Writing the Christian Romance

by Gail Gaymer Martin

Craft Compelling, Salable Romances With a Christian Worldview Every novel needs believable characters, strong plot lines, and universal themes–and Christian romance is no exception. This unmatched resource by award-winning novelist Gail Gaymer Martin will help you master basic fiction writing skills, while ensuring your story meets and exceeds the standards of the Christian market. It comprehensively covers the special techniques and elements of the Christian romance novel, as well as how to sell your finished product to a publisher. Through detailed step-by-step instruction, examples from successful Christian romances, and practical exercises, you'll discover how

Genres: Writing, Christian, Reference, Nonfiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2007

About the author

Multi-award-winning novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin writes Christian fiction for Winged Publications with many books published by Love Inspired and Barbour Publishing, where she was honored by Heartsong readers as their Favorite Author of 2008. Gail has 77 published novels or novellas with over four million books in print. She is the author of Writers Digest’s Writing the Christian Romance and a founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, a keynote speaker at churches, libraries and civic organizations and presents workshops at conference across the US. She was named one of the four best novelists in the Detroit area by CBS local news. Gail loves to hear from readers through her website contact and adds the reader's name to her bi-monthly drawing for a free book or two.

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An old friend of our family, an exuberant lady of advanced years, once told us that she would eat a bar of soap if there were enough salsa on it. Books on how to write are the salsa for me, and so yes, I read a book on how to write a Christian romance. I read Stephen King's book on writing too, despite never having read anything else by him.

So I rated this one three stars. The wordcraft portions of this book were quite good, and very helpful -- particularly on that pesky POV cluster of problems. But the examples, culled from various Christian romances were enough to put me off my feed, and hence the three stars.

[Joanne Bischof · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful when I got writers block for my novel, Cry of My Heart. I've been told that there is no such thing as writers block. Writing is a profession, take it seriously and power through. Well I doubt they were a stay at home/homeschooling mom!

This book was laid out simply, easy to read and a pleasure to get into!

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did a really good job of first defining the Romance genre and then distinguishing between secular and Christian Romance.

Though I personally do not read or write pure romance, I find the most stories do have elements of the genre. There is advice in here that will come in handy for any writer who feels that their, Sci-fi action fantasy adventure could use a love interest. For a writer who swears that they will never write a love story no matter how many genres you disguise it as, there is still a very good chapter of character development that I think most fiction writers will find useful. I also greatly enjoyed the various plotting techniques suggested.

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you've ever wanted to know about writing a Christian romance - but were afraid to ask. Gail Gaymer Martin sets the dos-and-don'ts out in a logical, readable, and informative format. She explains not only what makes a book acceptable to the Christian marketplace, but goes much further into what it takes to write an excellent book. She is generous with her use of samples and challenges readers to get out their practice pens at the end of each chapter. I'm calling this one a "must read" if you're thinking about publishing a romance for the Christian market.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 2008 edition of this book after finding it on my bookshelves, and I found much of the content still pertinent to those who aspire to write a Christian romance. Of course, the marketing info is outdated, but if you are in the early stages, this is a good place to learn how to plan your storyline and then work it out.

Hope Irvin Marston, 2021 Charlotte Award winner in the high school division for THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE.

[Cathy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the title fool you. Although this book is written primarily for those who want to write in the romance genre, it's loaded with valuable information for writers of any genre. See the rest of my review at www.wordvessel.blogspot.com.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have book for anyone wishing to write Inspirational Romance.

[Xondra Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that explains the differences in the markets. I'd recommend it.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. I really enjoyed this book. it had helpful advice.

[Joan Hephzibah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I read to begin my writing journey...provided a pathway.

[Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

this provides various ideas on how to create characters. since the target audience is christian only heavy breathing is allowed, so, essentially, rated g behavior, they may have been naughty in the past, but no longer, so, no swearin' or lies. check with publishers to see what they will allow/accept.

many examples of materials. at the end advice on how to submit the masterpiece. insightful.