Why I Write Romance Novels
I’ve gotten the question more than once, “You write romance novels?”
I can see the confusion in the eyes of the person asking the question. She looks like such a sweet person. . . . Why would she write THAT?
First, I want to defend romance.
The Bible is filled with romantic stories—just look at Ruth and Boaz or Mary and Joseph! Romance isn’t just about butterflies in our stomachs and heart-pounding attraction. It’s about choosing another and expressing love in considerate ways. (And I won’t even mention Song of Solomon!)
Also, God is romantic!
My favorite Scripture verse is Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV 1984) which says, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
One of my favorite moments with my husband is when I curl next to his chest and he strokes my head and kisses my forehead. When I read this verse, that’s how I picture God, and someday I’m looking forward to being the Bride of Christ!
There is a difference between Christian romance novels and the secular romance novels we see on bookstore shelves.
In my novels, my characters get two kisses—maybe three—per book. Yes, I know some Christian romance novels are more “hot and heavy,” but you’ll have to talk to those authors about that! Personally, I don’t want to write anything that I wouldn’t allow my sweet, homeschooled junior-higher to read.
When I write my novels, I don’t create perfect characters. They have their own issues and struggles. I never want a reader to think, “I wish my husband was perfect, just like this character.” No one is perfect, not even the characters in my books!
Finally, my desire in every novel I write is for the main romance to be between my central character and God.
I want my protagonist to grow in her (or his) relationship with God first and foremost. I know not every reader will walk through a sweet romance with another person like in the pages of my books, BUT every reader can have a growing relationship with God. This is a love they can count on!
Let’s play a game!
My book The Kissing Bridge is a featured item in Barnes & Noble through August 18th! Next time you’re at Barnes & Noble, snap a photo of the book and post it on social media with the hashtag #iSpyTriciaG – You’ll be entered to win a $25 Starbucks gift-card and 5-book prize pack!
Only those in the US are eligible to win. Keep your eyes peeled for the winner announcement on August 19th!
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