Into the Fire

Sometimes those moments that give life an extra special meaning, those moments where affirmation touches the soul, those moments that make you feel like you just might have made an infinitesimally small mark in this life but still a mark, take hold and bless you with an indescribable rush and the accompanying tears of gratitude. 

With that description you might think it was a huge encounter, something grand and spectacular. To me, it felt like it. To you? Probably hard to understand such grandeur in the account of my "moment". 

So it was two-part, maybe even three. A lady I know from an aerobics class just finished my solo mystery Race. She couldn't wait to tell me about how she enjoyed it – loved certain characters, missed the killer, how it was written so well blending everything together. That was the scintillating part – one. Part two came when I read the final part of the last chapter of Breath of Life. What happens when you can still feel the pull of the stark emotions expressed, the pain of the characters, and the joy of the last three words one character speaks to give you resolution? Priceless. And then I turned over my copy of the book and read my old friend who I haven't seen or talked to for years, exquisite writer and author, J. Mark Bertrand's endorsement on the back cover. Brought me to tears. (As you know I'm always good for tears.) 

That, my friend, is having a divine moment or three. And I know who to thank for it.

Father, sometimes it's hard to express the deep gratitude I feel for the things you do for me. I don't deserve even one of them and yet you've made it so. Just know I know: thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

New to me: Music Travel Love (the two guys) with this Randy Travis cover. Hope you like it. 

Father, thank you for your musicians, songs, singers. All part of the beauty you left for us. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

So. I've been pondering lately as to why I've been reading so many secular/general market novels. Outside of Vince Flynn's thrillers, I didn't read much outside of Christian fiction. In fact, if you go back far enough in this blog, you'll find a post about why I read Christian fiction exclusively. And the reasons I gave then still apply now except that I've read more general market novels in the last two years than I have since forever – or thereabouts. 

Anyway, here's the reason for my reading choices of late. I cannot find many thrillers in Christian fiction. I can find those novels that marketing gurus have hyped as thrillers but rarely are. The two best Christian novels I've read in the last two years are The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers and Chasing Angels by Karin Kaufman. That's not to say I haven't read some good cozy mysteries, but as good as they are, they're not really my thing. There are other Christian authors whose books I always read, but some of my favorites haven't produced a novel for a considerable amount of time.

When I begin a general market novel, if it descends rather quickly into explicit sex scenes, I'm done. Waste of time/money. I don't like the cussing/swearing which if prevalent instead of occasional, and the story hasn't grabbed me, I'm done. Same waste of time/money. And there have been those novels without a doubt. Regrettably. However, there has been no shortage of good thrillers from Mark Dawson's John Milton Series and two thoroughly intriguing mysteries from his Atticus Priest Series. J. B. Turner's Jon Reznick Series has provided excellent thrillers. Brad Thor's Scot Harvath Series is another multi-book jackpot for thriller readers, Harvath being a little harder and courser emotionally than Rapp. Yes, they all contain profanity, some stories more than others. Maybe two of all their multi-books combined veer into a somewhat explicit sexual encounter which can easily be skipped over. 

The main thing that's disappointing about general market material is the inherent outlook of the main characters. Most, if not all, have no faith in anything or anyone but themselves. In the thriller genre this is mostly because the hero has had to rely on his unique skills throughout his career, usually has a clear definition in his pysche of good v. evil and has no qualms about eliminating evil – particularly Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp which is what, in my opinion, sets him apart from most thriller heroes. He has a moral code and he's not anti-God. 

So that's what I've been pondering lately . . . 

Father, help me to do as you ask, direct, and show me to do. Nothing is as important to me. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Please, help me to be all you designed me to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

When we were overwhelmed by sins,

   you atoned for our transgressions.

Psalm 65:3 (NIV) 

Those who know me acknowledge that I can cry at just about anything – even when trying not to do so. Passionate, emotional, sensitive (make that over-sensitive) with a cyber hard finish and an extremely tender heart. That's who God created me to be – without all the stupid mistakes, sinful decisions, etcetera. It is who I am. 

Having said that, I will confess that it can hurt at times when my novels don't sell, don't generate a buzz or recommendation, or that my writing isn't mentioned as commendable, and all that other affirming "stuff" we authors love to hear, read, or notice discussed. Now, I'd like to make exceptions to that previous statement because of the efforts of the following authors who I personally respect, admire, and celebrate for their choice of genres and how they write them. These are good authors and good writers and I highly recommend them. Brenda S. Anderson, Barbara Ellen Brink, Karin Kaufman, Sibella Giorello, and Robert Liparulo all have commended, recommended, and/or endorsed me for my work. I am beyond grateful to them. They've personally responded to my reviews of their novels – and reviewing their stories is always a huge privilege and pleasure.  

I confess when I see a low but meaningful number of reviews on Amazon for my books (and a few reports from those who've tried but were not "allowed" to post one for whatever befuddling reason[s]) – the exception being the solo 1-star review received – and knowing that more than those have spoken to me privately extolling my story/stories, it's not easy. I detest having to ask people who just want to read a book to please review it on Amazon. It just doesn't feel "right" for me, but you all know I've done it. 

So. Friday is come clean day about those things that can bother me as an author. It is what it is. Confession muted.

Father, you know them all. You know me better than I know myself. You created me for your service. May I continue to seek what you ask of me. I can never do enough to thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

This goes back a ways. The story itself takes place "Sometime in the 80's". This is a huge novel, my first, a saga. It takes a comprehensive look at the sport of horse racing and the multiple types of people who comprise that world at a middle echelon racetrack. Fashioned after the now defunct and beautiful "Longacres", Hope of Glory captures the many sides and peoples of the sport. 

It took me 8 and 1/2 years to write it after submitting any creative abilities I had to the Lord. Although it's certainly imperfect, I wrote the story the Lord wanted me to tell. And, yes, if written today, it would be shorter. 

If anyone who reads this post would like a copy of this book, email me and I'll make sure you get one.

Father, you told me in no uncertain terms what kind of novel you wanted me to write. It took me a long time, but I did it. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to write stories. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Let It Be Me by Becky Wade continues A Misty River Romance series. 

Pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Sebastian Grant is inadvertently run off the road after swerving to avoid a car crossing into his lane. When a passer-by stops her car to venture down the ditch where he sits unconscious still strapped in his seat, her gentle voice makes him wonder if he's died and she's an angel talking to him. Finally her words begin to register as he gains consciousness, but before he can come around enough to get her name, she's gone and he's on his way to the hospital in an ambulance.

She made such an impact on him that the memory of her consumes his spare time, and he even tells his best friend, teacher Ben about the mysterious encounter with the woman who'd been there after his crash. 

At a high school fundraiser event Sebastian has agreed to help at Ben's booth. As he's approaching the location, he hears the voice of the woman who helped him after his accident and surveys the immediate area to find her. When he does, he introduces himself and as they're talking, Ben approaches. When the two friends realize that high school teacher and math prodigy Leah is Ben's longtime pursuit and Sebastian's dream girl, things change for all of them. 

Leah who has sworn herself to singleness and no romance is startled by the attraction Sebastian creates in her. In her mind continuing to raise her brother Dylan, who is now a teenager, is her only devotion and once he's in college, she'll pursue her lifelong dream of a PHD. She's determined not to allow Sebastian that place in her life, but when she makes the shocking discovery that her DNA sample is no match to her mother or her distant father, she needs his expertise and medical influence to search for what happened the day she was born. He's quick to assist and his professional clout helps her take the first step in discovering who she really is. 

Sebastian is the orphaned kid who made it big after a painful, rocky youth. Brought into Ben's family and treated as another son, he feels he owes that family everything, but their love, guidance, and support have no strings attached. Ben and Sebastian have to make difficult changes in their relationship due to Leah who wants no serious relationship but finally can't deny she is drawn to Sebastian.

It's clear Becky did her homework in this one. From ancestries/DNA to pediatric surgery to far-out math, she clearly prepared herself for this story. Sebastian is the stand-out, Ben is the "good guy", and Leah is one of those genius types who struggles with the "norms" in emotional attachments outside of her love for her brother. 

Heartbreak, confusion, broken promises, forgiveness, even vengeance consume the multiple characters in Let It Be Me. Love weaves its way throughout, and God has the final say.

Father, please continue to bless Becky's wide-appeal stories, and provide all that she needs to write them. Keep her filled with your abundance and guard and protect her from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Those who know me know I am NOT a country music fan. Not at all. But this is absolutely my favorite Dolly Parton song – not that I know many of them – maybe three of them? But I love this one. Always have. Reminds me of the guy I married. ;) 

Father, you bless your creation with gifts and talents. You're no respecter of persons. You love us all. Amazing love. May each one know from whom their talent/gifts originate. Thank you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

It seems I'm perpetually giving "disclaimers" concerning my novels to new readers. I tell them my tagline is: Raw Romantic Redemptive and then try to designate the differences between my books and other Christian fiction they might have read. Because there is a difference, and rather than allowing them to be unpleasantly surprised upon reading my work and figuring out that they are not necessarily the audience for my storytelling, the disclaimers prove to be the only method I've discovered that either softens the blow, prepares them for something different than perhaps they're used to reading from Christian novels, or to ensure that they're game for the way I've chosen to write. 

But it's tedious, awkward at times, and disappointing to feel I have to do this. 

Nothing in my novels is graphic sexually. Severe language is inferred. 

What I do is accurately portray the contrast between "the world" and those who are Christians. "Accurately" is the key word. I would guess some Christians read "clean fiction" because they seriously want to escape the world for the time it takes to read a novel. I don't blame them. However, my pointed mission is stated in the first sentence of this paragraph. Contrast. And I am compelled to allow readers to see a portion of the world they might not have experienced but that is just another part of what causes the dire need for salvation. We are all in need of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. 

I explain this because I freely admit my novels are not for every kind of Christian reader. Most novels don't have universal appeal although a few have achieved that status. 

I'm truly unashamed regarding my novels. They are redemptive. The Gospel is there. Characters capture both ends of the spectrum. I know I couldn't write a single word without the direction of my Lord. Apart from Him, I can do nothing. So a reader might not prefer my style of writing which is any reader's prerogative, but I can say I write to please the One who gave me the opportunity to tell stories since I was a child and am so grateful to Him for the privilege and pleasure. 

Father, thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint;

   protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, 

   from that noisy crowd of evildoers,

who sharpen their tongues like swords

   and aim their words like deadly arrows.

The shoot from ambush at the innocent man;

   they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.

They encourage each other in evil plans,

   they talk about hiding their snares;

   they say, "Who will see them?"

They plot injustice and say,

   "We have devised a perfect plan!"

   Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning.

But God will shoot them with arrows;

   suddenly they will be struck down.

He will turn their own tongues against them

   and bring them to ruin;

   all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.

All mankind will fear;

   they will proclaim the works of God

   and ponder what He has done.

Let the righeous rejoice in the Lord

   and take refuge in Him;

   let all the upright in heart praise Him! 

Psalm 64 (NIV)