Into the Fire

Authors take risks all the time. As I pointed out here, every story's been told many times over. Making characters unique, likable, credible – whether good or evil – and consistent throughout the story until something profoundly changes them – and even the outcome of the change has to be believable with that character- in all of these instances, the author takes a risk. Will readers like the character(s)? Will the character perform to the readers' expectations? Will the hero be too perfect? Will the heroine be too whiny? Will the bad guys be too stereotypical (how can they not)? 

Having said all that, I confess to taking a major risk in my new novel. My hero in this story is not perfect, but he's close. 

The blurb:

                         He's a recluse. She's seeking refuge.  

He's eliminated almost everyone from his life except his friends from his military career cut short by injury and his family's occasional visits. He's converted a 3-bay garage into his self-contained unit where he mostly lives and conducts his cyber forensics businesses. He rarely uses his three bedroom home attached to this garage except for occasionally indulging his skills in the kitchen and enjoying a fire in his huge fireplace. Other than those things, he spends his time alone. Until one early morning hour his monitor above his terminals beeps and exposes someone from his camera on the porch pounding on his screen door.  

I'm willing to make this hero . . . a real hero. I'm taking that risk. 

Father, thank you for all the inspiration. Apart from you, I can do nothing. I got nothing. I am nothing. Always desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Many years ago one of several self-portraits: Nicole by Nicole. What can I say? This was me back then. 

Father, only you know hearts and minds. You waited until mine was ready for you. Thank you for rescuing me from myself. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, thank you for sustaining me in spite of me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

This is a 1967 Mustang. Can't tell if it's "champagne" colored, but one of my close friends in high school was given this lovely gift as a graduation present from her parents. We spent many hours driving around in her 3 – speed Mustang. So much fun.

This is a 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser. It's significant because it's one of the two vehicles owned by my protagonist in my upcoming novel. His is covered in grey primer. 

This is a 2004 Cobra Terminator which is the "other" vehicle owned by my protagonist in the almost finished new novel. 

Fabulous vehicles, don't you think? 

Father, thank you for exquisite designs, magnificent inventions, and the beauty of cars. You're an amazing creator who gives ideas and inspirations to those you create. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

My longtime friend who I've never met in person. This guy writes, records, sings, and takes great pictures. Good job, Dayle! 

Father, please bless Dayle in your abundance. Continue to strengthen him in every way and allow his dreams to be fulfilled as he delights in you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Many readers and authors know the most purchased stories in the novel world are in the romance genre. Literally millions of romance novels have been penned and read throughout the history of writing fiction.

As many readers and writers of romance novels as there are, it follows to add that every story has been written. So the question that must be asked is how can the romance genre continue to succeed as the leader in fiction? Those die-hard romance readers must know every possible plot from the "meant-to-be together" couples to the "star-crossed lovers" tales and every other kind of romance in between. Wouldn't that eventually cause a sweeping case of boredom and potentially be enough to knock the genre down a peg or two? 

Apparently not. While other genres are truly successful, none can compare to the market share of the romance genre. 

Understand I'm not complaining or even in awe of the statistics since I write romance and/or love stories. And though I write them, you might find I'm an anomaly among romance writers because I read fewer romance novels than other genres. I have specific authors I read for romance, and I can assure you it's a small number. The reason for that being that most of the inspirational/ Christian fiction authors tend to describe their romances as "clean and . . ." fill in the blank. This was no doubt prompted by the explicitness or graphic descriptions of sexual encounters in the general market's versions of "romance".

You will never find graphic sexual scenes in my novels, but you will read of temptations to both hero and heroine and peripheral characters. You will find the gospel within the pages of my stories, people who walk the talk and people who shun the faith. Because that is our world. Regarding the romance: it's authentic, it's real, and at times it's raw. I remind you every story's been told so what we as romance/love story authors must do is make our characters compelling, the scenes truthful, the results not only plausible but desirable and genuine. Knowing that so many have done it well and yet many do fail, it's a challenge to take on writing a romance novel. One thing you can't ignore when writing the story is it must come from the heart. 

As Solomon once said, "There's nothing new under the sun." And it still applies to romance novels and probably every other story ever written. 

Father, apart from you, I can do nothing. That's the simple but powerful truth. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

Romans 12:9 (NIV) 

Favorite things:

Favorite holiday

Name your 3 favorite meals

Five of your favorite places to visit

Do you have an actual favorite song?

What are your 3 favorite gifts you've received in your life? 

Father, you've given us so many favorite things. Your benevolence is astounding. You are the giver of good and perfect gifts. And apart from you, we can do nothing. We're all desperate for you whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Taken by my good friend many years ago in our room in Rome, Italy. Just one of many "photo shoots" we played with on our nearly three month jaunt to Europe and Great Britain. So much fun for two young women. Trip of a lifetime for me.

Father, you protected me then when I didn't yet know you, and you're still protecting me to this day now that I treasure you, my Savior. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

                          The physical beauty of Thailand. 

Father, you left us with such beauty in diverse places. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

A potent song by one of my old favorite bands. Love it. Their songs always had wonderful, interesting lyrics, and great voices. 

Here's a link to the history behind this song:

I Need You by America – Songfacts 

Father, you seek to save those who are lost. May each one know you, your profound love, and enormous grace. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.