Tipful Tuesday-Francine Rivers

Days are booked by the second it seems. We rush here and rush there. We barely have time to work out questions we wrestle with, important questions that are unique to us. Only God's word and meditation can help us through this time. 

The same principle is used when writing solid stories. One of the reasons why Francine Rivers' stories are so compelling is because they dig deep into thee heart wrenching issues. She pours every dimension of feeling into every word and directs characters the way she herself was. Readers can't help but feel impacted by her stories. 

Why is this?

Because she starts her work by spending time in personal Bible study. In addition to her own need to be fed by God, she sets her writing projects to center on a question she wrestles with. Studying the Bible is essential to her writing. "And God gives me the scriptures, daily that speak to the question with which I am struggling." Rivers.

What questions are you struggling with today? Pray and ask God for the Scriptures that will guide you to His wisdom. Then, use this in your story. Better yet, center the story around this issue like Francine. THIS is how to become a successful writer/author.

Photo by Mary Vee

Blurred Lines - Let's talk about SEX!

At my heart, I'm a pretty black-and-white kinda person. There are rights and wrongs and goods and bads and grey is just not a color I usually see often. I've always backed this mental point of view up with the Bible when it talks about God spitting the lukewarm out of his mouth.

But the older I get, the more I see that while God isn't a fan of lukewarm Christians who think they can straddle the fence and have the best of both worlds, not all issues in the world are super clear. There are lines that have been blurred by culture and society that we have to figure out how to deal with in our fiction. How do we write fiction that remains relevant to our current culture yet still pleases Jesus?

And let me just say there. That is one line that, for me, is NOT blurred. Regardless of your content or audience, if you are a follower of Christ, your first goal should ALWAYS be to honor Christ in all you do, writing included.

Over my next few posts on Thursdays, I'll talk about some of these blurred lines and give some suggestions on how to handle and deal with the blurred lines of today.

With the release of a certain should-be-X-rated-movie to theaters next week (which I will NOT be seeing, by the way), I thought a good place to start would be to have a little chat about sex and books.

This is a tough subject, one that some think should be a no-brainer for Christians and fiction, but in reality, has a LOT of varying opinions on the matter.

~Should characters have sex in our books?
~What about non-married characters? Christians aren't perfect, right? Can't we show reality?
~Just WHEN should we shut the door to give our characters privacy, and furthermore, should we?
~How much sexual tension is too much? How much is too little?
~How do we do with real topics such as rape, sex trafficking, molesting, and abortion?

My broad answer to all these questions is... IT DEPENDS!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. That helps a WHOLE TON.

But seriously. Each of us come from, presumably, a Christian world-view when we are writing, but that world-view has been shaded different arrays of colors by our parents, our spouses, the churches we've attended, the schools we've gone to, etc.

While it is a clear line to me that sex should not be "open door" in a book by a Christian, for others, that line is not so clear. I read Francine River's A Bridge to Haven and was super surprised to have a "sex scene" portrayed, door wide open. She handled it so respectfully and showed the beauty of what the intimate act between a husband and wife could be, as opposed to the horror the heroine had experienced in her past. It made me take a hard look at the line and see that while it is a clear line for MY fiction that I write--I'll never write an open-door sex scene in my books--I can see how an author can handle it with tact and glorify God through it. I could see how someone who was broken and thought sex was a "job" or was used to being used and abused, could have their eyes opened and see the beauty that God meant it to be. I don't think a closed door would have had the same effect for that hurting person.

Yet I know that book will not be for everyone. There will also be others who find it disturbing for its more graphic details, one Amazon reviewer noting, " The story of this book was good until she got explicit in bedroom scenes" and another noted how even reviewing the book made her feel dirty.

The thing is, those are super valid opinions only. I respect those people so much because at one point in my life, I was exactly like them. They have had their own set of life experiences that made the book hard for them to read, and their opinion should NOT be ripped on or thrown aside as short-sited.

The thing is.... all types of books are needed, even in the CBA. There are a variety of preferences among readers, some who feel that a romance without sexual tension falls flat and creates an unrealistic view of sex and relationships, and others who feel that adding sexual tension creates unneeded desires.

My suggestion as you write....

Go to Jesus. Readers will ALWAYS have various opinions but the one whose opinion matters the most is God. Ask God to show you where HIS line is for you. This may or may not be where you thought it would be. But at the end of the day, my goal is always to please Jesus, and if I can't stand before him proudly with my book, then I've crossed over a line.

Just remember, sex is not a bad thing. God created it, and it was, and SHOULD, be good. It is the world and culture that perverts it to something disgusting. Regardless of where you see your line in the sand on this issue... I urge you not to go there. We have been called to live in this world but not be OF the world. To be a LIGHT in the world not to fade and blend into the darkness.

Oh, and one last note.

Please, don't use the explicit Song of Solomon as an excuse to put sex in your book. Pretty please. It just... you're not the Bible. That was not fiction. There is no comparison. If you're gonna go there, we'd also need to say, "Go ahead, give your hero a gazillion wives and mistresses, Solomon had them!" If you have another good reason? Go ahead and share it. Just not this one!

Discussion: So where is your line? You'll not get any judgement here, just a frank discussion about a really important issue in our culture and fiction.

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Krista is a follower of Jesus, a wife, a mother, and author of Sandwich, With a Side of Romanceand A Side of Faith. She blogs about finding JOY in the journey of LIFE at http://www.kristaphillips.com. She is represented by Sarah Freese of Wordserve Literary.

(picture above courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

A Reader Shares: The Impact of Fiction

In every season of my life, God places a person who makes a difference in my perspective, or challenges me to search my heart deeper than most. After living in this town for over a year now, I can confidently say that my friend, Alice, is one of those people. She is my church's Women's minister, a spunky pastor's wife, and a faithful, loving friend. We've discussed many things, but when Fiction became a topic of conversation, I was blessed by her words.

When Alice told me that she recently finished reading her first Christian fiction book ...EVER... and that it was LIFE CHANGING...I had to bring her to the Alley. If any of you are like me at all, the question **does fiction really has impacts on lives?** has crossed your mind at least once on this journey. Alice's perspective as a new reader of fiction, secured my confidence that, without a doubt, the impact of fiction is HUGE. Notice the underlined parts below...these are wonderful nuggets from my friend!
 
ME: What types of books do you usually read? 

 Alice:  Christian self-help/psychology

ME:  How did a fiction account impress on your heart unlike a non-fiction book? 

Alice: I was able to enter into the character's role. At times, I was able to step into not just one character's role, but other characters roles as well. Through fiction life stories I experience a life situational experience that I may have also experienced to some degree. In that, I may be able to walk through the situation with the healing that the character had the courage to take which I may not have been able to do in my own life. Fiction gave me the chance to do that. This happened to me while reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, in the same way it happens while watching inspiring movies. Just as the character shows ability to tap into certain emotions, the reader gets the chance to take on the same courage, strength or the forgiveness, grace, love and acceptance.

ME: What spurred you on to consider the story as application in your life?

 Alice: My mentor suggested the book to me. I was hesitant as I felt fiction was not as effective as Christian psychology, but now I believe, it actually can be more effective, because your heart and mind are engaged in it to a greater degree then Christian self-help.

Psychologists claim that a person cannot change with mind or intellect alone, but that there has to be a heart or an emotional experience as well, to create that heart change. Psychologists say there has to be an emotional experience and intellectual knowledge to truly be able to change a person's way of thinking or behavior. That is why the book is always better then the movie, because the reader has to put their creative mind to use while reading, (which comes from the heart), to imagine the situation. Thus the reader feels the book more so then the viewer feels the movie. The book takes the reader to a deeper level, to their creative and/or personal heart level, not just the intellectual level. Therefore, I believe fictional writing can be a powerful tool or may I say, more powerful tool.

ME: What overall truths resonated with you as you read?

Alice: Forgiveness. The character was able to go to a level of unforgiveness that I have not been able to do for a decade. While reading Redeeming Love, a scene that I entered into as a reader, opened my heart and mind to my own hard- heartedness. It was so ugly, it made me want to change. I cried my eyes out and wept aloud and released it up to Christ.

ME: Can you share another personal change this made on your life? 

Alice: It has healed a very huge part of my life. It has healed my anger issue, and changed me as a wife and mother. More grace abounds in me now as a person and to others, my family, and mostly to myself. I am acting differently, my expectations are no longer too high, and I am living more from my heart. 

###

Wow. This is every author's dream review...right? Alice's words have confirmed my calling one more time, and now I will choose to remember her words whenever I wonder...whenever I forget to look up and give God the reigns on why in the world I am writing "this one"!

Whether you write Romantic Comedy, Historical Fiction, or Young Adult sci-fi, your stories are gateways to a reader's heart. God is creative in His avenues to change hearts, and never forget that this calling to write will not be wasted by His Almighty!


I hope this encouraged you as much as it encouraged me. Alice's first fiction read was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers...a very popular read, indeed!

Do you have any books that have resonated truth in your life? I would love to see how much variety in genre we can get!
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Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Why Writers Should Read-Taking Risks

I went on a hike to Sioux Charley Lake located in the Rocky Mountains this last week. What a blast. What a challenge. 

Sometimes...somethings are worth the risk.

Back at home, with a tall glass of ice tea, I read House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson. The lesson I learned from her well crafted book: don't be afraid to take risks.

There are few fiction authors who have successfully tackled deep topics like mental health, child abuse, and etc. House of Secret by Tracie Peterson, Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth, and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers are excellent examples.

Tips for Taking Risks

1. Always have a plan: In House of Secrets, three sisters lives have been affected by a schizophrenic mother. Peterson throws the reader into the sister's shaken twenty-year-old world to experience affect and healing.

The book could have focused on the sisters as children, as Mary DeMuth did in Daisy Chain. This presentation had an equally powerful impact.

Or the book could have touched the young life, expanded the in-between-years then settled in the life of a twenty-year-old as Francine Rivers did in Redeeming Love for a riviting presentation.

Tender topics need a plan of action. I am a Pantster not a Plotter. However, my current work is about the homeless. Tough stuff. I am definitely plotting my way through this book.

2. Present information about the issue in subtle ways. This is not nonfiction! Grocery lists and pages of information are not allowed. Readers want to walk with someone on their journey not sit in a classroom.

In House of Secrets, Peterson used conversation between the sisters to help the reader understand basics of schizophrenia. Action throughout the story helps readers feel the emotions with the sisters as the present is explained with unveiled past.

In Daisy Chain, DeMuth weaves the destruction of alcoholism, and child abuse with fine, gentle threads heralding a truth.

In Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers, also weaves her topic throughout the story but with a thick, strong thread...mighty like Samson.

Key: progressive unraveling of the issue and its impact

3. Don't shy from a risky topic.  Your work may help someone suffering or watching a person suffering from the issue. Research the topic. Make sure you're an expert. Tracie Peterson's dedication reads: With thanks to Angie B for her willingness to share. Tracie not only researched the topic but spoke with those who had experiences to share. DeMuth pulled from her own life experiences, and Rivers pulled from the Bible. All three also insured vocabulary, expressions, and medical terms aligned with the topic presented.

4. Provide resources for the readers. Include discussion questions for groups, places to find more information, organizations that can help those in need.  Information and organizations need to be easily accessible for anyone in the US or readership domain.

Can I say again, don't shy from these topics? There are a lot of non fiction books covering these issues, but a fiction book gently says, Yes, there are others who have walked in your shoes. You are not alone. Here is what we did. Here is where you can go for help. Someone cares about you.

Has a book you've read dealt with a risky topic? Which topic did it address? 
Do you have a difficult topic to present in the fiction format? 

Once again I am looking for reading partners for another two week challenge. Will you commit with me to read one book in two weeks?

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This blog post is by Mary Vee
Mary lives in Montana with her husband and loves to hear from her three college kids. She writes contemporary Christian fiction and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories.

Come Step into Someone Else's World with Mary's writing

To learn more about Mary, visit her new blog launches 7/1/12
www.maryvee.com
Or her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids:
http://www.mimaryvee.blogspot.com/
Or email her at mimary_vee@yahoo.com

Castle Lessons: Irresistible

Sherrinda and I were watching Castle together on Monday night. Me in Tennessee, she in Texas. The together part was via Twitter.

There is just something about a show about a writer doing his research on a level the rest of us writers could only dream of, coupled with mystery and a bit of romance, that makes it irresistable.

And that's the key, isn't it. A show, or for us novelists, our books, should be irresistable. SO much so that people want to tweet it, talk about it, come back next time (next chapter or next book) for more.

But what is irresistible to one reader could be drab and boring to others. I'm sure there are many that roll their eyes at Castle and turn the channel. (crazy people...)

At least to Sherrinda and I, some of their prime audience members, they have succeeded.

So who do WE write irresistable fiction?

Here's the thing: There is no magic formula!

No one can really predict for sure how well a book will do. That's why you hear stories of famous authors getting a billion and one rejections before some obscure agent takes them on and they go on to make millions when the book goes viral.

Even though no abracadabra exists, here are some elements (Castle-Style) that can help in your quest to put pizazz in your work in progress that will help keep readers glued to your book and giddy at the thought of your next new release.

Tight Tension - Tension is what keeps readers/watchers biting their nails and holding their breath. It's when Castle watches Kate's current boyfriend kiss her, or when a case seems to be spiraling out of control and every lead ends up in a dead end, and time is ticking before the killer strikes again. Gotta have some good tension!


Colossal Conflict - Regardless of you genre, you need a killer main conflict. A mamsy-pansy one will NOT do. I write contemporary romance... which many thing of as having tamer plots, but I still try to up the ante and put a little kick in my main conflict.

Subtle Subplots - Subplots swirl with their own sets of conflict that feed into the main conflict. Done right, they don't create unneeded rabbit trails but actually up the irresistible-factor and create depth. A good example is Castle's mother and daughter issues that are constantly going on. While they aren't vital to the main crime, make Castle realistic and ground him in reality. They help us know his background, his backstory, and make him a deeper character with roots.

Rugged Romance  - Some may disagree with me on this point. And really, it IS a bit of a preference (and in my genre, an obviously requirement.) But I have this saying that goes, "Romance makes every book a little bit better." While romance is a genre in itself, it is also able to be incorporated in all genres, even if it is just a hint. This doesn't have to be a main plot, but a little romantic tension is never a bad thing in a novel!

Murderous Mystery - Another genre of its own, I know. And Castle himself is a mystery writer, and crime shows and novels have an required mystery element. But all books can be enhanced by an element of keeping-your-reader/watcher-guessing. It's a comment complaint I hear among readers, is that they finish the first chapter and know exactly what's going to happen in the book. Keep a few cards in your back-pocket for later.

Discussion: Name an author (or more!) that you think writes irresistable fiction... and why!

I'll start:

The below is a list of my fav authors that I keep an eye out on their next new releases with eager anticipation. (this is not all inclusive... but just a few examples, as I have a LOT of favorite authors!)

• Tamera Leigh (I've teased her that I MIGHT camp out at the bookstore the night before her release day wearing my TAMERA LEIGH FAN CLUB T-shirt--I don't really have one of those but wish I did!)

• Deeanne Gist (Love on the Line is on my short-list to get next!) 

• Jody Hedlund (WRITE FASTER, Jody... this once a year thing is killing me... although you homeschool 5 kids, so I understand...)

• Jenny B Jones (Save the Date was one of my FAVORITE contemp romances of all time!) 

• Francine Rivers (who needs NO introduction!)
  

On Being Mentored-Point of View

The point of view (POV) we chose for our WIP/manuscript can make or break our story's success.

Master writers select a character to tell a compelling story. The chosen one has the most obstacles, the most to lose, the greatest need, and the reason to move forward.

Consider The Three Little Pigs. This short story, told from the pigs' POV, compels readers to side with the pigs and disapprove/fear the wolf. Many children and adults have enjoyed re-readings of this story.

But on March 1, 1996, Lane Smith authored The True Story of the Three Little Pigs from the Wolf's point of view.  This book has earned high reviews and possibly is as well known to children today as The Three Little Pigs. I must admit--I liked this book more.

As I sat down to write this post, I realized The True Story of the Three Little Pigs would not have grabbed my vote had The Three Little Pigs not been written first. So I asked myself, would I have enjoyed the Wolf's POV had I not known the Little Pig's POV?  Probably not.

Let's look at a few works by master writers to examine why he/she chose their character's POV:

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - POV chosen:  Scarlett O'Hara - Civil War romance novel


Does Scarlet really prove to be the best choice for POV? 
Here is the test, (feel free to add your comments at the end of the post)




Reason to Move Forward: Survive affects of the war, find true love
Needs: Romance, wealth, attention, status, security
Losses: home, husbands, child, stability, wealth, 
Obstacles:  ego, Ashley married Melanie, Brett's true love, Civil War


Contenders for POV:
1. Ashley:  NO! His story would be boring, whimpy, whiney
2. Rhett:     No. Life came to easy for him. He had everything he wanted and few if any obstacles
3. Melanie: NO! Melanie's story would be too sweet, gushy, positive
4. Mammy: Perhaps, but her POV would write a different story. I think I'd like to read it.
5. Scarlett: Yes. Only Scarlett could tell this story.

The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy - POV: Belle Tanner
Western historical romance

Here is Belle's test:

Reason to move forward: Move surplus cattle to auction before winter, protect ranch, no more lazy-money grabbing husbands
Needs: true companion, honesty, trust, ranch hand
Losses: ranch, cattle, home, access to way home, daughter, ranch help
Obstacles: handsome lazy-money grabbing men, winter, too many cattle, needed major repairs for home


Contenders for POV:
1. Lindsey (Belle's daughter): No. She did not return home which would have changed the ending. While she had some of the needs, losses, reasons to move forward, she did not have the greatest.
2. Silas: Possible. Most humor material would be lost, his character would tell a gruffer story, may not lasso readers into the story.
3. Belle: Yes. Humor, rugged spirit, gooey heart, independent, in need of help more than she realized.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - POV:  Angel (aka Sarah) A retelling of the Bible book, Hosea

Here is Angel's test:

Reason to Move forward: survival 
Needs:  escape from evil, a reason for hope, commitment, saving, home, security, true love, dependability
Losses: home, parents, respect, freedom, love, choice
Obstacles: money, captors, imprisonment, lack of life skills, anger


Contenders for POV:
1. Duke or Duchess: NO. Both caused serious problems and neither wanted to move away from their negative setting.
2. Michael: possible, but essential beginning story line would be lost, did not have greatest needs/obstacles, would be told from hero's POV
3. Angel: YES. Her story yanks every emotion into play.

Let's also consider a true reporting of this event: 

Consider your answers for David, or for your own POV

David and Goliath by God - POV: David
Historical battle

Here is David's test

Reason to move forward:
Needs:
Losses:
Obstacles:.


Contenders for POV:

What if you chose a different character for your WIP? 

Could this change bring spice, sassy, salt, suspense, page turning interest?

FAV Romance authors!

I LOVE FEBRUARY.


Why?

Well, for one, I have a really GOOD excuse to eat chocolate!

But really, Valentine's Day and my OWN Valentine's birthday month makes me think of love and flowers and romance and hearts.

It's hard not to smile when looking at a pink heart, let's be honest! Especially if that pink heart is filled with chocolate... but I digress!

So, our "theme" for this week and next, to celebrate the wonderful month of February, is romance novels.

I find it nearly impossible to tell you what my favorite romance novels are. Mostly because many of my other alley-cats are posting theirs and there is a TON of duplicates that would be on my list.

What's a cat to do?

Well, I stick out my tongue and post them anyway, of course!

Actually, no. What I do is instead focus on romance AUTHORS that I really like and just happen to name some of their books... It's my way of beating the system, although really, there is no system... Just my weird quirkiness that doesn't want to look stupid repeating things.

Hmmm... I think I might need therapy.

Anywho,

Fav Inspirational Contemporary Romance Authors (NOT all inclusive... and I'm excluding historicals because, well, there are a lot of them and I have a lot of favorites there, so this would be a VERY long post!):

Jenny B. Jones. She's new on my list... on my romance list anyway. Her contemporary romance novel, Save the Date, was OH MY GOODNESS hilarious. My mother even said after she read it that it was the first book she's read that is as good as mine. Okay, not saying this to say that my manuscripts are awesome, but if you can beat out a woman's own daughter, then it's pretty good.


Tamara Leigh. Okay, some might call these more "chick lit" however all her books have boy ending up with girl at the end, so I stick out my tongue at you and call it romance. NA NA NA! Seriously, these are hilarious, and I rarely take more than a day to read one. I just wish she would write faster... still waiting for newest one in her Southern Discomfort series (and Faking Grace is still my ALL TIME FAVORITE Leigh book.)

 Kaye Dacus. Kaye is fun because she has both contemporary AND historical romances out there. Love to get a fun flavor of both. I have a hard time picking a favorite of hers because I love them all, but I probably would still say that Stand-in Groom, her first, is probably my favorite. But urgh... I really liked them all. So yeah, just read them all and you're good:-)




Francine Rivers. Another conteporary and historical writer, and I think her books are probably most all Christian fiction reader's fav list. Scarlett Thread and Atonement child were both great, great books. It's been a while since I've read them... need to remedy that!





 
Lori Wick. Yes, I know she writes mostly historical, and she hasn't written anything new in a long time. But she was the main author who got me reading Christian fiction, so I can't leave her off the list! Sophie's heart was one of my favorite's for a long time though, and sometimes I still go back and read it again. It was sad, fun, and romantic all at the same time. Very much a "sweet" romance. She had some other really good contemporaries as well, but Sophie's heart is the one I could read many times over!

Susan May Warren. Another one where I can't list a favorite if I tried. I love her romances as they have a bit of suspense added as well, and she writes a metaphor like no one else I know! Favorite series would be the Noble Legacy Series, however loved her other ones as well too!





Okay, there are a ton more that I love, but I think this is a pretty good list to start.

So, who are YOUR favorite contemporary romance authors? If you are a historical fanatic and don't read a lot of contemporary, feel free to list those too:-)

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.

Romancing the Blog - The *S* word

Yes.

We are talking about sex on the writer's alley today.

Any questions?

No, no, no, not like technical, high school health question stuff. (You can all say a big *phew* here!)

How about this question: How do we, as Christian writers, deal with sex in our novels?

I think we can all agree that a fictional detailed version of the actual act is a no-no. We can also, I presume, agree on the fact that the condoning of the act outside of marriage is a no-no too.

What we can, and should have, in our novels is this:

Sexual Tension.

For fun, I looked on the oh-so-reliable Wikipedia for a definition. (No, I did not Google it for obvious reasons!)

Here is what I found:

Sexual tension is a social phenomenon that occurs when two people interact and one or both feel sexual desire, but the consummation is postponed or never happens.

It is a common feature of plot and characterization in works of fiction. This longing is often suggested by incidents of intimacy; for instance, when two people or characters are alone, are physically close, but desire is never explicitly expressed.

I LOVE this definition... it even mentions fiction novels! How about that! And for the Christian novel, where our characters, for the most part, are waiting until marriage to "consummate," this type of tension is normal and needed.

Without this tension, there is no romance.

Now, don't get me wrong. Romantic love isn't all about sex. But it is a part of it. And if the tension is absent from your romance novel, readers will be able to tell, and most won't like it very much.

What does sexual tension in a Christian novel look like?

This can vary greatly depending on the author, as well as the author's audience and publisher.

It can be something simple like:

Luke sat in the chair next to Maggie, and when he stretched out his lanky legs under the table, his knee brushed her skirt, making her heart throb at a wild pace. (from Maggie Rose, by Sharlene MacLaren, my current read! Love it so far!)

Sometimes a simple, accidental touch can invoke tension.

Or it can be a little more pronounced like:

He walked faster.


He was a pastor, a man of the clothe, someone whom others looked up to and yet... He wanted to touch her, to fill her eyes with longing.


He walked faster, still.


He wanted her in every way that a man could want a woman. God forgive him.


This time he broke into a full run.

(from A Lady Like Sarah, by Margaret Browley, a book I highly recommend!)

I like this because here is a preacher, someone who should "have it all together" and even he is tempted. And what does he do? He flees temptation. A great lesson to learn! When the going gets hot... leave till you cool down. :-)

It's like chocolate. Wanting it isn't bad. It's having it that creates the problem. (i.e. my waist-line that refuses to recede anymore!)

Or, it can be very obvious like:


Jack's mouth found mine, and we fell against each other. It felt so good to be touching someone. Him. He rubbed his thumb over the button at the nape of my neck, the only button on my dress, but it didn't open. I pulled back his T-shirt from his pants and slid my hands up his back.


"No," He said, and shoved me away. "That's enough."


I slapped him.

(From Home Another Way by Christa Parrish, not an a-typical romance but an intriguing and thought-provoking novel that again, I highly recommend!)

I really liked this for a couple of reasons. First, he is a Christian and she is not. He is also a pastor. (Is this a theme?!?) There is some backstory that makes this even more interesting, but I'll not give that away. Second, he shoved her away like she was a hot potato. And she kinda was. Third, she slapped him. Now THAT is some tension, folks!

How much is too much?

This is a question I cannot answer for you (beyond what I mentioned as no-no's earlier).

Every author is different. Every publisher is different. And the audience for each novel is different. All of these 4 things play a huge part in knowing what is acceptable.

Personally, I use the M factor. My mom. If I'm so embarrassed by a scene that I don't want my mom to read it, then I know I've probably gone a little far. This won't work for everyone, but my mom and I have read Christian romance novels for a long time, and have very similar taste, so this is an instinct I can trust.

You'll also find many people VERY opinionated on the matter. Judges in contests can be opinionated (I've had a LOT of 'this wouldn't fly in the CBA' comments) but ya know what? So can reviewers. Francine River's OH SO popular and time-tested novel, Redeeming Love, has 18 one-star reviews. (It also has over 700 5 stars...) But one of the themes of those 18 low reviews (and probably some of the 2 star ones I didn't read too...) was the amount of sexual description in the novel. One even said, "This is pure, unadulterated porn."

Julie Lessman, another fav author of mine, also has some fun reviews as well. My favorite (from my brief glance through her amazon reviews) was one that said, "I find it hard to believe this was a Christian book," when the review almost directly above it said, "I am sorry I wasted my money on this book. I didn't realize that it was a Christian book. I started skipping over all the Bible verses and all the preachy parts about what God would want. It became just too nauseating, too much!!!"

There are quite a few others I could name, but suffice to say: YOU CAN NOT PLEASE EVERYONE.

The only one you should really worry about pleasing is God.

Discussion: Do you have any self-imposed limits on how to handle sexual tension aspect in your writing? Do you tend to like the sweet romance... or the more edgy? Any examples of authors who do a good job at creating this tension between characters without stepping over the limits?