This is the pretty lady who writes outstanding romance novels. For me to say that is a big deal. Go here to learn all about Becky Wade and the books she's written. I was hooked by the perfect way she captured the layers of romance in My Stubborn Heart. From that point on, I've been a fan. There are some great stories built around the romantic notions of her characters, and just because there's real romance doesn't mean these novels are full of fluff. On the contrary, there are interesting plots with some unique peripheral characters and very good writing with a sprinkling of humor. You cannot miss by picking up a Becky Wade novel.
Here we go:
- As you've known ever since My Stubborn Heart debuted, you've been one of the very few romance authors that I read. As a Christian who writes romance novels, do you ever find there's a fine line between being authentic/real and satisfying publishing demands?
First, thanks so much for reading my books! I appreciate you.
Women will often tell me, "Your novel felt so real!" which is one of the best compliments I can receive. I really do strive to keep the books authentic. My characters have both strengths and weaknesses and often they've made mistakes in the past (or make them during the course of the story). I have zero interest in writing books about perfect people. If I did, I'd leave God no room to display his incredible grace and love.
All that to say, authenticity is a must for me. And, yes, there's a fine line between pursuing authenticity and making sure the books are appropriate in the eyes of my Christian publisher. I want the characters to fall in love with each other for the right reasons -- and not because of physical attraction. But when you're falling in love with someone for the right reasons, you're going to experience physical attraction, too. That's a wonderful part of it all. My editors will often tell me when I've emphasized the physical too much, and I'll pull it back. It's a balancing act for sure!
- Please give your readers a tease about the final protagonist Luke Dempsey in Book 3 of A Misty River Romance Series: Turn to Me.
Early in the book, my heroine Finley thinks, "Luke Dempsey was a tragic and thorny case. Many would say he was a lost cause. Thing was, she had a soft spot for lost causes."
Luke is an ex-con who's taken several wrong turns and carried guilt almost all his life. One reader called him, "a gruff bad boy with a heart of gold". Another said he was, "fantastically grumpy". I loved writing Luke's story because I can't help but cheer for a wounded hero struggling for redemption.
- Do you prefer writing your male or female characters?
That's a close call! It's easier to write the heroine's point of view because I can put myself in her shoes without difficulty. As a female author, writing the guy's point of view is challenging because I want to make sure he thinks, speaks, and acts like a guy! But, of the two, I do slightly prefer writing the male point of view because most of the romantic power of the story can be found in his head and heart.
- When did you know you wanted to write romance novels? Have the indicators toward romance and writing been there even as a child?
I knew I wanted to write romance novels soon after beginning my first manuscript, back when I was a newlywed in my early twenties. Right from the start, I recognized that romance was the perfect fit for me.
I didn't do much creative writing as a child, but the indicators were there! I read a lot. I had a big imagination and would often create games of make-believe for my sisters and friends. We frequently put on homemade plays which I wrote/directed. In those plays, there was always a prince, a princess, and a happy ending.
- How do you deal with and assess the occasional negative reviews your books have received? Do they affect your approach to writing romance?
Leading up to the publication of my debut Christian romance, My Stubborn Heart, everything was rosy. I was proud of that book! Among other things, I viewed it as very clean with a strong faith message. When it first came out in May of 2012, a small but vocal group of readers gave me push-back about a handful of words I'd used, which took me completely off-guard.
Prior to that, I'd toughened my hide through years of seeking publication, receiving tough critiques, and tougher rejections. But that discouraging circumstance toughened my hide further.
The truth is that I don't assess or read any of the reviews I receive. Not the negative and not the positive. I've found it's best for me to focus on doing what I can do -- writing a book the way I love it to the glory of God. Once I do my best at that, it leaves my hands. At that point, readers will have their own experience with it, and I can't control how they respond.
Those initial reviews about My Stubborn Heart did slightly affect my approach to writing romance, in that I no longer use words that I think might ruffle someone's feathers. Turns out, that doesn't bother me. There are many, many words in the dictionary. I can always find a different or creative way of saying something that's just as powerful.
Father, you know everything about Becky, and you've gifted her with a talent she uses to glorify you. I ask that you continue to fill her up with meaningful stories that bless not only her readers but also the heart of who she is, who you've created her to be. Encourage her as only you can do and continue to refresh her with your Spirit. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.