Most of my test readers are moms, and they unanimously told me they had problems reading novels about missing kids. In this day and age, it just hits too close to home. As one told me, “This is my worst nightmare. No way I want to read about it.”
Since the main suspense in the book is not about whether Carly is alive but whether she’ll be found before she disappears forever, I asked them if would help if the reader knew pretty early about that.
They loved the idea, and so did my editor. So this beautiful eight-year-old girl, Carly, became one of my primary characters in the book, with her own segments, her own prayers, and her own subplot.
The result astonished both my readers – and me! I’ve had a lot of people tell me they fell totally in love with the girl who never gave up on God or the belief He would send someone rescue her. They cheered on the hero and heroine, Tyler and Dee, but they rejoiced in each section of Carly’s tale.
Sometimes, a little child leads us . . . but it’s a mom who’s behind her, holding the lantern that shows the way.
7 comments:
I couldn't read The Shack. Everyone loved it, but I have a pre-schooler. I had the same problem with CSI. Love, love, love the show. But, there was one that took place in a Chuckee Cheese kind of place, yup, missing child. TV off. I have Carly's book and am looking forward to reading it.
I would love to be entered into a contest to win one of the books
mat2730(at)charter(dot)net
I wasn't sure I wanted to read "Carly's" book when I first read an excerpt but went ahead a bought it anyway. And I really thought it was an excellent story because you put her in the story so we knew she was still alive and praying for release. And I'm not even a parent.
That's a new take on a missing child--one reaching out to God for protection and to be found. Although it is horrendous to have a child taken, the art of finding them intrigues me. Although, some are not found or are not alive. We still wonder about Jacob Wetterling up here. Been 20 years.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
What a great and compassionate twist to have Carly a faithful character in the book. Like others have said, reading/seeing stories about harm to children is very difficult for me. This I can handle. I can't wait to read it! Thanks for sharing this valuable insight with us.
Blessings,
Becca
becca[dot]dowling[at] yahoo[dot]com
This has made me curious, I'm going to put it on my interested list. Sounds like an incredible reading experience.
Ramona,
I'm getting to the blog late but wanted you to know how much I loved this book. You did reassure me early on that Carly was okay, although held by a very bad person. I worried for her as I read and rejoiced in the happily ever after.
Great writing!
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