Today is our anniversary! Happy eight years.

I'm so blessed to have my very own hero.

Love you, Lenny!!

F.A.I.T.H. on Monday

Click on over to F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. We are talking about finding the true core of your writing. What your story is about at heart.
If you're a reader, you can post about what type of story you LOVE to read.

Plotting on F.A.I.T.H.

Check out F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. We're talking plotting over there. Or non-plotting.

Congratulations to Mindy!

A big congratulations goes out to Mindy. She won the drawing for Healing Promises by Amy Wallace.

Again, thank you Amy for joining us and a big thank you and hello to all who visited.

Healing Promises-Amy Wallace

I'd like to introduce to you Amy Wallace, Rita Award Nominee for Ransomed Dreams.
Today we are talking about her second book, Healing Promises which will be available April 15th. I'll be drawing for a free copy tomorrow morning. So leave a comment today and check back to see if you are the lucky one to receive this great book.

I had the privilege of asking Amy a few questions.

Belinda: What was the biggest difference in writing Ransomed Dreams, then Healing Promises?

Amy: When I first wrote Ransomed Dreams, I knew nothing and had a ball just getting the story on the page. I also had a number of years to hone my craft and then rewrite the story under the guidance of my incredible editor.

Writing Healing Promises was done with a great deal more knowledge of the publishing world and skills needed for writing well. It was also written during a time of intense physical pain and spiritual searching. Due to all that, it was less than a thrill ride. But the experience taught me even more how to cling to God when storms hit full force.


Belinda: Did you prepare differently for writing Healing Promises?

Amy: For all three books in the Defenders of Hope series, tons of hours went into research, praying and laying out the stories. But Healing Promises dipped deeper into my heart and many of the issues believers struggle with when life hurts. I had to open up a lot more and pour myself out onto the page—and I thought I poured out all I had with Ransomed Dreams! But God is so faithful to fill us up and give us exactly what we need to tell stories that will touch hearts.

Belinda: Is there any advice you can give to those who write romantic suspense on how to balance the suspense with the romance and let the two compliment each other?

Amy: My advice for any type of writing is to let who God is and who you are flow through your fingers. That’s the uniqueness each writer brings to the table.

In terms of writing romantic suspense, there are a few basics to make both plot threads believable and cohesive. First, I’d suggest not writing a kiss scene in the midst of the hero and heroine being chased by some deranged antagonist. When/ if they do kiss, make it count and have it happen at a time and place that are believable. That’s not to say they can’t kiss in the midst of what appears to be a dangerous situation. Dee Henderson did a masterful job of that in The Guardian.

Another important thing a romantic suspense author can do is fully research their story. There are a ton of ideas tucked away in good research. Read biographies about and talk to people in your character’s professions. Some folks I’ve interviewed have shared great ideas for bringing together the suspense and romance plots just by telling stories of their lives.

And lastly, I’d say really getting to know your characters is one of the best ways to blend the romance and suspense well. Pray about each character’s basic lie. What do they believe about themselves? They’re unlovable? They’re not good enough? And also find out what do they want most or hope with everything in them won’t happen. Knowing these things about your characters will enable you to write them well. Praying about them will help you see what God wants to do through your story to touch hearts.

Wow!

Amy has shared valuable insights with us today. And not just about writing. Search your heart for what God would have you write. He has gifted Amy with the ability to put on paper what she has gleamed from Him into fiction that leaves us breathless and satisfied at the same time.

Remember, leave a comment to be eligible for a free copy of Healing Promises.

Thank you Amy for sharing so much with us.
PS--You HAVE to visit Heart Chocolate below----it's one of the coolest websites I've ever seen. Check it out and see if you agree.


Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter
Heart Chocolate
Ransomed Dreams--Buy Now!
Healing Promises--Buy Now!
Ransomed Dreams first chapter
Healing Promises first chapter

F.A.I.T.H. Today

We're talking about the story that won't let you go over on F.A.I.T.H. today. Check it out!

And Friday I have the priviledge of interviewing Rita Nominee Amy Wallace. Her upcoming novel Healing Promises debuts this month. Come back and visit on Friday!! Check out Amy here!

It's Only April 5th

I had a migraine on Tuesday and a grandson born on Wednesday---so I spent Thursday and Friday doing all I didn't do Tuesday and Wednesday.
How's that for excuses?

Can you claim you didn't blog because you had a migraine and a grandson being born?

Didn't think so!

But really----Tyler was born Wednesday morning. Mom and son are doing well. Everybody's home and settling in. We are going visiting today. Can't wait to hold little Tyler again.

You are familiar with the saying "time flies." And when you are young, you think everything moves so slow. I literally need a few more hours in the day to keep up with what's going on. But I know that's not going to happen. (There will always only be 24 hours in a day)

So enjoy your 24 hours---See you next week!