Into the Fire

It's Wednesday . . . 

I wonder what percentage of fiction readers notice or care about the actual writing or word crafting, character development, realistic dialogue, or how setting is used in the books they read. Do most readers just want a good story to pass the time? Do they judge the novels by a character they like or by the plot? 

Most of the people I relate to as readers are serious about what they read. They want well-written, entertaining stories with meaningful characters and really don't want to settle for less. We each have our favorite authors and preferred genres although some will read almost any genre if you can promise them the previously mentioned qualifications. 

Here's my latest dilemma as a reader: my favorite Christian authors are currently not producing books for whatever reason. So, as those of you know who read my reviews, I've been reading series novels from the general market. And while I've loved the stories and the writing from these wonderful secular writers, there is still that nagging emptiness from the lack of a faith factor. Plus, although my favorites don't use a lot of profanity, it's still present and expected but I also must note it does suit the character(s) and/or the circumstance(s) when it's used. These are worldly characters who've seen and done hardcore things in their careers as operatives/special forces. Most of them have relied upon their years of accumulated training, skills, and fortitude to survive life or death situations to live to tell about them – which of course they don't "tell about them". 

Feel free to add your random thoughts today . . . 

Father, reading and writing are major enjoyment and entertainment. I'm grateful for it all. Please help me to be the one you designed me to be and to do as you ask. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

One of the best covers I've ever heard. Fabulous job of this Chicago song. Really good. At least equal to the original. 

Father, once again your beauty is expressed in music. Thank you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tempest by Mark Dawson is Book 5 in the A Beatrix Rose Novel Series, but it is the second prequel before the final three novels in the series. 

A CIA longtime hit man, assassin, "fixer", "cleaner" (Navarro), whatever title you want to give him, is after Beatrix Rose when she becomes the sole guard for a former soldier (Danny Nakamura), who became a deserter, in Viet Nam who has incriminating evidence against his boss (Lincoln), both of them having served with Danny. He's turned up on their radar in Hong Kong and Navarro's been sent to make sure he never has an opportunity to reveal what he knows about Lincoln which would also make Navarro complicit. When Beatrix is successful in eluding them in Hong Kong thanks to the leader of the Triads (Michael), who both Danny and Beatrix worked for at one time, she and Danny head for Cuba after they make amends with Michael. Because of Danny's and Michael's once strong friendship, Michael arranges to get them out of Hong Kong and sets them up with lodging, "supplies", and a "friend" who will provide them with whatever they need to avoid Navarro and his team's pursuit. 

Danny's only wish is to meet his American daughter, a school teacher, he didn't know he had from his wife who divorced him while he served, before what he perceives as his weakening mind makes it impossible. Since Beatrix understands the pain of not being able to see and know a daughter – hers having been stolen from her by her former boss in Group 15 – she decides to help Danny by arranging for the exposure of Lincoln to a CIA guy (Logan) who's been trying to bring him down. However, Beatrix is too smart to trust anyone – especially in the CIA – and is ultra-cautious to avoid getting Danny or his daughter caught. 

It's arranged to transport his daughter to Havanna, and Danny can't wait to meet her. But as things do, chaos and danger descend upon the situation, and Beatrix's instincts take over. With the help from Michael's provider she arranges to take care of what she promised to Danny in spite of the personal danger. All she wants in return from Michael is information as to where her daughter (Isabella) is. 

Tempest (Navarro's name for the op) is a typical Mark Dawson thriller. He takes his time to give the reader various sides to the story, including the down and dirty, and detailed depictions of locales, before he launches into the thriller aspects of high, intense action. And with all the Beatrix Rose stories, the deep and dark sorrow in the heroine's heart is evident from start to finish. 

I truly enjoy Mark's writing and his innovative stories and do recommend each series I've read.

Profanity present.

Father, thank you for the gifts you give to writers. Every good and perfect gift comes down from you. Please continue to bless Mark with the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. 

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)  

The end of Chapter One from Sweet Release:

      “Hey, CM! Your boyfriend’s here,” Char whispered excitedly. “Listen, if you ever dump him, let me know, alright? Talk about drop dead gorgeous!” 

     “Matt’s here?” CM asked in surprise, standing in her cubicle.

     Char gestured secretively with her hand concealed by her body to a spot behind her across the room.

     When she looked around Char, Matt caught her eye and put up his hand in a short wave. CM smiled nervously. What’s he doing here?

     “Hi, Matt. What’s up?” 

     “Do you have a minute? I brought you a mocha,” he said, lifting the coffee.

     “Uh, sure. Thanks,” she replied. “I think the interview room is open. C’mon.”

     She led the way to a small room with a round table and four maple captain’s chairs.  He sat at the table and she joined him. 

     “Normally I wouldn’t bother you at work. I’m sorry for that, but I don’t have a lot of time.”

     “That’s okay. What’s going on?” With concern, sipping the mocha, she noticed how uncharacteristically serious he was. “Is something wrong?”

     “Well, no—and yes, in a way. Look, CM, I’m leaving for California. This afternoon. I got a job offer that, well, it’s an incredible offer.” He looked down briefly, then continued. “To be honest with you, my first inclination was to ask you to go with me,” he said, looking directly into her subdued blue eyes. “But I knew it wouldn’t fly with you. And because of that fact, I decided to take the transfer and head back home. The main reason I’m here, CM, is to tell you I’ve been falling in love with you, but I know you don’t feel the same. It’s been fairly difficult these past couple months to carry on the way it’s always been with us, so I figured I’d just leave you alone and maybe you can find someone who floats your boat or whatever. Or maybe you won’t have to be encumbered with a ‘relationship’ at all. Anyway, I figured I’d just head out and spend a week with my folks and then get started on my new job.”

     CM hated the tears flooding her eyes. There seemed to be a plug in her throat, and she knew if she dared to pull it a dam of emotion would leave her in an ocean of weeping. So she simply nodded.

Father, every story begins with you. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Seeing . . . is featured at a good price on Amazon this week for the print copy. 

Some Amazon review quotes: 

"Seeing… is a well written novel with emotional and spiritual depth that goes beyond mere sentiment when it comes to 'second chances.'”

"This story, set in Washington state, has it all: the supernatural, the romance, the sexual angst, the tension, and frustration that we all experience in our journey called life."

"The main character Micah is a widower, and the portrayal of his response to losing his wife is so beautifully written."

"From the moment I began reading Seeing… I found myself relating to the main character. Recently, I experienced a deep loss and struggled with similar emotions."

"I cried, laughed, and was captivated, not only by the storyline but with Nicole's ability to portray the character of Jesus Christ."

"The romance, the patience, the unselfish love and restraint of the main character is wonderfully written."

Thank you, Lord for all of those who love my work that celebrates who are you in all kinds of lives and ways. Discovering who you are is the greatest gift on earth. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Castles on rocks by the sea . . . whimsical. 

Father, thank you for sharing your artistry with humankind and leaving us with beauty even after the Fall. We need it, Lord. We're desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

One of the great tunes from Chicago. One of my favorites of theirs back in the day and still . . . 

Father, thank you for great lyrics and beautiful tunes. You're the Creator. May each one know from where their talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

As you might have noticed, I've been discussing romance a lot lately. I've been considering why and/or how authors choose their niches/genres. I can honestly say my area of writing chose me.

I knew as soon as I committed to writing my first novel what the focus would be in terms of communicating a certain objective. Some might suggest it is the "message" or the less complimentary term the "agenda". Either way or other ways my novels always contrast the worldview of love, romance, sex to God's view of the same. In my books you will see the world portrayed as it is. Christians will be seen in all their struggles, their hypocrisies if the story leans that way, and/or their failings, successes, commitments, desires, etc. 

So why "romance"? Romance means so many different things to people. I did a blog post several years ago contrasting the way men see/understand romance to the way women often do. Of course not all men and all women interpret it in conflicting extremes, but I would venture to say even at the most basic and compatible levels, a difference exists between them.

You've often heard me separate my novels from being addressed as "romance novels" instead calling them "love stories". Many readers wouldn't make that distinction. I only make it because in the "biz" a romance novel follows a formula which basically consists of girl meets boy, girl and boy fall for each other, some stupid communication or conflict interrupts, interferes, or instigates more conflict and there is great trouble, sadness, anger, and total misunderstanding or . . . you get my drift. 

It's a well known fact that romance novels outsell most other fiction of course among women. So why is that? Of all the women I know, I know two who specifically prefer other genres and one of them is author Brenda S. Anderson who writes Women's Fiction. The other gal is a longtime friend. 

And why do I primarily read espionage, mystery, suspense, thrillers? But I write love stories heavy on the romance. 

These are my musings this Monday in July. Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions . . . 

Father, I thank you for each story. I believe true romance comes from you. The rest that the world offers is just chaff or worse. May I always honor you with my writing. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   

See how the evildoers lie fallen —

    thrown down, not able to rise! 

Psalm 36:12 (NIV)