I've been writing all my life but began pursuing fiction publication few years ago, about the time my kids discovered duct tape can control a fair amount of bleeding, and frozen lasagne is actually not from the devil. I believe in the power of story - after all, Jesus used parables to teach timeless, life-changing, eternally significant truths.
And since God is Love, I find love-stories can be just as timeless and life changing. An intelligent, faith-inspiring romance can offer hope, gently touch a hurting soul, uplift a heavy heart. What an honor and a privilege to be able to use words in such a way!
Though I love the deep-throated grumble of a Harley, muscle cars, and old school rock, I am also a hopeless romantic. If only Jane Austen were around to endorse my books! As a fan of all things Jane, I have a deep appreciation for a romance that goes beyond boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy sweeps girl off her feet to live happily ever after. And those stories are wonderful! But what I love about Jane Austen, in addition to many fine contemporary authors, is the ability to tell a story that highlights things like character, honor, self-sacrifice. The beauty of one noble soul finding another. A meeting that goes beyond attraction to the spirit and the heart.
I suppose Anne Elliot will always be one of my favorite literary characters. (If you aren't into reading classics, I want you to drop whatever you're doing and immediately watch the Hinds/Root version of Persuasion) She was totally dissed by her snobby, shallow family, and yet her quiet character and inner strength were what Captain Wentworth fell in love with all those years ago - and still loved years later, long after hope of winning her was gone.
Oh. Just so you know, I write contemporary faith-inspiring love stories. Historical stories are cool too. I just happen to find plenty to dream up in today's world.
And why not? In our high-tech, uber-enlightened society, don't we still quietly crave honor and nobility? Just because those qualities don't (usually) come galloping up on a horse and whisk away their objects in a flourish of lace and petticoats doesn't mean we don't want them now. We may live in a world full of stessors and pressures, but we can still dream of happily-ever-afters, stories of faithful devotion in a world of heartbreaking insecurities and shallow relationships, stories of love touching souls amidst the complexites of twenty-first century life.
Okay, I confess. Though my stories are contemporary, I did set them in the quiet, slower-paced setting of Central Oregon and added a touch of rolling green Scottish hills, so maybe I cheated just a little. My point is that we can "escape" reality either in the past or the present. But are we really escaping? Or are we simply giving ourselves a break from life's routines and sparking our imaginations, allowing our hearts a few moments to nestle between the pages and feel the pains and joys and fears and victories of someone who could easily be you or me?
Your turn: What value do you place on fiction, and on uplifting, faith-inspiring love stories?
(note: this post's content borrowed from the homepage of my new website)
7 comments:
Well written. Noble and with honor. Yes, those are still great qualities. I'm so excited about your new website and your upcoming book. Best, my friend!
I've been a fan of romances since I was a teen. I love a good love story.
Your new website is awesome, Camille!
Thanks! It was fun and fairly painless!
-c
As long as it's coming from you, I'm in. ;-) A well-written love story is the only kind I care to read. And if it's well-written, there will be depth and truth and lessons within.
I've always loved a good romance--one with depth. One where the characters change, where loved doesn't come too easily because,hey, I don't think it does. Not real, lasting love anyway.
This is my first visit to your blog.
Won't be my last.
Thanks for stopping by, Beth! And Amen! I like stories with depth, romance and otherwise. That's what I hope to achieve in my stories. 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. :D
What I believe makes this kind of love possible is the unfailing nature of God's love. Ecclesiastes says the cord of 3 strands not easily broken. Without Christ and his gracious love as the center strand, I find it hard to believe in happily ever after. I also think that without Christ, humans are destined to fall short. With Christ, it's possible to know a Love that Never Fails.
Again, my opinion. :D
Karla! Thank you!
I agree - any story worth it's ink needs to be well-written. And you make an excellent point about depth, truth, and a great takeaway. Otherwise, there isn't much point! Thanks for the wise reminder!
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