romance

4 Posts of Note on Romance Fiction

 

With Valentines Day just around the corner, I wanted to present these noteworthy posts about romance fiction. Whether you're a reader, writer, or bookseller of love stories, you'll find something of interest below. Enjoy!

1. Love, A More Excellent Way

Learn more about One Thousand Gifts

Blog post by Robin Lee Hatcher (@robinleehatcher)
"Love is what you do when the other person is unlovable," writes Hatcher in this reflection on the costs and joys of love. Read more of Hatcher's post, which was also her contribution to a book called How to Fall in Love like a Romance Writer.

 

2. A Touch of Romance: New Trends & Advice for In-store Promotions

Roundtable interview by Christine D. Johnson for ChristianRetailing.com.
In this interview of value for aspiring authors and Christian booksellers, Johnson interviews several of Christian publishing's experts on romantic fiction, including Sue Brower, Zondervan's own Executive Editor of fiction. Here is one of Brower's many wise dashes of advice:

"Many of our [romance novels] now have discussion questions in the back, and I would encourage the stores to create book clubs or an environment where a book club could meet. Sometimes people don't want to admit they read romance because it's not thoughtful reading when, in fact, it is and what helps that is having these book club questions." Read More

 

3. Interview with Lori Copeland, Romance Author

Learn more about The Christian Faith

Interview by Kim Ford for ChristianFictionOnlineMagazine.com
In this interview Lori Copeland shares wisdom for writers trying to break into the market, and encouragement for writers going through difficult patches. "Do the best you can with what you have," writes Copeland, "and learn to be a lemonade connoisseur. Plenty of lemons will come your way, but stay close to the Father, and through it all you'll have the sweetest of faith, hope, and love to help you reap the rewards God has in store." I love that phrase lemonade connoisseur. Read more of the interview.

 

4. Finally! Some Romance Characters that Look Like Me…

Learn more about Protection for Hire

Blog post by Grace Hwang Lynch (@HapaMamaGrace)
Lynch spotlights three women of color who are bringing diversity to the Romance genre, including Zondervan author Camy Tang (@camytang). Lynch quotes Tang:

"My future editor at Zondervan, Sue Brower, saw the lack of Asian ethnic fiction and the need for it, and she persisted in presenting my story to the editorial and marketing teams until they contracted my series in early 2006. Since then, I've heard from readers both Asian and non-Asian who have really connected with and related to my characters, and I'm very grateful." Read more of Lynch's post.

Postscript

Adam & Eve

This stained glass window portrays what may be the oldest love story of them all.

 

Question for Discussion: Is the story of Adam and Eve a love story?

 

-Adam Forrest, Zondervan


(Image attribution: stained glass window, St. Florentin, France. By Mattana (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. This post does not represent the views of Zondervan or any of its representatives. The writer's personal opinions are shared only for information purposes. To receive new Zondervan Blog posts in your reader or email inbox, subscribe to Zondervan Blog.)

 

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7 Resources We Love (On Relationships, Dating, Marriage, and Sex)

These seven resources are recommended by people at Zondervan. Each resource may take a different angle on love and relationships, but they all have one thing in common: they’ve helped us grow in love. We hope they help you too.
 
Boundaries Boundaries
by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

“My wife and I are going through this together. The ways the authors talk about the need for boundaries in relationships, it all just makes sense. When we’re done with this book, were going to do Boundaries in Marriage.” – Roger

Also of Interest: Boundaries in Marriage DVD
NOOMA 002: Flame NOOMA 002: Flame
by Flannel

“I saw Flame in college chapel with a thousand other students, and when it was over you could’ve heard a pin drop. As a college student, Flame taught me to view love in a whole new way. As a wife today, it reminds me how to keep love alive.”
– Megan

Also of Interest: NOOMA Group: Collection 001
Captivating Captivating
Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul
by John and Stasi Eldredge

“Captivating helped me see how God woos every one of us, and how we can only find our fullness in Him. It reminded me that my worth isn’t found in things of this world, but in God’s love for me.” – Kelly

Also of Interest: Love and War DVD
Sacred Marriage Sacred Marriage
by Gary Thomas

“An interesting perspective on marriage, taking the focus from ‘How can my marriage make me happy?’ to ‘How does God use marriage to make us more holy?’ It’s one of those books you can read in parts and still find useful.” – David

Also of Interest: Sacred Marriage DVD
Sex God Sex God
by Rob Bell

“Bell’s book is full of ideas, and a lot of them made me lay the book down to reflect. I have to keep buying it, because I end up giving each new copy to a friend!” – Steve

Also of Interest: NOOMA 002: Flame
How to Get a Date Worth Keeping How to Get a Date Worth Keeping
by Henry Cloud

“The post-college dating scene was scary—I thought I’d left the best dating pool I’d ever see, and I didn’t know what to do next. Then Cloud’s book gave me tools for growth, like how to deal better with rejection, and how to just enjoy the crazy erience of getting to know someone.” – Adam

 

Also of Interest: Boundaries in Dating
Love and War DVD Love and War DVD
by John and Stasi Eldredge

“I’m excited for this to release [in March]. Since marriage is hard, a lot of people think they’ll never have the marriage they dream of. It can be done though, and this study helps you see how.” – Mike

Also of Interest: Love and War Pariticipant’s Guide
 

Have a personal favorite of your own? We’d like to hear about it – leave a comment!
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