Into the Fire

I have wondered why: when I read primarily mysteries, thrillers, police procedurals, and suspense, why is it I write love stories and romance? It's not that I don't read romance or love stories or romantic suspense. It's that I rarely read one that just grabs me and sticks with me. Therefore, they don't occupy much of my time. 

I can tell you Francine Rivers' The Masterpiece grabbed me and didn't let go. And I truly enjoyed My Stubborn Heart (and others) by Becky Wade. And I loved Kristen Heitzmann's Secrets and Unforgotten. I believe those two were the first two novels I ever reread. And others of Kristen's were amazing. And I loved the understated romance that developed between Raleigh Harmon and Jack in Sibella Giorello's Raleigh Harmon books. 

I can say I admire those authors who write compelling mysteries, etc. My lone effort at a mystery/police procedural was the most difficult to write of all my novels. It took me several starts and stops over a long period of time to finish it. I had a wonderful source for my investigative parts who encouraged me along the way, but I was so afraid of making a stupid, extremely noticeable mistake that I'd freeze up and stop writing. 

But, I can do romance and love. I can do those stories. It's how I'm wired. And when I can't get what I need from most of the romances in the Christian Fiction market today, I can write a story that I think will capture some hearts – of course not everyone who loves romance will love my stories. But that's okay. I love my stories because they're authentic. "Raw Romantic Redemptive" encapsulates the simple truth of what they are. 

So there you have it. Thursday's thoughts . . . 

Father, again and again, I emphasize: apart from you, I can do nothing. Not one single thing. Thank you for all the stories you've given to me. May I always honor you with my writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.