A Heart for Inspirational Romance (Part Two)

Reading for Craft

Last week we looked at the romance attribute of fellowship. Here are the next two relevant characteristics for quality inspiration.

Insight. Whether flying the skies over Europe in the historical World War II series Wings of Glory by Sarah Sundin, or time traveling in Italy with Lisa T. Bergren’s River of Time, inspirational romance gives insight, clarity, and discernment by modeling real lives struggling with real relationships. All without telling or teaching or trampling.

We may not be the ace pilot with a slightly enlarged ego, but we might recognize that the words his friend had been quietly speaking are similar to the ones our trusted friend has been warning us about. And avoid the fall-out in our own relationship because we listen. Or find the courage to confess an indiscretion and trust it will lead to reconciliation. Outer circumstances change along a timeline, but hearts don’t. Struggles over envy or greed or fear remain. Desire for love, acceptance, and understanding never end. Good fiction mirrors heart-life and in inspirational romance readers can trust the foundation.

Hope. Inspirational romance springs from a faith-based perspective. Often when we really need personal advice we go to someone who not only has known our ups and downs but also has stayed by our side through them. They already speak our heart and soul language. We have confidence to know we are using the same vocabulary.

Author Gail Gaymer Martin notes that there are three threads in inspirational romance: personal, romantic, and spiritual growth. As the characters grow into their relationship with each other, they also develop a relationship with God in their individual faith walk. Understanding and developing their spiritual needs sometimes will draw them closer together and at other times will drive them further away. However, the end result will always be hope, even if it is only a sliver of light.

Inspirational romance is heart romance inside and out—changing lives, restoring souls, and creating new beginnings, all grounded in love.

Share: What authors do you know that share all three aspects in their romances?

                                             Read deep, marcy

A Heart for Inspirational Romance (Part One)

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