Becky, your book Her One and Only won in the Contemporary Romance category at the most recent Christy Awards. Does something like that change how you approach writing your fiction, or was it just “back to the grindstone”?
Writing-wise, it was just “back to the grindstone.” My writing process hasn’t changed much over the past several years. I’ve found a method that works for me and I tend to follow that method slowly and steadily, year in and year out.
That’s not to say, though, that winning a Christy didn’t impact me. It did! It was a tremendous honor. It also supplied a wonderfully motivating boost of encouragement.
This writing life is challenging at times. All of us serving in this particular ministry need boosts of encouragement if we’re going to continue over the long haul.
What are the challenges—and benefits—of writing romance fiction as a Christian author? How does your faith impact your storytelling?
The challenge: Keeping the story clean while also ensuring that it deals authentically with some of the struggles and temptations Christians face when they fall in love. The benefit: The opportunity to write stories about great love between men and women AND God’s great love for us—all wrapped up in a single novel.
My faith impacts every facet of my storytelling. I write Christian romance because I want to honor God through my profession. I ask the Lord before every writing session to enable me to tell the story He would have me tell.
I work and work to give each character a spiritual arc that illustrates an aspect of God’s astonishing grace and love because my faith compels me to celebrate those aspects of His character. My faith helps me survive the difficult seasons of doubt, deadline, and discouragement every writer faces.
What’s your favorite thing about writing romance fiction?
The heroes! I’m a romantic at heart. Thus, it’s always a delight to write about a hero who falls wildly in love—often against his will and his better judgement—with his heroine.
What are the best things readers can do to support their favorite authors?
Tell their friends about the books they enjoy! Share books with the readers in their lives. Take the time to post reviews at online bookstores. Nominate their favorite author’s book as a book club selection. Spread the word about a beloved book on social media. Ask their local public library or church library to carry their favorites.
I’ve found Christian fiction readers to be wonderfully supportive! I’m truly grateful to be a part of this encouraging community.
Visit Becky Wade’s author page here: https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/becky-wade
Falling for You
Bradford Sisters Romance Series #2
Becky Wade
Bethany House
Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family’s small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Wash., right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin—and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.
Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants—except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he’s never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he’s determined to make her give him a second chance.
When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they’re forced to confront their past and who they’ve become—and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.