Into the Fire

The fascination with characters . . .

 

In my many years of reading, there have only been a couple of times when I've actually liked a story in which I didn't like the characters. I don't remember the books, but I remember being surprised that in spite of the characters I managed to like the story. In other words that doesn't happen very often. In fact, I think it's probably rare. Characters are the life blood of fiction. We never forget our favorite characters, and if we remember them, then it's a pretty safe statement to say that we will remember the story. 

Some of you know my process for writing is what has been termed by the writing community as "seat of the pants" as opposed to creating a story outline, using a story board, making a list, lots of notes, or some other organized preparation before the endeavor begins. Very occasionally, I will make notes as to what must happen a little farther along in the story just to make sure it's included, but my novel writing consists of allowing some character(s) to enter my brain, simmering beneath the actual "pen-to-paper" progress, establishing a personality in its most basic appearance, physically and emotionally, and then pressing my conscious awareness to begin writing. And, if I wait too long, the character nags me relentlessly. Generally, I have no idea what the real story is going to be, but I know I have to proceed with this character. Saying no is not an option. 

I said no to the murder mystery I finally finished (Race) for probably two years until it just wouldn't go away, and I knew it had to be written. It was by the far the hardest novel I've ever had to write. If I hadn't had "Patrick" helping me with police procedural and other investigative information, I never could've written the story. One would think since I almost exclusively read mysteries, suspense, and thrillers, it would come easy. Not even a little bit easy. I admire mystery, suspense, and thriller writers beyond my ability to express. I don't know how my favorite authors in those genres can pull them off with such skilled effectiveness. 

I believe my strength as an author is in character creation and development. I think it comes from a love for people and the struggles we all face in our imperfections. My desire is to entice the reader to invest in my characters in order to care what happens to them. If you love the character(s), you'll most likely enjoy the novel. Let me take it one step farther. I want my readers to find themselves in my characters, to think these are authentic "people" so the readers can relate to them on some level. I thank God for any traits in me that produce something meaningful in story form. Truly: apart from Him, I can do nothing. 

Do you remember anything specific about why your favorite characters became your favorites? 

 

Father, you're an amazing, benevolent God. You are the Creator. We celebrate the beauty and do our best to use what you've given each one of us for your glory. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Throwback Thursday

 

REMEMBERED

He hoped this hadn’t been a bad idea, but even if it was, there weren’t a lot of choices as far as he was concerned. Why not go back to his roots? He just hoped she was still here right where she’d always been. How old must she be by now? At least 80 he figured.  What if she was in some kind of facility? Not her. He couldn’t imagine it.

     He drove his black Bronco II up the long gravel drive to the house, the hot dust spinning around behind him no matter how slow he attempted to go. No rain around here in awhile. Typical hot summer day. He reached the asphalt circular drive, the irrigated summer flowers brightly surrounding it on each side. He admired the sprawling Spanish style ranch house and put the vehicle in park, shutting it off. He stayed inside it for an extra minute trying to remember why he thought he should come here, but he knew. In his heart he knew. Heaving a weary sigh, he got out and walked along the stone path leading up to the exotic design of the carved double door. He knocked, a firm knock that spoke of a confidence he didn’t feel or own.

     It took so long for her to answer he was just about to head back to his rig. He stayed put when he heard the big door open.

     There she stood, a tiny wisp of a woman leaning on a cane on her right side. Her grey hair with a few black strands remaining was cut stylishly short and held its shape on her narrow head. She wore Levis and a bright yellow western blouse with white vertical stripes and matching dainty yellow and white sandals on her small narrow feet. Her blue eyes sparkled bright as he remembered how they always seemed to look right through him . . . and still did.

     “Grams,” he greeted her quietly with the name he and many others had always known her by.

     She narrowed her gaze and cocked her head just slightly. Then she took her long thin left arm and reached up to grab his right arm and turn him just enough to where she could see his dark auburn hair pulled neatly back and tied with a leather string in a ponytail resting just below the nape of his neck. Then she pulled him back to face her.

     “Tommy, that you?” she asked matter-of-factly.

     “Yeah, Grams, it’s me,” he replied, realizing she was the only one on the face of this earth who could still get away with calling him “Tommy”.

     She turned and began talking as she walked back into the house, expecting him to follow which he did. “Hank Jr. always used to like his hair grown all long like that. You know it drove Ace crazy. I think that’s why he did it. Course by the time he went into the military, all those pretty locks ended up on the floor, but he never really minded.”

     She walked all the way into the kitchen before she turned around again and told him to have a seat at the kitchen table. The place was immaculate and it was like stepping into a fancy hacienda in Mexico—at least what he imagined one would look like.

     “Something to drink?”

     “A coke if you have it, please, Grams.”

     “Of course I have a coke. Couldn’t live without it myself. Best drink on the face of the planet,” she said adamantly as she went to the modern stainless steel refrigerator and slid a glass into the alcove that produced ice. She filled two glasses with ice and then produced two cans of coke. “Here ya go.”

     “Thanks.”

     “So how old are ya now?” she asked, calculating in her mind how long it had been since she’d seen him. “’Bout 30 or so?”

     “Yeah, 31, almost 32.”

     “Seen some trouble, huh?” Compassion evident in her voice.

     He laughed slightly. “I think you’re the only one who could ever read my mind,” he answered, solemnity taking hold.

     “Ain’t about readin’ minds, Tommy. I always thought you pretty much put everything right out there for a person to see if they’d just look, you know?”

     He smiled at the old woman, appreciation for her straightforward ways welling up inside of him. “What’s with the cane, Grams?”

     She gave the cane a horrible look of disgust. “Temporary, my boy. Hip replacement.  Won’t be long and I won’t need it anymore.” She paused. “I almost didn’t use the darn thing, but when the doctor threatened me with the alternatives should I lose my balance and yada, yada, yada, I decided I wasn’t too proud to use it. For a short season, you know.”

     He took a drink of his coke, the cold welcome burn sliding down his throat.

     “So you need a place to stay?”

     “I do, Grams. But you know I’ll work for it. Anything you want done, I’ll do.”

     She eyed him. “That bad, huh?  Well, you know there’s always plenty to do, son. I don’t run the farm anymore. Leased out the hay fields. A good family operates it like Ace would’ve done, so it’s alright.”

     “How long has it been now, Grams?”

     “Ten years.” She paused and gazed across the room. “Seems like just yesterday he’d be comin’ in from the fields for supper. Darn him. The old soldier made it to see Jesus before me. We used to argue about it, you know. He insisted he’d beat me to Him. True to his word . . .” Her voice trailed off. 

                             

 

Father, you're the whole reason I can put two words together, write a story, come up with a title. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

To "series" or not to "series" . . .

 

So which do you prefer? If you enjoy reading series novels, do you prefer to read them in your favorite genre or do you prefer to go outside your favorite to read a series?  

Do you prefer a series which features one character in various stories (such as Mitch Rapp, John Milton, Raleigh Harmon)?

If not, do you like a series with a continuation of each of the characters from the first novel getting center stage in each additional book (such as The Bradford Sisters Series by Becky Wade)? 

 

Father, thank you again and again for your authors. You've given such amazing gifts and talents. May you bless your writers and your readers. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday Tunes

 

My favorite of Elton John's multiple hits. Love this song even to this day. 

 

Father, you give the talents. Only you know the hearts of mankind. Only you save souls. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Reading the . . . Smoke Signal

                         

Smoke Signal by L. T. Ryan and Brian Shea is Book 4 in the Rachel Hatch Novel series. Hatch (aka Rachel Hatch) returns home from Africa after discovering the source of and resolving the murder of her father. While she survives the physical and emotional ordeal and learns some new life lessons, she can't help but wonder if she'll be able to find "normal". She's missed her mom after beginning to re-establish a relationship with her before she left, her loving niece and nephew, and, more than she can admit to herself, she's missed Dalton Savage. 

In the emotional sense, neither Hatch nor Dalton can muster up the courage to declare their genuine feelings for each other. Dalton's clumsy with his, showing his attachment and respect to her via offering her a position working with him as a deputy. Hatch is afraid of her feelings for him, needs a break from a committed position in law enforcement and all that procedural hoopla to be instated would require. Her real question is whether or not she can find or lead a "normal" life, having nearly lost hers on more than one occasion in sanctioned battles at war and in private battles to discover who murdered her father. Although she needs time off to regroup with her mom and her dead sister's kids, the investigation Dalton is working has her itching to help him with his current case. 

On a brief impromptu hiking endeavor to express her desire to confront their "relationship", everything that can go wrong does. It's a life and death struggle to get back to the house where Hatch has to figure out how to protect them all. 

Okay, I've gotta say this: I'm impressed that these two male authors were able to emotionally bring me to tears with the ending to this Book 4. And I mean real tears. They captured a hardened female soldier's emotional state with perfection according to the character they'd created, and it literally broke my heart. Well done, Gentlemen.  

(Some profanity.)

 

Father, you know hearts, minds, bodies. All of us, each of us. Only you save souls. Bless these men as they write. Minister as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

 

     Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come." 

 

Daniel 10:12-14 (NIV) 

Friday Five

   

 

Five questions for you:

Do you have a favorite male and female character or characters from a novel, a movie, and a television series?

Do you enjoy Christmas shopping whether you do it online or in person? 

Setting aside the political ruination of professional sports, do you have a favorite professional sport?

If you've read more than one of my novels, do you have a favorite?

Do you have a favorite slang expression? 

 

Father, you make each of us unique in some way and then surprise us with our similarities. Thank you for your creativity and Creation. You left us beauty in spite of us. Apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

    

Throwback Thursday

 

I've spoken here before about my Forewords. Well, here's the one from my novel Sweet Release. Feel free to leave your thoughts. 

FOREWORD

Be warned: this is Christian fiction. From start to finish.

We are constantly besieged with what the world calls “love”. This book was written as a stark contrast to the multi-layered attempts of the world to define love. When I began this novel, I had no idea it would take the direction it did, but as with all of my writing, I trust the Lord has the contents in His beautiful, creative hands, and I am so blessed to go along for the ride.

Love, romance, and sex are the subjects of endless books, films, television shows, and various other media efforts. Some of those efforts are educational and informative, others are purely for entertainment, and yet others demonstrate the most perverse nature of mankind. In Christian literature authors in the non-fiction arena strive to inform us about God’s intentions for us in love, sex, and romance. They try to diligently address the “normal” as well as the terribly destructive roadblocks to achieving freedom in learning to love at the spiritual, emotional, and physical levels. It is a divine task given the nature of our souls and the condition of our world.

Since God is Love (1John 4:16), and since He is the Creator of lovemaking (Genesis 2:24-25), it is my heart’s desire to give readers a picture of the way relationships should be in contrast to what the world tries to sell us as the “real” thing. Christian couples are not immune to the hard sell of the worldly style of love, romance, and sex. Many have never been presented with a contrasting viewpoint. To me that’s tragic.

Every now and then I need a novel that illustrates the goodness, passion, and the lighter side of being a human in love. A story of people finding love, working through their pain or hardship, finding real truth and meaning in their lives . . . Having said all that, I give you Sweet Release and hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Most of my writing is for adult readers, and this novel is no exception.

 

 

Father, thank you for every inspiration, story, word. Apart from you, I can do nothing. And thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Did she . . . See Her Die

                   

Melinda Leigh's Book 2  See Her Die is a good follow up to Book 1 Cross Her Heart of the Bree Taggert novels. 

                               

Bree Taggert is the newly appointed sheriff, replacing the crooked but apparently well-liked man before her. There are still some loyalties to the former sheriff, but mostly she's earned the respect of the deputies even though there seems to be a residual resentment from a couple of them. Now she's facing a mysterious shooting on the frozen lake at a closed resort where two young women have been squatting in one of the cabins without heat other than the fireplace and no plumbing. 

Besides no evidence of blood on the ice, there is no body. The young woman who reported the shooting of her friend said she woke up to the absence of her friend, her keys and wallet also missing. She went outside to see her vehicle still there and looked through the snowy woods to find her friend but instead came upon a male and her friend out on the lake.

When Bree takes her to the station for questioning, she learns the two girls are homeless but met in a shelter. This girl, Alyssa, is holding something back although her fear is real. Bree decides to put her up in a motel and takes her shopping for some necessities since her backpack is in evidence but she experiences a harrowing incident inside the store. 

Meanwhile, the man Matt Flynn, who used to be an investigator with the police force until he was injured, is still hopeful that he and Bree can make something work between them. He's a K-9 specialist and his sister operates a dog rescue that Matt helps with. Bree is terrified of dogs after having been mauled as a child by one of her dad's dogs. Matt does his best to help her address her fear.

When mutilated bodies start turning up in places on the frozen lake, Bree hires Matt to help with the investigation since he's trying to find a missing young man who could be related to the case.

It's not an uncommon plot where the killer's motivation is concerned, but there are multiple crimes and suspects to keep the story interesting. Melinda does a good job of disguising the killer, making the reader shiver in the icy cold, fear for potential victims, and feel the frustration of hitting dead ends in the pursuit of a vicious murderer.

See Her Die covers a lot of territory as far as human emotions, fears, psychopathy, and real needs. The conclusion counters the ugliness of the murders and provides the reader with a positive ending - and two effective visits from characters in one of Melinda's other series. 

Profanity present. 

 

Father, you know hearts and minds and the thoughts of humanity. Only you save souls. Please continue to bless Melinda's life and her writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Tuesday Tunes

   

Don't you love this song? I do! Great one from J. J. Jackson. 1968. 

 

Father, thank you for the wonderful music, singers, and musicians. Always may they know you're the source of their talent. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

That time again! Part Ten

 

Last but hoping not least are my novels presented from the most recent to the first. As I prepared to do this, I wondered what to say about my novels. I decided to say more than I probably need to just because they are different from the "mainstream" Christian romance novels or "love stories" as I prefer to label mine. 

I've described my writing as "Raw Romantic Redemptive" but only because compared to most Christian romance novels, I suppose the word "raw" gives evidence of what could be called an "uncut" version of the romantic process without any sexual graphics but with plenty of sexual temptation which I find real and authentic. I've written multiple times before this post that my audience most likely does not consist of those readers who keep their eyes sharply focused on the "sweet and clean" romantic adventures. (And I can't help but wonder if that description for those novels means others in the genre are "sour and dirty"?) I know my novels definitely do not appeal to those readers who gave My Stubborn Heart and The Masterpiece one-star reviews.  

So. Without further disclaimers, from my most recent to my first novel, here they are for those on your list who want to read love stories with a passion. 

     

 

                                   

                               

   

                                   

And there they are from last to first. May your shopping be easy, fun, and merry. And never forget - even in October - The Reason for the Season is Jesus. Merry (Early) Christmas! 

 

Thank you, Lord. It's never enough. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

   

 

Sunday's Offerings

     

     Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 

 

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

That time again! Part Nine B

 

Joseph Courtemanche deserves to be part of my random selections for the readers on your Christmas shopping list. His voice is unique and entertaining while giving the reader thoughtful and well-researched (both "physically" and "spiritually") stories. I loved his novels. 

                                   

                     

I loved this series by Barbara Ellen Brink, but she offers all kinds of novels for your list of readers. Check her out!

                     

                   

Canadian author Sara Davison also mixes it up with unique characters and spirited heroines. I especially enjoyed the two-book Night Guardian Series and Book 1 in her Rose Tattoo Series Lost Down Deep, but take a look at all of her novels before you complete your shopping list.

                

                     

 

Father, again, I love writers and authors, particularly those who write for your glory. Please continue to bless their lives, hopes, struggles, and faith. Let them know you uphold their efforts and cherish each one. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

 

 

 

                     

That time again! Part Nine

 

So. I've covered most of the genres I'm interested in and some I'm not but do read occasionally. I've presented you with many dynamite authors in different types of novels. Before I get to the conclusion of this early Christmas shopping for the book readers on your list, I've decided to give you a few more random selections of wonderful novels for your consideration. 

                    

This gorgeous cover and touching story is my favorite of Normandie's wonderful selections which might be most identifiable with the Women's Fiction genre. 

                                 

Chris Fabry's stories are guaranteed to touch your heart. Each one might be totally different in content, but their sensitive and emotional appeal created with characters who struggle through life's challenges and somehow manage to get to a place of triumph - no matter how minimal that victory might seem in the process - will strike deep to your readers who want well-written, thoughtful stories. The Promise of Jesse Woods is just one of several that really struck deep for me. 

                                       

Ronie Kendig has written an abundant selection of military action novels and some of those contain what might be called speculative fiction intermingled with the authentic flavor of military exercises. There are some great reads for those on your list who love stories about military heroics. This trilogy (The Tox Files) is my absolute favorite with Cole "Tox" (aka Toxic) Russell as one of the best heroes in this genre. 

                           

Winter Austin has written general market series fiction with a police procedural, mystery, and/or romantic suspense flavor. Pictured above are the first two books in the McIntire County Series with these great and striking covers of two sisters in law enforcement. Very entertaining characters and riveting stories. 

 

Father, you know these authors intimately and have poured out talent upon them. I pray you would continue to bless them in your abundance and supply all they need to continue to write for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

That time again! Part Eight

 

Now, although you know I write love stories/romance, I'm dissatisfied with many romance novels in the Christian market so I can only recommend those who have made an impact on me. In the general market, romance novels threaten pornographic "literature" so I don't engage them. However, I will say there are some marvelous romance writers in Christian contemporary fiction, and here are three of them who know how to write it well.  

                     

As you know, I prefer the original cover to Becky Wade's wonderful standalone story My Stubborn Heart. Check out her series novels to meet characters you won't soon forget. 

                 

Kristen Heitzmann is a master at romance and always manages to give a reader original and often captivating characters. My favorite trilogy of Kristen's begins with Secrets and takes place in the beautiful wine country of California. Her hero Lance Michelli is absolutely magnificent. Loved him. See her collection here. Kristen gets romance. Hands down. 

                         

Toni Shiloh manages to put some real sizzle into her romance novels. Although this is my only adventure into her novels, it was well worth my time and yours! The Truth About Fame presents an inside look at the problems with being easily recognizable and known only by your fame. Likeable, interesting characters, Toni's books will give your romance lovers fun, entertaining, and touching stories in her romantic novels.  

 

Father, thank you for these amazing authors mentioned here. You've gifted them for your glory, and they do not disappoint. Please continue to bless their lives and their writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
 

Tuesday Tunes

 

Another great one from Gordon Lightfoot. Ah, the melancholy . . . He does it so well. 

 

Thank you for your singers/musicians, Lord. We need music. May those who make it know from where their talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

That time again! Part Seven

 

To add to your list of thriller readers: you really can't go wrong with this series from Mark Dawson and his character John Milton: an assassin with a conscience who vows to quit his "trade" with no intentions of exposing "The Group". However, the past and now present leader of Group 15 have been seeking his elimination after a brief reprieve from "Control" who headed Group 15 between the two of them. Readers will be taken all over the world with Milton (aka John Smith), locations and characters fleshed out in detailed descriptions with complicated setups and deadly encounters. In the process John learns multiple things about himself, two of them being he needs AA and no matter how hard he tries, he can't redeem himself. 

                 

                     

                     

                             

                                 

                           

There are currently 17 novels in this series with offshoots connected to "The Group". Book 18 in the John Milton Series will be out in 2021. These are truly entertaining novels from British author Mark Dawson. I highly recommend them for thriller readers on your shopping list.

(These are general market novels. Profanity present.) 

 

Father, thank you always for your authors/writers and the vivid imaginations of each. Such an amazing gift. Please continue to bless Mark and may he know The One who's given him his amazing abilities. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

                              

                     

                                   

Sunday's Offerings

 

     "Behold, I am coming soon. My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

     "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 

     "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David and the bright Morning Star." 

     The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

     I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described  in this book. 

     He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."

     Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 

     The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. 

 

Revelation 22:12-21 (NIV) 

     

That time again! Part Six

 

As those of us who read and write know, there are all kinds of readers. So for those readers on your list who love snark, wit, and complex characters and plots, I recommend James Scott Bell. James is truly the wittiest author I've ever had the pleasure to read. Although there are many of his novels to choose from, I'm going to suggest his most recent series: A Mike Romeo Thriller. Mike Romeo is one of the most fascinating characters you'll ever discover. This series is at five books currently, and each one is a unique journey into circumstances it seems only Mike Romeo could find. Highly recommend James Scott Bell's books and writing.

                                           

                           

This is just a small sampling of the prolific selection by James Scott Bell. Unique, complex, and wonderful. 

 

Father, only you know what James needs most. I pray you would provide it for him and continue to bless his life and writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

That time again! Part Five

 

Few novels - if any - have touched me like this one by Francine Rivers. The Masterpiece is indeed a masterpiece for me. For lovers of Francine Rivers contemporary novels, I cannot recommend this one highly enough. Many readers love her biblical literature as her research and touching creativity are impeccable, but The Masterpiece and Redeeming Love top my list of favorites and perhaps they will also be a hit with your list of readers, plus there are many more of hers from which to choose. 

                               

                         

 

Father, you give gifts and talents, and I praise you for those special doses to authors and writers. Always bless them, Lord, with more stories that glorify your Name. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.