worldview should come out in our stories – whether overtly or woven into the pattern of our novels. Soul is a part of our characters, and seems even more beautiful in our HEROES.

One of the most beautiful novels I’ve ever read which shows the spiritual aspect of the hero is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Here’s a short scene from the book to show how his faith influences his behavior.

It was growing colder and they needed to return. They dressed in silence, both tormented, both trying not to be. She came to him and put her arms around his waist, pressing herself against him, as a child would looking for comfort.

He closed his eyes against the fear uncurling in the pit of his stomach. I love her Lord. I can’t give her up.

Michael, beloved. Would you have her hang on her cross forever?


Michael let out a shuddering sigh. When she lifted her face, he saw something in it that made him want to weep….


Lifting her, he held her cradled in his arms. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him. He closed his eyes. Lord, if I give her up to you now, will you ever give her back to me?


No answer came.

Read the book to discover the answer.

There you have it. The essence of a hero.

Tell me about your hero? Body, mind, heart, and soul.