I admit. I like a really good romance story full of LOTS of romantic moments filled with LOTS of toe-tingling, stomach-flipping sizzle. Those are the stories I’m drawn to READ.
Those are also the stories I’m drawn to WRITE.
However, as a writer of inspirational fiction I want my novels to remain clean and sweet (without any sex scenes). So how do I balance keeping a novel clean while including the romance that causes all the feels?
My main objective is to light a low flame and slowly fan it with lots of different techniques. I like to showcase how the hero and heroine react to each other. I also like to make the most of those first touches, the hand-holding, the accidental brushes, the simmering looks, the smiles. It’s not the physical action itself that’s so important as much as what’s going on in the characters’ heads while it’s happening. Put that together with the wondering and waiting . . . it all adds to the romance, especially when woven organically with the couple’s conflict and growth.
My style of romance doesn’t appeal to all readers of inspirational fiction. That’s easy to see in one of my recent releases, Come Back to Me.
Here are a few negative comments about the type of romance:
“Not what I expected at all from Christian fiction. The romance was far too graphic for my taste.”
“Heavy focus on emotions and actions of a sexual nature, though not at all graphic. It’s basically emotion pornography.”
“The interactions between the main characters were very sensual in the way they touched, kissed and thought about each other, to the point it bordered on lustful side.”
The comments are interesting, to say the least! Here are a few of the positive comments about the romance in the book:
“There are Christian elements without things getting awkward or too preachy. There are dreamy romantic elements without things getting too overly steamy. Well balanced and very enjoyable.”
“This book had drama, suspense, action, medieval elegance and hardship, and sweet romance that will knock your socks off.”
“I could spend a lot of time discussing Marian and Sir William, so I think it’s just safe to say that their romance is beautiful, sweet, passionate, and just overall well done. “
Over the years, I’ve learned a couple of important lessons about writing romances. One, I won’t please everyone who reads my books, and that’s okay. Thankfully, there are other authors who don’t write quite as passionately and don’t focus so heavily on the romance. That means readers who don’t like my books have plenty of other options.
Two, I plan to keep writing the kind of books I enjoy reading—clean, sweet romance that doesn’t shy away from the sizzles and sighs and swoons. Life is too short to write (and read) what you don’t enjoy!
With that in mind, for readers who like a clean romance with all the feels, then add these books to your Goodreads shelves! Here’s my upcoming release schedule, four books over the next four months:
The Heart of a Cowboy (Releases Oct. 5, 2021)
Enamored (Releases Nov. 9, 2021)
Entwined (Releases Dec. 7, 2021)
Never Leave Me (Releases Jan. 4, 2022)
What about YOU? Do you like reading romances? What is your favorite aspect of a romance novel?
Jody Hedlund
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I’m a huge romance sap, Jody. So yes, please keep giving me all the feels. 🙂 Can’t wait for your next Colorado Cowboy book!
I have loved each one of your stories and have never felt offended in the least. I love the romance! I am super grateful to authors who DO find that balance. Thank you to all those who do it so well! It helps relieve my stress from a difficult day at work. Beautiful escape!
Let’s give a shout-out to all the prudes: If you can’t deal with physical sensuality, DON’T READ ROMANCE. Physicality is most often how your characters first connect, and news flash – even Christians procreate. We don’t need the nitty-gritty mechanics (closed door, please), but the before and after? You and Karen Witemeyer and Laura Frantz just keep doing what you’re doing. I listened in on a Baker Publishing panel last night on “The Faithful Crossover Writer,” which addressed this subject, and the need for readers of faith to learn to leave their bubbles. Because if you only read what fits your limited worldview, you will never be challenged to think or learn anything about how faith works in our very real, both wonderful and broken world.
Great comment, Janice! I have yet to be offended by any Christian romance. I’ve read Jody’s medieval series and some others of hers, also others on this blog. I remember when Julie Klassen received a lot of negative comments about Lady Maybe.
I’ve read plenty of romances that can get very graphic, and now find myself drawn to Christian romances.
Bring on the sizzle!!! Please don’t change the way you write due to some folks finding it a little ‘hotter’ than they prefer. I guarantee some of these same complainers probably watch way more steamier stuff on TV. God gave us the gift of attraction and physical touch, and I appreciate how you honor Him by not shying away from it.
I love books with “all the feels” without all the “show”. Just pre-ordered “The Heart of a Cowboy” and, of course, had to also buy “A Cowboy for Keeps”. I might need to hide it til Thanksgiving and all the writing conferences are over though. It will probably be an all-nighter. 🙂 You are an inspiration on how to add the sizzle to my Romantic Suspense without building the commitment too soon. Thanks for being an inspiration.