How to Write a Christian Romance (Part 2)

How to Write a Christian Romance Novel (Part 2)
by Sandi Layne

Last week, I briefly sketched out one way to approach the writing of a romance novel, going a bit more in-depth with the creation of a heroine and hero as well as deciding the base for the novel. This week, I am continuing with character development, which lies at the heart of the character-driven romance!

Before that, though, we ought to give a word to where your novel is set. “A setting that makes sense,” is what I proposed last week. Let me elaborate a little on that.

Setting

There is an old adage: Write what you know! This applies especially, I think, to a setting. You have to have a working knowledge of where your story will be taking place. This knowledge may come through actual life experience or through exhaustive research.

I live in the beautiful, arid, desert southwest. I have started, of late, setting most of my novels here where I live. For one thing, the weather is incredible (except in July and August, when it’s a monsoon-prone pizza oven) and for another, I know the area, the streets, and the people. So, when Jane picks up Jack from the airport, I can describe what Jack is seeing as he drives through Phoenix. This is local color – a vibrant addition to any work.

I am writing an historical novel, as well. It takes place in Ireland and I have had to delve deeply into the landscape there, via the Internet. I also interview people who live there, to get a feel for the ambience of my setting. Pictures online give me clues as to what the land might have looked like Way Back When. Place names have histories that reflect the past of a location. All of this is necessary to solidly ground my characters into a place that makes sense.

Be careful, here! If you are off in how you portray a place, you will hear about it, I assure you!

Character Development

This is fun. For me, at least. I do not believe I can create any believable romance until and unless the protagonists have been dwelling in my imagination for a long while.

What does your character look like? Have their looks affected their personality for good or ill? Where are they spiritually? A long life walking with God? Just met Him? Not interested in Him in the least? Are they backsliding due to personal crises or apathy? Where did they go to school? What did they study? What do they like to do in their spare time? Do they have any quirks you can include in a story?

Now this may seem silly to you, I can understand that. After all, will Jane’s educational background ever see daylight in her romance? Not likely. But it will have formed who she is, and that person has to be real to you, her creator, in order for you to make her move and breathe appropriately in a convincing manner.

What about Jack? Does he have old relationship hang-ups? An aversion to marriage? What kind of family does he come from? Lots of siblings? An only child? These are questions you can ask about Jane, too, of course.

I find it fun to give my protagonists quirks, too. Little mannerisms that will be seen throughout the story. One of my heroines is always straightening her clothes when she’s nervous. Another drums her fingers. I have a hero who runs his hand over his hair when he’s thinking. These types of things add color and three-dimensionality to your characters.

Entertainment Doesn’t Have to be Empty!

The goal of setting believable characters into a place that works for them is for you to connect with your reader. Your characters can teach and reach others, even as you are entertaining the reader with your story. If we truly want to write to inspire as we write to entertain, then we should be able to show God’s character and immeasurable capacity to love His children in every romance novel we write.

Next week, we’ll discuss how the plot development of a novel can grow…it is a complicated process that discourages many romance-hopefuls, so stay tuned!

Look for Sandi's regular Kids-n-Keys column at: http://www.writetoinspire.com

Also, look to Sandi Layne for your editing needs: http://www.alookediting.com or visit Sandi at: http://www.authorsden.com/sandilayne