At the 2011 American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference, I recently had the opportunity to attend many interesting workshops that pertained to the writing craft. Since I write faith-based romance, naturally I registered for the A Kiss is Not Just a Kiss session taught by Christian authors Julie Lessman and Ruth Axtell Morren.
This particular workshop focused on how to write an emotionally charged love scene. Some of the key points these ladies included:
- Make the most of male “internal monologue” or what the hero is thinking during the kiss scene. This is more of an internal awareness of the hero. Tasteful description is used; there is no mention of body parts.
- Make the most of touch/response. Remember–this is Christian romance. A little description, appropriately used, goes a long way. Emotionally charged words are used to heighten romantic tension. It should go without saying that vulgarity is unacceptable in faith-based romance.
- When writing love scenes utilizing both the hero/heroine viewpoints, keep POV switches to a minimum to avoid confusion. Always double-space to indicate a change of POV.
- Use all five senses. Tasting, touching, seeing, hearing, and smelling can pack a powerful punch in a love scene. Again, it’s not all about the actual kiss. Think of the many ways you can incorporate the five senses into your love scenes. It’s not necessary to be overly graphic.
- Don’t forget–it’s all about the chase, or the romantic pursuit. Keep the emotional and romantic tension building right up until the “happily ever after.”
(Again, these points are credited to Julie Lessman and Ruth Axtell Morren.) And it should be noted also: Passion without love is lust.
As I’ve mentioned before, as I weave a story it’s important to me to reflect the love of Jesus Christ first, and in doing so, point others toward Him. Any other relationships are secondary.
In my post Stuck on You, I said something to the effect, “To add titillating details within Christian fiction (specifically Christian romance) serves no purpose.” The goal should always be to glorify Christ through our words.
I might also add, that obviously, I believe it’s possible to write faith-based romance that incorporates romance, love, marriage, and desire without our stories taking on inappropriate undertones.
As I’ve said before, there are many authors that who write what is considered to be “edgy fiction” and they do so quite well. The degree to which this is done is in accordance with the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) guidelines and varies among personal publishing house preferences.
Although I do incorporate many “love scenes” in my work, I don’t considered them to be edgy. Descriptive? Yes. Packed with romantic tension? Yes. Beyond a PG-13 rating? No. It’s important to me that my books are “safe” for daughters, moms, grandmas, wives, and wives and husbands. Again, it’s just my personal commitment and how I feel that I can best please my Lord and Savior.
That said, I love a great romance! I enjoy the pursuit, the application of real-life struggles, the joining of forces, and the happily ever after factor that should always prevail in the end. And even more so, I’m completely humbled when God directs my thoughts, words, and actions while writing Christian fiction so that my stories might reflect our Heavenly Father’s all-encompassing love for us.
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Think of your favorite romantic movies. What characteristics made those movies stand-outs?
Comments 12
That was a fun session, wasn’t it? And I love your quote, “Passion without love is lust.” So true.
Author
I can’t claim credit for that quote, Sarah–I heard that spoken in one of the workshops, as well, but it is indeed true. Wasn’t Julie and Ruth’s session great?! They reminded us that in Christian fiction we can still be real, have fun, and glorify Christ all at the same time.
This is a great post. I do believe in the end, it’s about the chase…
Author
Yes, Julie and Ruth pointed out that sometimes writers may make the mistake of ending the “chase”/pursuit at about two-thirds of the way into the book, rather than continuing with the romantic tension right up until the very end.
Thanks again for sharing some of the information you learned at the conference, Cynthia.
Author
My pleasure!
CYNTHIA!!! Thank you SO much, not only for attending our workshop, but for writing about it too — we are thrilled that you enjoyed it.
LOVE the line, “Passion without love is lust” because it is SO true!! Reminds me of several lines I wrote in A Passion Denied when Lizzie is explaining what she discovered about love vs. lust:
“I’ve lived in this dream world of romance for so long now, that it’s become my god, the craving of my soul. I wanted Tom’s kisses, his attention. It made me feel good inside, warm and alive with passion. But when he said those things tonight, I realized … that without God in the middle, it’s nothing but lust—heat that burns but doesn’t keep you warm. A flash of fire that leaves you feeling empty and dirty and cold, like charred remains.”
Thank you again for coming to the workshop and God bless you in your writing!
Hugs,
Julie
Author
You and Ruth were such a blessing to me, Julie! Your workshop was amazing–I’m not sure if you were aware of it, but you had us all spellbound! Thank you for teaching us that you CAN write great, clean, wholesome (and spine-tingling) romance while glorifying Christ and His kingdom at the same time.
And I would encourage everyone to visit Julie and Ruth’s websites to learn more about their wonderful writing ministries.
Thank you SO much, Cynthia — “spellbound” is certainly good, whether one is a speaker or a writer, eh? MUCH appreciated!!
Hugs,
Julie
Cynthia, like you I enjoyed the workshop, one filled with lots of helpful tips on how to write tasteful and yet emotionally charged love scenes, the kind I like to read and write.
Author
And I can’t wait until July 2012 for your debut, Keli! (I’ll have it just in time for you to autograph in Dallas next year.)
Thanks, Keli — and like Cynthia, I am anxious to read the rest of your book! 😉
Hugs,
Julie