This month the Craftie Ladies have applied the saying about March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb to writing Love Inspired Suspense. The lion/lamb extremes are especially applicable to the suspense and romance arcs in our stories. On the one hand, we need to put our characters into life-threatening situations, but we also must ensure they fall head over heels in love. Adequately developing each arc can be difficult.I write stories that take place over a short period of time. The hero and heroine are thrown together and, within the opening pages, embark on an adventure sometimes before they have time to catch their breath. While they need to be aware of the escalating danger, they also need to be aware of that special new person in their lives.
In order to set up a believable romance, the first meeting is important. That initial interaction between the hero and heroine must reveal both the attraction and the danger. Is there apprehension? Rivalry? Wariness? Reservation? Or love at first sight? For me, striking the right balance demands attention to detail and lots of rewrites.
The next time you read a story or write one, focus on the first-meeting scene. Despite the changing conditions of the unfolding story, the reader should recognize the attraction between the characters and the romance that is sure to follow.
May your life be enhanced by the books you read!
Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
http://www.debbygiusti.com/
3 comments:
I like your comparison of the lamb and lion.
Margaret
Margaret, I loved the blog you posted on the subject ... and the clip art you used!
Actually, I just worked on the first-meeting scene in my YULE DIE story, which will appear with Margaret's story, MERRY MAYHEM, this DEC. Watch for CHRISTMAS PERIL to find both our novellas.
We here in Grand Forks area are going out like a lion so it must have come in quiet like a lamb.
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