Into the Fire

So. Back to writing romance. As a Christian author whose foremost concern is to be truthful/authentic/real in order to portray life circumstances and temptations in an acceptable way to honor the Author of Life, I ask this (a familiar expression to some): If not us, who? 

Those who've read this blog know how serious I am about writing real. It's why in the genre I write I only read a few authors. In Friday's brief interview with one of my favorites Becky Wade, she answered honestly when I asked her if it's ever a test when writing to please her publisher. 

If we as Christians cannot tackle the real temptations faced with the attraction and development of romance that leads to love, it seems to me we're leaving a significant part of our reality out of the story, out of our God-designed reality.

You might have noticed I have a genuine dislike for the term attached to Christian romance when the label reads "clean". In my opinion – which has little bearing on anything in Christian publishing – it should read "sanitized". Romance and physical attraction are not "dirty" except when the world uses them as excuses to get graphic. Men are generally attracted by visuals. Women are generally attracted with admiration for certain characteristics that contribute to their emotional reactions. That's human. It isn't dirty unless it sinks into the worldly versions with little respect for the opposite sex and what they'd like to do with them. 

If Christian authors can't portray the struggles that result in a romance leading to love, then who can accurately present what God will do to give the grace and order to the sometimes chaos of those powerful reactions and emotions? 

Asking for a friend . . . just kidding.

Father, you know it all. You created the beautiful process, the loving result. You did. Not mankind. Please help me to show who we are in the midst of romance and love and where you need to be in our lives and love. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

We're all aware of the inflationary costs of living. And those of us who read a lot know that the publishing industry hasn't been spared from rising costs. Having said that, I'm near to getting my latest novel on the market so the pricing decisions have been difficult. 

The silver lining in the purchasing of the soft cover version is the cost will be reasonable if purchased directly from my publisher. I say "reasonable" because it's not an 80-thousand-word novel. It's considerably longer, and more pages/printing mean more cost to me and consequently to the consumer. I think I can safely say that the majority of the reading public are watching where their dollars and cents are spent – which makes the timing for this book somewhat unfortunate. 

I will say this: I love this story. Writing it brought hours of joy and a deep attachment to the hero and heroine. There's just something, dare I say, "special" about this one for me. I can only hope that it will attract readers willing to take a chance on this love story. 

A tiny hint: He's a recluse. She's seeking refuge.  

Father, thank you for this story, for the unique inspiration that started it all, for the fabulous cover (front and back) that resulted from our photo shoot, for the hard work done by all involved to make it happen. Apart from you, we can do nothing. You make it all work. No way I can thank you enough, but you know how deeply grateful I am for every word, every character, every aspect of its creation – only You can make it happen. Please let this one be "special". In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

This is our kitchen. After we moved into our home in 2016, we were able to have the kitchen redone. I got to pick out the flooring, the cabinets, the countertops, the redo of the island, and the color of the walls which our son painted (former journeyman painter). And, yes, that loveseat is retro – it belonged to my parents. This is right after it was finished. Kudos to Wheeler Painting for their stellar work at every level of the project. The kitchen is large and has received many compliments. We love it. Fun to share it with you. 

Father, you've given us so much. We are daily amazed at your benevolence and grateful beyond our abilities to express it. Even if we could, it wouldn't be enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

This is a subtle Christian song back in the day. And well done by this duo, one of their many good tunes. 

Father, the message has been there since the beginning of time. Thank you for making a way to restore us. Please, Lord, keep us faithful as we travel this life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Turn to Me by Becky Wade is the final story in A Misty River Romance Series. 

Luke Dempsey made a promise to a dying man in prison, the one friend he had while he served his 7-year sentence for car crimes. When Luke's released, he dreads making good on that promise, but he's a man of his word even if he figures his word isn't worth much to anyone – nor should it be in his opinion. As the date approaches one month after his release from prison, he finds Finley Sutherland's animal rescue with the stupid name and reports for work not expecting Finley to look like she does in two specific ways: first, she's beautiful and second, she dresses like a hippie. 

Luke's personal history is the albatross he wears like a shield from feeling anything of value about himself and uses his horrid guilt to assuage most contact and conversation, denying himself old friendships and relationships of any kind. The last thing he wants to do is work in this shelter since animals have never been his thing. But that promise he made to protect the dying man's daughter as she takes part in their traditional birthday treasure hunt struck him as an obstacle to be overcome quickly so he could reach his goal of moving to Montana to build the house he'd designed in his mind for the past seven years while his significant IT skills provided a good job and an income. But, no, he's stuck building a new website for Finley's rescue business and assisting her in a silly treasure hunt. 

There are some hilarious moments in Turn to Me knotted together with some that can elicit tears. One of the funny ones is when Finley keeps to her rules for new employees fostering a dog. When Luke staunchly refuses to take home a crazy-looking puppy named Agatha, Finley insists it's "policy". The weekend that ensues is laugh out loud funny later accompanied by the business's faithful employee Trish using her voice to sing Christmas carols to calm the raucous puppy. When Luke threatens to turn Agatha loose on the freeway before Finley can find a "forever family" to adopt her, he's only partially grateful when that family takes her home – but he doesn't plan on revealing that to anyone – especially himself. 

You want good romance? Here are a few great lines from the story.

     Chase [Finley's former fiancé who was killed in a car accident] had taken part in peace demonstrations.

     Luke could probably kill someone with his bare hands.

     Surely this . . . consciousness of him . . . was a passing whim. He had the appeal of a destination like Morocco. You'd see pictures of Morocco, and it was so different from anywhere you'd ever been or planned to go that you'd feel a tug of fascination. But then reality would set in and you'd realize, no, no. 

And later in the story: 

     ". . . And you'll only have Agatha to yourself in the evenings. Others will take over when you're here."

     "Fine." He moved to the door, eager to be free of the closeness of the small office and the scent of her perfume. That scent made him think of spending the day in bed with her, surrounded by twisted sheets that smelled like an orange grove in spring. 

Needless to say, the treasure hunt proves challenging and dangerous. When that danger hits hard, Luke comes face-to-face with the fact God will use whatever He must to get those He loves back to Him. 

This is a love story with multiple layers both human and spiritual, a romance with vivid writing and lovely imagery, a story that will fill you up with the facets of redemption often overlooked. Might be my favorite next to My Stubborn Heart. Highly recommend Turn to Me. 

Father, you know exactly what Becky needs and when she needs it most. I pray you would provide it in ways she will recognize as your special gifts to her. Bless her in every way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

"There is no peace," says the Lord, "for the wicked." 

Isaiah: 48:22 (NIV) 

Mother's Day ended for me the day the Lord took you home. I love you so much, Mom. You were the best. Miss you. 

Please, Lord, give her a hug and a kiss for me. 

Her children arise and call her blessed;

   her husband also, and he praises her.  

Proverbs 31:28 (NIV) 

This is the pretty lady who writes outstanding romance novels. For me to say that is a big deal. Go here to learn all about Becky Wade and the books she's written. I was hooked by the perfect way she captured the layers of romance in My Stubborn Heart. From that point on, I've been a fan. There are some great stories built around the romantic notions of her characters, and just because there's real romance doesn't mean these novels are full of fluff. On the contrary, there are interesting plots with some unique peripheral characters and very good writing with a sprinkling of humor. You cannot miss by picking up a Becky Wade novel.  

Here we go:

1. As you've known ever since My Stubborn Heart debuted, you've been one of the very few romance authors that I read. As a Christian who writes romance novels, do you ever find there's a fine line between being authentic/real and satisfying publishing demands?  

First, thanks so much for reading my books! I appreciate you.

Women will often tell me, "Your novel felt so real!" which is one of the best compliments I can receive. I really do strive to keep the books authentic. My characters have both strengths and weaknesses and often they've made mistakes in the past (or make them during the course of the story). I have zero interest in writing books about perfect people. If I did, I'd leave God no room to display his incredible grace and love.

All that to say, authenticity is a must for me. And, yes, there's a fine line between pursuing authenticity and making sure the books are appropriate in the eyes of my Christian publisher. I want the characters to fall in love with each other for the right reasons — and not because of physical attraction. But when you're falling in love with someone for the right reasons, you're going to experience physical attraction, too. That's a wonderful part of it all. My editors will often tell me when I've emphasized the physical too much, and I'll pull it back. It's a balancing act for sure! 

2. Please give your readers a tease about the final protagonist Luke Dempsey in Book 3 of A Misty River Romance Series: Turn to Me.

Early in the book, my heroine Finley thinks, "Luke Dempsey was a tragic and thorny case. Many would say he was a lost cause. Thing was, she had a soft spot for lost causes." 

Luke is an ex-con who's taken several wrong turns and carried guilt almost all his life. One reader called him, "a gruff bad boy with a heart of gold".  Another said he was, "fantastically grumpy". I loved writing Luke's story because I can't help but cheer for a wounded hero struggling for redemption.

3. Do you prefer writing your male or female characters?

That's a close call! It's easier to write the heroine's point of view because I can put myself in her shoes without difficulty. As a female author, writing the guy's point of view is challenging because I want to make sure he thinks, speaks, and acts like a guy! But, of the two, I do slightly prefer writing the male point of view because most of the romantic power of the story can be found in his head and heart.

4. When did you know you wanted to write romance novels? Have the indicators toward romance and writing been there even as a child?  

I knew I wanted to write romance novels soon after beginning my first manuscript, back when I was a newlywed in my early twenties. Right from the start, I recognized that romance was the perfect fit for me. 

I didn't do much creative writing as a child, but the indicators were there! I read a lot. I had a big imagination and would often create games of make-believe for my sisters and friends. We frequently put on homemade plays which I wrote/directed. In those plays, there was always a prince, a princess, and a happy ending.

5. How do you deal with and assess the occasional negative reviews your books have received? Do they affect your approach to writing romance?

Leading up to the publication of my debut Christian romance, My Stubborn Heart, everything was rosy. I was proud of that book! Among other things, I viewed it as very clean with a strong faith message. When it first came out in May of 2012, a small but vocal group of readers gave me push-back about a handful of words I'd used, which took me completely off-guard.

Prior to that, I'd toughened my hide through years of seeking publication, receiving tough critiques, and tougher rejections. But that discouraging circumstance toughened my hide further.

The truth is that I don't assess or read any of the reviews I receive. Not the negative and not the positive. I've found it's best for me to focus on doing what I can do — writing a book the way I love it to the glory of God. Once I do my best at that, it leaves my hands. At that point, readers will have their own experience with it, and I can't control how they respond.

Those initial reviews about My Stubborn Heart did slightly affect my approach to writing romance, in that I no longer use words that I think might ruffle someone's feathers. Turns out, that doesn't bother me. There are many, many words in the dictionary. I can always find a different or creative way of saying something that's just as powerful.

Father, you know everything about Becky, and you've gifted her with a talent she uses to glorify you. I ask that you continue to fill her up with meaningful stories that bless not only her readers but also the heart of who she is, who you've created her to be. Encourage her as only you can do and continue to refresh her with your Spirit. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

This is Becky Wade's newest novel that debuted this week. Turn to Me is the final book in A Misty River Romance Series about the guilt-ridden bad boy Luke Dempsey, fresh out of serving a 7-year sentence for car related crimes. I'll review it here Monday.  

Yes, Becky Wade agreed to a short interview which I will post tomorrow. Today I want to talk about "keeping it real" when it comes to romance. I often wonder when I read some disparaging reviews of some Christian romance novels if those women ever enjoyed kissing their boyfriends or husbands. Yes, I do wonder that. Or if they ever loved seeing them with their shirts off or appreciated their structures. Because by the sound of their critiques of some of my favorite Christian romance authors' work, you'd think these reviewers never once appreciated a man for who he is as a man. 

Becky Wade writes some of the most authentic and real romance novels you will ever have the pleasure to read. Her characters capture all levels of attraction, some with unique and quirky personalities, including her male characters at times suitably befuddled by the women who have gained their complete attention. Romance requires acknowledging the thrill of attraction, that it's emotional, physical, and sensual. It never requires sexual graphics to capture the authenticity of it all. 

We'll conclude this week's focus on romance novels tomorrow with one of the best in this genre.

Father, thank you for the romance in life and of life, for the beauty of male and female, for your grand creation. Love is amazing when you direct its steps. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

I've easily read many more novels than the number of books pictured here as have many of you. You might be surprised to know that the majority of those novels I've read have been thrillers, mysteries, and suspense, while the fewest of them have been romances. Granted, a few of those previous genres contained a romantic thread, but most of them – and really the best of them – made certain that thread was not the focal point of the story.

"So what?" you ask. Well, since I write love stories heavy on the romance, one might assume my primary reading would consist of romance novels. And it very well might if it weren't for the fact that there are very few authors I respect in that genre both in Christian fiction and in the general market. 

Here's why: I find two separate problems exist in the Christian and general market romantic fiction. Primarily: it's authenticity. That singular factor, when it's prevalent in romance, makes a story stand out. In the general market (secular) "authenticity" is consumed with graphic sexual encounters which are depicted to portray romance. Mostly it gives seamy descriptions of indulging sexual lust. In Christian fiction, the romance authors or their publishing houses often brag about presenting "clean" stories that tend to dance around attraction without really dealing with it. And the label implies that sexual attraction is somehow the opposite of clean which makes it "dirty". 

I have three primary authors who I will read whenever they release a new romance novel. Two of those write in other genres too, but when they choose to write a romance novel, I'm all over it. One of those authors writes solely in the romance genre and she gets it. I can count on authentic romance in her stories, and we'll read a few of her thoughts on Friday. 

Father, I pray your divine blessings over the authors you've appointed to write romance. It's a beautiful thing, and that we can honor it with our words is both a thrill and an enormous blessing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.