Reading for Craft
Quality inspirational romance requires the same credentials
as all romance novels: real characters, strong plots, relentless conflict, scenic
settings, and love’s heartbeat at the center.
These characteristics are expected regardless of sub-genre
or topic, which also mirror other romance sub-genres. Contrary to some
misconceptions, there are almost no forbidden topics in inspirational romance.
Life deals out harsh realities regardless of background or culture. Broken
relationships, strained finances, violence, disease, and lost dreams walk
side-by-side with new beginnings, birth, celebrations, and fresh opportunity.
The main difference in this genre is the “lifescape” lens that filters choices.
In addition, there are three extra attributes to
inspirational romance that draw and maintain loyal readers: fellowship,
insight, and hope.
Fellowship. When
any reader picks up their favorite genre they expect a certain return for their
time. A cozy mystery reader does not expect a grisly, psychological thriller.
Inspirational readers turn to long-standing authors such as Janet Oke, Francine
Rivers, or Lauraine Snelling because they expect to spend an afternoon or
evening with a trusted friend who will deliver the particular uplift or
challenge they need. It’s the one-on-one version of going to the local café to
offload some emotional shake-up with friends. When you leave the café or the
book, you feel soul-stronger, ready to take up whatever your next step might
be. It’s a fellowship that binds readers and authors because it’s built on
trust. They know from experience these friends will deliver. Then they’ll look
for other writers who write in a similar vein as their main friend, thus
expanding the circle.
What kind of fellowship do you want your character to offer
your readers?
Writing Prompt
Begin brainstorming your character’s heart.
1. What
is her go-to choice of movie, book, music, or food when she needs comfort or
courage?
2. Whom
has she trusted the most with her heart’s desires, past or present, alive or
deceased? Why?
3. Where
is she most discouraged right now? What would give her hope?
Share: One answer
from question number one.
Read deep, marcy
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