When Traci asked me to write a two part series on writing Inspy Romance, I wasn’t sure where to start. Then I figured what better place than the name of the genre itself. While today’s post will focus in inspiring readers, next week’s will cover romance—how hot is too hot?
One of the key elements that sets inspirational romance apart from other forms of romance, is that it tends to inspire the reader through a Christian or uplifting theme. That’s not to say that the books are light and devoid of substance.
Quite the opposite is true. By using realistic characters in dramatic, and even devastating circumstances, the inspirational romance novel helps readers connect with the characters. They feel the same pain and joy as the characters. So, when the character learns a difficult life lesson or a new truth about God, the reader can relate.
Some of the topics included in my Prescott Pioneers Series include: death, rape, pre-marital sex, unexpected pregnancy, and abuse. These are heavy topics. But when they are delivered with a strong dose of life change and hope, they become a source of inspiration for readers who may have experienced something similar.
I’ve had more than one reader write to me about how they learned to forgive the man who raped them after reading a novel—a work of fiction—on the same subject. Because they could relate to the character they saw the need to forgive just like the character modeled.
Each novel is different in achieving the goal of inspiring readers. Sometimes it may mean a character is prompted to change because of a passage of scripture or the counsel of a friend. Sometimes the change comes from crying out to God. Other times it may come in the conversion of a soul.
Regardless of how the change happens, the primary reason for modeling change in characters is to draw readers closer to God and even closer to healing. We all have deep hurts and secrets that we try to hide from God. But He knows and He will use a variety of ways to reach us. Inspy romance novels might just be one of those ways. It’s why I’m so passionate about writing them.
Karen Baney writes Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys traveling the state of Arizona with her husband, exploring museums and the picturesque landscapes the state has to offer. Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs.
For a limited time only, pick up a free copy of A Heart Renewed (Prescott Pioneers #2) by Karen Baney.
