Preserving Integrity

Cynthia Herron Writing, Writing Christian Fiction 7 Comments

We love to travel throughout the South.  We enjoy the history, the Southern hospitality, the warmth, the cooking, and the relaxed way of life.

Several years ago, we had the opportunity to visit a few of the museums in Mobile, Alabama.  One such museum was the “Oakleigh House.”  The grandeur of this beautifully restored home was breathtaking, particularly the sitting room pictured above.

As we toured the Oakleigh House and the accompanying grounds, I thought about times gone by.  I marveled at the lengths that we go to preserve the things we hold dear.  Things like:  land, homes, antiques that have been passed down from generation to generation.  And also things like:  history, values, and integrity.  Things that you can’t place a price tag on.

I don’t write historical fiction, but history and what it stands for has always intrigued me.  I like to incorporate bits and pieces of it in my work.

Writing with integrity in any genre is important, but when writing Christian fiction it’s especially so.  As Christians, we’re held to a higher standard and we should be.  (Note:  I didn’t say we’re better people or that we don’t have our abundance of faults or flops!)  Because of Whom we believe in, we try to live a life pleasing to Him, and that includes setting a good example for non-believers and fellow believers alike.  For me, that means I probably won’t include certain things in my novels that you might read elsewhere.  And since I write romantic fiction, it’s important that when I do tackle specific elements that it’s told from a Christian perspective, keeping Christ in mind.

Integrity is learned early.  It’s kind of like the antiques that dress our homes of yesteryear.  When fashioned by loving hands and built with a higher authority in mind, its implications are ageless. Integrity is a trait, too, that never truly grows old.  And its value increases only when taught by those who’ve harnessed it.

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A question for you to ponder…What other kinds of things should we preserve?

Comments 7

  1. Tanya Cunningham

    Cynthia, I love this post. I so value those who write with a high moral standard. When I’m reading, I have no desire for curse words or sensuality to be included. Just give my a great story, fascinating characters, and, of course, some kind of twist. Integrity is so important, as is selflessness and the unconditional love of Christ. With just those three values, anyone can make an impact for good on those around them.

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    cynthiaherron

    I think this is what led me to continue writing, Tanya. I write heartfelt, homespun Christian romance, and I always believed that a great story could be told without using ugly language or a wide array of overly-descriptive love scenes. It’s wonderful that Christian fiction is emerging as a force to be reckoned with!

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  4. pattisj

    Honesty goes hand in hand with integrity. And may I be honest? How uncomfortable does that beautiful furniture look?? 🙂 I do love to see things that were made well, the loving hand work and the hard work that went into each piece, preserved. What happened to the satisfaction of a job well done? Apparently, you have the desire to create that quality, and I commend you for it. Is your book done YET? (along for the ride, and kicking the back of your seat).

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    cynthiaherron

    Oh, Patti…I almost giggled outloud when I read your comments! Keep ’em comin’! You do add such a bright spot to my day. : )

    Yes, sadly, satisfaction for a job well done in today’s culture is fleeting. Oh, and my book has been done for a long time. My agent is now awaiting my proposal, which is a lengthy process because so much info has to be incorporated. The proposal is what editors initially ask for. It usually includes the first 50 pgs. or so of the manuscript, the synopsis, a marketing plan, a chapter by chapter breakdown, the competition factor, and so on. I’ve revamped mine about half a dozen times. I’ll be posting soon about my progress! Thanks for hanging in there with me! : )

    1. pattisj

      Now you see how little I know about the road-to-publication process. It’s a wonder there are any books on the shelf! Glad I can make you laugh. That’s really why I’m here. 🙂

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