After chewing on Beth's comment left on my last BLOG POST, I decided to bring the discussion up top. Beth Vogt said, "I've always loved a good romance--one with depth. One where the characters change, where love doesn't come too easily because, hey, I don't think it does. Not real, lasting love anyway."
YES!! I couldn't agree more!
I like stories with depth---romance or otherwise. That's what I hope to achieve with my stories. Beth makes a very good point about love that lasts not coming so easily. Love at first sight is a great idea, but love you have to fight for, love that touches deep places in us despite our fears, love that challenges the lies we believe, love that coaxes us out from behind our facade, love that waits beyond hope, love that meets hidden heart needs, love that feels more like home than any place on earth ever did.....THAT's the stuff of a good love story. In my opinion, of course. :-)
What I believe makes this kind of love possible is the unfailing nature of God's love. Ecclesiastes says a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. Without Christ and his boundless, gracious love as the center strand, I actually find it hard to believe in happily ever after. I also believe that without Christ, humans are destined to fall short no matter how nobly or selflessly we strive. (Because I know we ALL strive to be noble and selfless.)
Do you tire of stories in which people fall too easily in love? The kind of story where two people are getting acquainted over a flat tire or mixup at the dry cleaners and suddenly they can't live without each other? Or on the other end of the romote control, do you gag at overblown melodramas too mushy for even the most hardcore soap fan? Does this turn you off to all love stories? If not, it should!
I aim to write stories that touch places we sometimes forget we have, remind us we still struggle with emptiness or protective shells or fears of loss or whatever it is we've conveniently buried. And while we visit those sealed off places between the pages with a like-minded hero or heroine, we can discover or be reminded that in Christ, there is a Love that Never Fails.
What do you think makes a truly moving, resonating love story? What are some of your favorites and why? (I have a list and I'm not afraid to use it!)
12 comments:
Well, I told you I'd be back ... and here I am again! (And thanks for not including my typo when you quoted me from the last blog post.)
What causes a love story to resonate with me? One where a wound--a heart wound--is met with tenderness. One where vulnerability is also a kind of courage often overlooked in today's world. One where the characters risk ... because that's what love is, after all. And, oh yes! A good love story has to have humor too.
Some of my favorites:
These is My Words by Nancy Turner
Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones
Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren
Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck
Beth, I've read JBY&M and it's one of my favorites! (Have you read Denise Hunter?) Of course, Jane Austen tops my list, don't get me started!...
Excellent points, again. I think courage is of most value when it's borne of vulnerability. I mean how much more does it mean to take a risk when you're afraid than if you're feeling brave? True faith requires the shedding of protective armors, the ultimate vulnerability. (Christ on the cross...) and yes, it's too often overlooked these days.
Not to make this a private conversation: Yes! I've read Denise Hunter. Loved The Convenient Groom. L-o-v-e-d it.
Here's a faith quote for you: Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier. (Author Unknown.)
I believe in attraction at first sight, but not love. Great post, Camille!
I like a story where the hero and heroine have to overcome challenges and "earn" their HEA. If loves comes too quickly and easily, I think it can be easy to take it for granted and for it to lack the depth that will sustain a couple as they deal with the tough stuff that could come their way. By going through some challenges before getting together, they get to know one another at a deeper level and build the trust that will help them rely on one another when facing difficult times.
Me too, Jess. It may end up becoming love, but initial attraction alone isn't enough to sustain. And it doesn't get you through the fiery times sure to come.
Well said, Keli. This reminds me of trees that become stronger after a storm, because during a storm, they reach their roots deeper, becoming more firmly anchored, not only to withstand outer pressure, but to deepen their connection with their Source. Only through testing and adversity do we become stronger. Same with a relationship. We find out if what we feel or profess is really true when we or the relationship face the strain of adversity, loss, hardship, personal discomfort, temptation, etc.
I'm so thankful the Lord is there to guide and be my boundless Source when I face those root-deepening trials.
Hi Camille!
I am new to following your Blog. Great post and great Blog!
T Denise Clary :-)
www.tdeniseclarybooks.blogspot.com
Thanks, T Denise! Nice to meet you! Hope to see you around the blogosphere. :-)
Hi! I'm a newbie... I simply had to subscribe. I came across your website, and saw your post about why you write faith-inspiring love stories, and I. Love. It!
I think what makes a love story good is when it doesn't deviate from the humanity of the characters. It's easy to write a story that will tug at hearts, but will there be sufficient substance to truly challenge personal views on love? People are inherently selfish, but the beautiful thing about love is that it is both so human and so Divine that we can't help being changed by it. That's what I meant by not deviating from the humanity of the characters... a good love story must ask the hard questions, such as those pertaining to self-preservation and vulnerability, but still be 'cute' enough to make a cynic like me think that maybe, just maybe, this is real... :D
That said,I can't wait to read your work!
(Oh, favourite: "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers)
whylori - thanks for sharing your excellent, thought-provoking points.
I hope to touch a few cynics with my stories. :-) I tend toward cynicism myself and can understand. Cynicism is often a thin facade hiding some wound or vulnerabililty. A lofty human attempt at rising above the the danger zone of risk and vulnerability, distancing ourselves from involvement and potential injury.
Hmm. Sounds a lot like some characters I'm writing...
AWW! You're so nice... "excellent"? Wow. When I grow up...
You're right about vulnerability. I'm still learning to be a person, so who knows?
Yay characters! Blessings.
AWW! You're so nice... "excellent"? Wow. When I grow up...
You're right about vulnerability. I'm still learning to be a person, so who knows?
Yay characters! Blessings.
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