Monday, February 16, 2009

Killing me softly - with words

Killing me Softly – with words—

I love words! The way they sound, the way they go together, what they mean –the stories they become. I began reading at a really young age and as a child I remember being fascinated by the suspense stories, the who-dunnits, the mysteries. Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys were favorites. I loved the danger and the scary music.

With that kind of background, I suppose it was only natural for me to turn to suspense when I started writing. The thrill of building a story, the background for the characters and writing a bad guy…wow! Just the other day I sent my editor a thank you note for letting me have this job…LOL.

But one thing that seems to come up on a regular basis is the question – “Why do you write Christian Suspense?” Sure, I could write a book, focused on the mystery, the characters, and the plot, but to me, when you leave the faith element out, your characters become two dimensional. Why? Because we’re not two dimensional beings. God made us with a spirit so in order to have characters that don’t fall flat, it’s my opinion that an author must include the faith element.

I’m so blessed that I get to write about my Lord. Each book is like a devotional for me because as I’m writing all the action and suspense, I get to call on God for help, I get to thank Him for his faithfulness and goodness, I get to tell Him how awesome He is on each and every page of the story. It’s like one ongoing conversation with my heavenly Father. How incredible is that?

So, that’s why I chose Christian suspense—and why I like to kill my readers softly with a story that rocks and a God who loves.

5 comments:

Jill Kemerer said...

It is very difficult to write books that do not reflect your faith. It's as if something vitally important is missing. I mean, the actions and reactions I do every day are based on my religious beliefs. Characters are the same way.

I think writing for Christian markets is freeing, because the characters are behaving according to my beliefs and the reader understands that. There's no skirting the issue.

Thanks for the insight!
Jill Kemerer

Debby Giusti said...

Hi Lynette,
I grew up on Nancy Drew as well!!! Loved those stories. Of course, now I love Christian suspense. Congrats on all your success!

Pamela Tracy said...

I think one of the things that amazes me the most about writing Christian suspense is how 'clear' a scripture suddenly becomes when you're trying to match it to a situation. Very little 'soft' about it.

Margaret Daley said...

So true, we have to give our criminals good reason for what they did while in real life that isn't always the case. Example road rage.
Margaret

Unknown said...

This is the first time to peek at your blog. Love the title and concept--especially your February Valentine's theme.
On the trail,
Steve & Janet
www.BlyBooks.com