Confessions of a Christian Romance Author
I never set out to write romance.
I realize now that I feared going there—because going there meant being vulnerable.
I planned to write women’s fiction—stories that focused on female relationships and today’s issues. You know—the easy stuff! (Just kidding about the easy part.)
But, one day my critique partners, Annette Irby and Ocieanna Fleiss, set me straight. They told me I might as well accept it—I was a romance writer. At first, I balked at the idea, but once I stopped lying to myself, I actually gained freedom in writing.
That being said, I still find myself hesitating when asked, “What do you write?”
People who read nonfiction sometimes look at Christian romance novels as fluff and not worth their time. People who read secular romance may question how Christianity and romance fit. I try to explain without rambling, but I don’t always do a stellar job.
Recently, I went to the hair salon I’ve used for many years, but since my technician had left to pursue her dream job, I’d made an appointment with someone recommended. I recognized the woman about my age—she’d worked at that salon for about as long as I’d been going there.
A friendly, social person, she wanted to learn a little bit about me, and here’s how it went down.
“Do you have the day off?” she asked.
“No, I work from home. I’m just taking a break.”
She applied color to my hair. “Oh, what do you do?”
“I’m a freelance editor and writer.”
“What do you write?” An anticipated question.
I took a breath and decided to go for it. “I write Christian romance novels.”
Silence.
She finished her task and left me to wait alone until the rinse.
What was I to think? Yep—that.
The technician returned and led me to the sink. I was shocked when her testimony poured out.
She shared some of what she’d gone through over the years—tough stuff. But, at one point, she’d become a Christian, and the Lord had changed her life and also her daughter’s.
I was amazed at some of the similarities in our personal journeys. I’ve been a Christian my entire life, but we had faced similar challenges. As I became more vulnerable, she did as well, and I learned more.
Before I left the salon that day, she hugged me. We both felt unexpectedly blessed and encouraged as we parted.
I was reminded that if I let fear of being misunderstood, of being rejected, of being laughed at—or fear of anything else—direct how I act, I’m in danger of cheating the people I encounter and myself.
“There is no fear in love.”
1 John 4:18 (NIV)
As Christian writers, we pour our hearts into writing because we love God, and we care about his people. We also love the written word.
I write fiction because I truly believe story can change lives. But, in order to impact others, there are times when we need to be honest—vulnerable—unafraid, especially if God has called us to write.
Out of love, be bold in your writing and be proud that you have a passion to write Christian fiction—including romance.
Has there ever been a time when you didn’t know how to respond to this question: What do you write?
In order to impact others, there are times when we need to be honest—vulnerable—unafraid, especially if God has called us to write. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters
Releasing Nov. 25
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| By All Appearances |
By All Appearances
Liana Tate, a special events planner grew up in a high-profile family. No matter what she does, Liana feels she never measures up.
Bryan Langley, a talented musician, was close to signing a recording contract when a barn fire left part of his face severely burned. He survived, but his career did not.
When Liana’s father hires Bryan as a caretaker on the family estate outside of Seattle, Liana’s and Bryan’s lives become entangled. He risks public humiliation for Liana’s success, and she encourages him to use his musical gifts, despite his reluctance. Thrown together, will they achieve their elusive dreams? And will the two find the love and acceptance they yearn for, or will their actions only drive each other away?
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| Dawn Kinzer |
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, good wine, strong coffee, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
You can connect and learn more about Dawn and her books by visiting these online sites: Author Website, Faithfully Write Editing, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon Author Page, and Goodreads.
