Christian Living
Why I Write “Inspirational with an Edge”
By:
Pamela S. Thibodeaux
© 2001
In the wake of September 11, I have REALLY been doing some soul searching (as many of you have). I’ve asked myself: Why do I write? Why do I write romantic fiction? Could I be writing something much more profound and meaningful? Why is my writing “Inspirational with an edge,” instead of what every one else writes? Will anyone ever pick up something as “trivial” as romantic fiction again; even inspirational with an edge romance?
Please know I am not calling romance trivial but as we all know, it has been done. Though romance book sales are way up there on the top of marketing research and best seller lists, we all know that romance writing in general gets a “thumbs down” from many literary critics.
Some of you may have been asking yourself these very same questions. So let me share my answers with you and possibly help you get focused once again.
Why Do I Write?
I have said many times that writing is a gift from God, a talent that we’ve been commanded to be good stewards of. For me, that means using that talent to glorify Him.
Why do I write Romantic Fiction?
This was an easy one. I love romance. I love.... Love! There is nothing better than picking up a good romance, identifying with the characters, noting how many of those wonderful qualities my husband has, remembering all those warm and fuzzy feelings and falling in love all over again.
Could I be writing something much more profound and meaningful?
This was a difficult one. Yes, I probably could be writing something much more profound and meaningful. We probably all could. I’ve learned some meaningful and profound lessons in my journey with the Lord and one day, when I feel the call I will share these with the world. I have begun a compilation of articles, short stories and inspirational moments shared with the Lord, but for now that is not what God wants me to focus on (probably because He knows I have much more to learn that will also be valuable to others). Believe me, I’ve asked! I’ve prayed and cried and prayed asking God to give me something that will encourage readers into a deeper relationship with Him, something that will make sense in a senseless world! He has reminded me of something I wrote a long time ago, a novella that compares the life of a Christian to the words of a popular song. I have begun reading through this, editing, improving...but for now, that ’s the extent of what He wants me to do with it. Just get it ready.
Why is my writing “Inspirational with an edge,” instead of what every one else writes?
Another difficult question. Why does my inspirational writing have to be different than every one else’s? Why can’t I just conform to what a particular line wants?
Why should I? We all have our unique style or voice. Besides, the Bible says we are not to be ‘conformed’ but ‘transformed.’
Yes, I know the whole Scripture so don’t get all bent out of shape because I used it in this context.
I love the inspirational market, Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Love Inspired. It’s just not what I write. God has put a different message on my heart. Notice I said different, not better. My writing has been tagged as “Inspirational with an Edge” because it is 1“steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing any of the message” and because it contains 2“the most realistic characters read to date in an inspirational romance.” Many readers of inspirational romance have been disappointed because (in their own words) they are 3“lacking” something. A lot of readers and reviewers feel as I do, that sensuality is okay as long as it is within boundaries and that there is nothing wrong with a love scene between a couple as long as it is done 4“with utmost taste.”
It’s okay, it’s natural, it’s realistic.
Some readers don’t want to be reminded of their baser instincts, sensual nature or fleshly appetites. They want to act as if that they never get angry and curse, never get tempted (sexually or otherwise) beyond their control and they want characters who are virtual saints and never fall from grace. Why is this? The Bible says that God’s mercies are renewed each morning. I, for one, am so grateful to be reassured that He loves me even when I get angry and curse, or when I’m tempted and especially when my behavior is less than saintly! If we never fall from grace, then we don’t need the healing power of God’s mercy and Jesus’ sacrifice was for naught. God is Love; He expresses His love for us very passionately in the Book of Solomon (Song of Solomon, or Song of Songs). If God can write a passionate love letter to us, why can’t we write about the love of two people and share it with the world?
As many readers that are out there wanting these sweet romances there are an equal number who want a certain amount of sensuality without the explicit or graphic (and sometimes gratuitous) sex. They don’t feel the sensuality takes away from the spirituality but makes it stronger, more meaningful and more realistic.
Aiming to appeal to a wider audience and hoping to reach those outside the traditional inspirational market, I’ve tried to maintain a balance between “secular” and “inspirational” views on sensuality.
One of the greatest compliments I’ve received is a reader saying, 5“I love the way you put God and the Bible in it, it‘s so believable!” One reader even said that she 6“learned the true meaning of God's grace and the power of forgiveness in the way Pam wrote the conclusion to this story.”
This is why I write Inspirational with an Edge! This is why I write, period.
Will anyone ever pick up something as “trivial” as romance again, even inspirational with an edge romance?
Yes, I believe they will. Once again, I am not saying that romance is trivial but I believe as people get back to their normal lives (as normal as possible anyway) they will continue to buy and read our books.
As romance writers we must come to understand that we offer something special, something positive to our readers. We offer them hope, love, laughter, tears, possible solutions to their problems or maybe just a chance to say: “Hey, my life isn‘t so bad. I know it‘s fiction but most fiction is based on truth. If these characters can overcome such obstacles how much more can I overcome? ”
Even if the reader is only looking for a few hours of pure pleasure, it’s okay. They deserve it and we give it to them.
We are little rays of light in a sometimes dark and ugly world.
So to paraphrase the words of our President in the wake of National chaos; first and foremost: Pray. Ask yourself these questions, evaluate (or reevaluate) your goals, get on with your lives, go back to work, go shopping. Write books.
1. as reviewed by: Amanda Killgore; Romance Reader’s Connection
2. as reviewed by: Jill Nicholson; The Romance Journal, June 29, 2001
3. as stated by: Kari Thomas, Reader
4. as reviewed by: Review By: Rita Hestand for crosswinds.net/~romancingtheweb/
5. as told to me by a lady named Bertha who works in a local uniform shop (sorry, don’t know her last name)
6. as stated by: Kari Thomas, Reader
Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the co-founder the Bayou Writer’s Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana and a member of ACRW (American Christian Romance Writers). Multi-published in fiction and non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as “Inspirational with an Edge!” Author's Website: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com Author's Email: [email protected]
This article first appeared @ Word Museum.
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