Every story starts somewhere and every reader knows there is an end. But some stories begin and end with little variety and not much interesting in between those first and last pages.
Some readers love details, others not so much. Writers vary in that process as well and create their novels according to two important considerations. Number one for me is I write what I want to read - let me re-phrase that. I write how I want to read. The stories are news to me until I start getting the character in my head into words. Second, which is first for many, is what does the market want and/or what is a publisher looking for at this time.
You could say romance is always hot, pun intended, but not everyone wants to read or write romances. So you could say me being a writer of love stories should offer an open door to publishing. Since I don't write for the general market, CBA hasn't been interested in what they would consider risqué or "edgy". I don't consider my writing either, but since it takes romance to its sensuous roots, my work doesn't attract any interest from CBA publishers. You could say it's not good enough, and that's the real reason it's overlooked. So say it, if you like.
The beginning and the end and all things in between should entice. Within that framework it would be good to read something besides the typical conflict which usually resides in a total lack of communication between heroes and heroines. To the point where I want to scream at the book I'm reading and challenge the characters to at least pretend to be adults. The lack of honest admissions and hiding behind high school infatuations drive me cray-cray. You feel me?
Formulas serve a purpose, but conflicts can seem so trite sometimes. Piled on but built on sand. It just gets tiring when characters (aka authors) refuse to depict adult honesty where attraction is concerned. Say it, for heaven's sake!
Okay. I've said it. Formulaic stories with interesting beginnings but predictable ends can be found in astounding numbers in the romance genre. Because, after all, this is the nature of romances. So, just for the heck of it, can't we please - we being those writers of Christian fiction - just make them a little more REAL?
Done now.
Father, you are real. Help me to always convey that in every story done for you. Every story. Real tells the truth. I love you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.