Love Inspired Historicals discussion
First Ever Reverse Q&A
Morning everyone! I am having a blast with this week and have a new appreciation for our wonderful authors. It's hard to keep up with all the questions at times being thrown out there. Congrats on 60 years Dorothy!
Ok below are my latest answers:
But, some Christian authors I know (NOT LIH) say they would like to write more "real" books. And that reality includes swearing and other activities. They say their readers appreciate the "real" books.
~ I know this wasn’t a question just a comment that was made but I wanted to address it. Part of the reason I love the LIH, LIS, & LI lines are the fact that the characters are “real”. They aren’t perfect, they get mad or frustrated, and they at times have turned away from God. You don’t need swearing and sex to be more “real”.
You make an interesting point about some of the LI authors not adhering to the LI guidelines in their indie books. Does that make you pass on buying their indie books, but still buy their LI books?
~It would depend on how much they have strayed and how hot things would get. I don’t know if it would get me to stop buying their LI books.
What about specificity? Do you like a cover that's super-specific to the book, with the hero and heroine or just one of them, or does an atmospheric cover with say a fan or flowers or an interesting house intrigue you?
~I love all kinds of covers and can’t pick a favorite type. A cover will catch my eye but I typically buy a book based on the back or inside blurb. That said recently I picked up a LI book just because of the cover.
The little cat in the hands of the hero just made me want the book so I had to get it. Do you have any pet peeves as far as the actual writing goes? For instance, I have a problem when the hero or heroines names are constantly used- especially when the scene is in their pov. We do not think of ourselves by name! At least I don't...unless I'm disgusted with myself in which case I might think something like, "Good one, Dorothy!" I feel the same irritation with dialog tags. If they are constantly used I'll put the book down. So...
what about you? Do you have any writing pet peeves?
~ I agree with the constant use of names when we are in that character’s POV.
What a great thread. I'm enjoying all the well thought out answers. Thank you for being here. What do you think of women breaking out of traditional roles from their time period?
~ If it fits the story I don’t mind. I like reading about women who beat the odds and make it in a man’s world.
Would you read a book with an older hero and heroine?
~I don’t mind an older couple probably because I am now 30 and am noticing I am older than a lot of characters.
An example of this would be Lynn Austin's
. I can't recall the young girl's name off the top of my head, but it went something like, "Jenny didn't understand why she couldn't go out and spend time with her friends. Jenny knew she was a big girl and could take care of herself. Whatever happened, Jenny would be okay."....Because we kept getting told what Jenny was thinking by using her name, it created a strange disconnect between feeling the character and created a great deal of distance between the reader and the character. We already knew we were in "Jenny's" POV; didn't need to have it drummed into our heads with every other sentence that Jenny was Jenny.
Does that make sense?
Hannah wrote: "An example of this would be Lynn Austin's . I can't recall the young girl's name off the top of my head, but it went something like, "Jenny didn't understan..."Thank you for answering, Hannah. I do get what you mean with your example. But what if you're in a scene with Jenny and Mary. Who would be the "she" in the narrative?
Jenny could see Mary was still angry. What was she going to do?
Is Jenny concerned about what Mary is going to do, or is she trying to figure out what to do herself? Yes, one can rewrite it, but we reach a point at which we need to identify who "she" is. Make sense? All suggestions welcome!
Mod
Happy anniversary!!
Yes, I would read a book will older hero or heroine. I once read Chapel Springs Revival ..."
Love knows no age. And Happy Anniversary, Dorothy!
Louise wrote: "Hannah wrote: "An example of this would be Lynn Austin's . I can't recall the young girl's name off the top of my head, but it went something like, "Jenny d..."Anything that doesn't sound elementary would work. A brief mention is one thing, but when the POV character continues to identify herself to herself with no other interference, it's way excessive and annoying. Literally, this character would sit there by herself and sulk or think, and kept getting identified by her name (I looked it up...it's Esther.) We knew very well who was thinking.
When two people are involved in action it does become more tricky, but this isn't what I mean by "too much name calling"...I can't recall who else mentioned it, but I venture to say she'd feel the same.
Thank you, Hannah. That really helps me. Now I understand the concern, and I'll be watching for it in my own writing.
Happy anniversary, Dorothy!Great discussion, all. I'm learning so much. Thank you for sharing!
I'm not sure if I answered these:"Is there one story aspect that always hooks your interest?"
No, I'm drawn to the book because of the author, cover, or a review that I read. Price definitely plays a part unless I know the author.
Dorothy wrote: "Are there any names you feel have been overused to the point where you will pull your hair out if you read another book with that cowboy name?"
No, names don't bother me.
Regina wrote: "Do you like a cover that's super-specific to the book, with the hero and heroine or just one of them, or does an atmospheric cover with say a fan or flowers or an interesting house intrigue you?"
Covers with something like a fan or flowers don't intrigue me. A house might, though. It's easy to pass over "boring" covers. An Indie author friend of mine just used a photo (that wasn't very good), and I had to make myself read her book. I guess I feel like the cover should draw you in.
Would you read a book with an older hero and heroine?
YES! Marion Ueckermann wrote A Time To Laugh, which is hillarious! I also loved Jan Karon books. I'm sure I have read some other older hero/heroine books, too.
Do you like always happily ever after?
Janet Marie Dowell wrote: "Do you like always happily ever after?"Sorry, but my answer is YES!
Eva wrote: "Hi all!!!Great questions and answers!!!
Here's another one:
Do you have a preference for stand alone books or do you like books to be in a series?"
I like series.... I love getting to know characters better
Happy Anniversary, Dorothy!I've missed so much with my poor internet service this week. I've been scrolling through the questions and answers, they are so good!
I'll never catch up but I'll address a couple of them.
*I like when we get to know the H&H early in the book. I like an epilogue, (I don't like when they have their first kiss at the end of the book and it's over.)
*I have been a first reader/reviewer for a couple brand new authors, it's a bit of pressure, but I liked it.
*I don't like when the same descriptive words are used to describe a person's eyes, body shape, mouth shape, hair color and such.
I read one book where the female was described as having hair the color of wheat 22 times, I counted.
*As far as sexual innuendo is concerned, LI books are very tame. I don't mind reading the feelings of a married couple, it's real life, people sleep together. I don't mind reading attraction between an unmarried couple, again, it's real life. I understand some wanting a completely clean read though. My mom says, "she doesn't mind a little sex now and then, to not have it is unrealistic. Christians have sex." (Her words, not mine)
*I will read authors across genres, indies, and content. I won't read smut or overly descriptive sex scenes but I like seeing what else authors can write, sometimes.
*I like reading from different POV's. Too much naming can be an issue but sometimes it is necessary to know who is talking or being talked about.
*I love reading a book where an older couple falls in love.
*I like when women or men for that matter, have to do something that is not in their stereotypical role. A female sheriff, rancher or farmer, a male housekeeper, or single father that is shown cooking, washing and taking care of the children. I like when they can do a good job on their own and don't "have" to have the opposite sex do the job for them.
I will try to catch up again later today. This has been a fun Reverse Q&A!
Jolene wrote: "What do you think of women breaking out of traditional roles from their time period?"I don't like modern women in a historical setting (unless the woman really did go back in time somehow). I tend to prefer heroines who are confronted with breaking out of traditional roles and have to think it over (and consider the consequences) rather than modern-thinking historical women who look down on all the (in her opinion) dense, backward idiots of her time period. Even women who were progressive in their time period were still a product of their time.
Janet Marie Dowell wrote: "Do you like always happily ever after?"I like the character to have a happy, hopeful ending. Whether that takes the form of a wedding or not, the ending needs to be upbeat and satisfying.
Wow, these are all really interesting comments, I'm sitting here, taking notes. What I find interesting about the language discussion is that it that it seems to also be a difference in church/theology/background issue. An author friend of mine and I were talking because she got dinged for using a swear word that she didn't realize was a swear word as a person who didn't grow up in the church. I didn't grow up in the church either, so I've had to learn a lot about what is or isn't acceptable to other Christians, but it also, at least to me, seems to be something that varies from church to church. I got dinged by someone because my character had unChristian behavior, which I understand her perspective on, but I also look at it as the character's learning curve, if that makes sense. But others found that exact piece encouraging. So, to me, as an author, while I work really hard to depict good morals in my stories and characters who strive to live a Christian life, it's frustrating to balance the struggle with the challenges of life with the expectation of perfection, if that makes sense. I wonder where offering grace to authors and characters fits in with the expectation of Christian behavior?
So now a fun question: if you went to a reader convention, what would be a fun activity you'd like to do with an author?
That's where a good editor should be able to spot terms that could be offensive. I know that I could easily offend a Brit on accident, so if I'm writing a story for a British audience, I should get a Brit to read through it.That was one of the biggest things we learned in learning to teach ESL to internationals: consider the audience. Not to say we couldn't share the Gospel, but to consider where they were coming from...I still have a habit of pointing with my entire hand rather than a forefinger!
Also...words used do have era and region significance. Even if it's accurate, there are some words that simply shouldn't be used; the N word, for instance. There isn't something inherently profane about it, but it has been used as an insult so many times that it has become an insult and thus should not be used.
Errors by accident are okay, as long as the author doesn't come unglued and rebuke the reviewer for "intolerance." Then the relationship between author/reader is strained and trust is lost on both sides.
Fun activity? Oh, I don't know....my literary friends and I tend to talk or write and read together. I do like hearing the author read some of the story.In person....maybe a question basket? Readers could write questions on bits of paper and you could draw some to answer; you could do a giveaway for Question #10 or Question #15, etc.
So now a fun question: if you went to a reader convention, what would be a fun activity you'd like to do with an author? I also would like to hear the author read some of the story. Question and answer would also be a good thing to do. I love hearing the authors talk about the characters in their books, and giving background on why or how they wrote the book. I enjoy praying/knowing what to pray for authors.
Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary, Dorothy!Dorothy,
I enjoy the older heroe and heroine stories so I would be there to read them.
Hannah,
I really enjoyed Jan Karon's series with Father Tim.
Dorothy wrote: "Good morning! I just read through the list of answers posted after I went to bed last night. All of you are giving such great answers! I'm learning so much. l appreciate both the confirmations and ..."Older hero/Heroine.... Oh Please, please, please YES! Now that I'm in my fifties, I find myself longing for older romances... and they don't have to always be divorced or widowed! I never married and would enjoy reading about other long time singles who find love late in life.
Melinda wrote: "Jolene wrote: "What a great thread. I'm enjoying all the well thought out answers. Thank you for being here. What do you think of women breaking out of traditional roles from their time period?"I like the idea of women breaking out of their traditional roles, if it is realistic and it gives us another view of women's roles. For example I was on a guided tour of my area and told about the history and one interesting fact was that even in post WWII in the southern mill towns both of the parents worked in the mill working alternate shifts. This is different than the homemaker wife and breadwinner husband roles that we were told happened in that time period which might of been true in upper middle and upper income households but in working and in lower middle class households that may not have been the case.
Janet Marie Dowell wrote: "Do you like always happily ever after?"Yes, I do like happily ever after. Reading is sometimes an escape from problems so I guess happy endings are what I hope to read.
Danica wrote: "Wow, these are all really interesting comments, I'm sitting here, taking notes. What I find interesting about the language discussion is that it that it seems to also be a difference in church/th..."
I guess I offer a little grace because I skip over things I don't particularly like to find out how the story turns out. I won't likely go to a reader convention. (I live 70 mi. away from a city big enough to have a mall much less a convention.) I guess I would like to hear an author tell how some their books were inspired, get a book authographed. I've not been to a convention so I don't really know.
Danica wrote: "I got dinged by someone because my character had unChristian behavior, which I understand her perspective on, but I also look at it as the character's learning curve, if that makes sense."I actually like novels that show people growing in their faith--including their behavior, as even long-time Christians struggle with that. But growth has to happen within the book in my hand. Some characters start out non-Christians, are perfect, and get Christ, and I'm thinking, "why did she feel like she needed God?" Others are Christian and their learning curve is so slow (like in a series) that I'm thinking, "We have Christ. This is supposed to make a difference, be the answer. Yet her life isn't any different, any freer because of her faith."
However, I can see that making a sympathetic character with some bad behavior, describing that behavior without offending someone, AND pacing their learning curve to satisfy everyone would be difficult. Probably why so many settle for nice-acting Christian characters (no growth) or nice-acting non-Christians who suddenly convert at the end.
I don't recall ever giving an author a bad review for characters with unChristian-like behavior, use of bad words, sexual descriptions, etc. I just say I don't care for reading that type of thing and notify others in case they also don't care to read it.
Happy Anniversary, Dorothy!Dorothy wrote: "Good morning! I just read through the list of answers posted after I went to bed last night. All of you are giving such great answers! I'm learning so much. l appreciate both the confirmations and ..."
Makes sense, Janet! Thanks :)Janet Marie Dowell wrote: "Eva wrote: "Hi all!!!
Great questions and answers!!!
Here's another one:
Do you have a preference for stand alone books or do you like books to be in a series?"
I like series.... I love getting to..."
I have another question, since you're all so awesome with your answers!!! All of us authors are taking notes along with Danica :)If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please explain why you like it? What is it about the people or the setting that draw you in? etc.
Sorry I'm late getting here! Been a busy week and haven't had time to pop in so I'll try and get caught up throughout the day! Dorothy - my favorite place and era to read about would be American history, anywhere from pilgrims to pioneers! But honestly I'll read anything historical with a good story line, late 1800s are just my favorite =) yes I would definitely buy a pre-revolution book of yours though! My answer is very similar to Ausjenny! I would like an Oregon trail novel also but typically avoid regency novels. I also like what Hannah wrote and how the civil war tends to be very "flat" with good and bad. I wouldn't mind reading a civil war book that was a little more 2 sided because there was good and bad with both sides. Again, I like anything historical though and accuracy is a big thing for me also!
Patty - I would actually like to read some! I always see little things on Facebook about woman helping in the war and stuff. What they did should be real, but I'm ok with fictitious places. I would also wonder where the facts stop and the fiction starts, but I'm game for anything!
Janet - the truth of the time period draws me in! I love learning about little facts that are particular to a certain time period! I once read a book about the Oregon trail and in the book the girl is making a stew and used hemlock thinking that it's radishes and ended up poisoning everyone who ate it!
Christina - yes it does!!! I LOVE detail like that, it makes the story more complete to me!
Sherri - I love any and all heroes but I think Cowboys and soldiers are my favorite!
Dorothy - I like sweet and feisty! Especially if she's witty and leaves the other characters speechless haha I usually struggle with the pampered spoiled characters, especially if it takes awhile for them to become less self centered.
Eva wrote: "I have another question, since you're all so awesome with your answers!!! All of us authors are taking notes along with Danica :)If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please explain why you ..."
I like Amish fiction because it is somewhat peaceful, country living like years gone by and there are good stories written.
Congrats Dorothy that is an achievement.I like older hero/heroine it gives older singles a hope. So many books even contemporary have them in early 20's or younger. To have hero/heroine in there mid 30's plus are rare and 40+ even rarer and there are people out there who would love to find love who are older and haven't for what ever reason.
Louise wrote: "Good morning, ladies.Today my question is for those who don't like the h/h named in their pov passages. I was a little shocked to see you call it poor writing, since some of the great literature ..."
Lousie I think it may be more when its just Hero/Heroine talking.
I am thinking more of a book I read which constantly had name said xxxxx, name did xxxx. and every thing had the name and then action or speech and often that person was the only one in the scene. I don't notice it as much with LIH.
Ausjenny wrote: "Louise wrote: "Good morning, ladies.Today my question is for those who don't like the h/h named in their pov passages. I was a little shocked to see you call it poor writing, since some of the gr..."
Aha! Thanks, Jenny. Several of you have answered in very helpful ways. That's what our Q&A is all about!
Dorothy - the ice box and refrigerator is interesting! I don't usually go back and check for accuracy, I trust that the author has done their research but every now and then I'll see something that is modern. I read contemporary as well, and usually at the same time so I let a lot of little things slide. I'm not that picky =)Louise - I like both but I think I prefer an even story telling with both. I'm not a suspense reader so I like knowing what is going on with both characters =)
I am going to have to check out all these book recommendations! They sound so good!
Louise - yes I love animals! Especially when children are involved! I love the bonds between the characters and animals. It's a nice aide thing that adds to the story I think.
Eva - ooh great question. I love series! More often than not, one book just isn't enough. I love going back and reading more about characters that we met in previous books. I think that is my favorite!
Dorothy - names don't bother me so much, especially since most are common and I can pronounce them correctly! I do love reading about characters with unique names that were common during that time or even family names that might have been passed down!
Janet Marie Dowell wrote: "Do you like always happily ever after?"Yes that's why I buy the books knowing they will be HEA endings. I have read others books but I like to know what sort of book I am reading.
Hannah wrote: "I don't do Amish fiction..."Hi Hannah it depends who writes it I like Wanda Brunstetter and I think I have almost read more Amish this year than other books.
Danica, When a character isn't a Christian its expected they will have some issues that are not Christian and I like to see those characters grow. A non Christian is often going to act differently.
Dorothy - I like a lead in way better than an immediate meeting. I like being able to learn about the characters before they meet each other. Christine - I prefer gritty reality on the cover! I also like when the cover is part of the story also! Maybe a scene that takes place later in the book. I think it's fun to connect the two.
Danica - I follow the author! If they are genres that I normally read I will definitely follow them!
Eva, I think I like the more relaxed lifestyle and the sense of community although I would never want to be Amish and I know there are parts of the sect that are dangerous. Reading accounts of people who have left and are completely cut of from family and how some talk about the discipline which often included beatings if they did something wrong. One girl said she learnt a thicker piece of wood hurt less than a thinner piece of wood. but I guess in books that side is left out. I don't like all of the books but I guess its the intrigue about the group.
So now a fun question: if you went to a reader convention, what would be a fun activity you'd like to do with an author? I too like hearing some of an upcoming release, A get to know you activity with the author. Also depending on numbers a game where get matched with someone or a group and get to know each other.
Louise wrote: "Hannah wrote: "An example of this would be Lynn Austin's . I can't recall the young girl's name off the top of my head, but it went something like, "Jenny d..."Louise, I use different ways to show who is talking, thinking, etc. when there are two or more characters in a scene. One way is the use of beats, another is to have a characters personality and character so well defined they are easily distinguished from one another. Another is the speech pattern, accent, etc. of different characters. I do not use a character's name in their pov...not in any of my books. And I do not use dialog tags.
I hope that helps. E-mail me if you like and we can talk. : )
I'm back! Thank you for the congratulations!I'm reading through the questions and answers I missed while I was out of town. Thanks to those who answered my question about having an older hero and heroine. I have a couple of stories with older characters already and now I'm thinking of other possible stories... I'm so excited about my writing again! thank you all! Now, I need a publisher... : )
All of you are so thoughtful and precise with your answers. I can't thank you enough for taking part in this Reverse Q&A!
Louise wrote: "Good morning, ladies.Today my question is for those who don't like the h/h named in their pov passages. I was a little shocked to see you call it poor writing, since some of the great literature ..."
I like books written that way, Louise so I am in the minority it seems.
Eva wrote: "I have another question, since you're all so awesome with your answers!!! All of us authors are taking notes along with Danica :)If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please explain why you ..."
I grew up near Lancaster , PA so it was part of the area and culture for me. I read the Amish books because it brings back memories of seeing them as I was growing up. We liked Saturday evening drives in the Summer because the Amish go courting and we would see them on all of the roads traveling to go get the young ladies.
Ausjenny wrote: "Danica, When a character isn't a Christian its expected they will have some issues that are not Christian and I like to see those characters grow. A non Christian is often going to act differently."I agree, Ausjenny.
Dorothy - I can't stand books that have an abrupt ending! I would like a wedding or even if it ends right when the characters profess their love, I love an epilogue that shows us a little down the line of how their lives have worked out =)Eva - I haven't really given it much thought but I would like to see siblings or other relatives! I love being involved with authors! I do like to help pick names but I also like to see the other suggestions too! I'm terrible at reviewing books but being a reader there is nothing more exciting than getting a book early! Haha.
Dorothy - YES YES YES!!! I would love to go back to Pinewood!!!
Ok, Hannah :) I'm sure you have your reasons :)Hannah wrote: "I don't do Amish fiction..."
Melinda wrote: "Louise wrote: "Good morning, ladies.Today my question is for those who don't like the h/h named in their pov passages. I was a little shocked to see you call it poor writing, since some of the gr..."
I don't think you're in the minority. Each of us has our favorite things. :-)
Interesting, Brenda. Is it like a historical, without being a historical?Brenda- wrote: "Eva wrote: "I have another question, since you're all so awesome with your answers!!! All of us authors are taking notes along with Danica :)
If you are a fan of Amish fiction, can you please expl..."
Love Inspired Historicals
Books mentioned in this topic
While We're Far Apart: (other topics)While We're Far Apart: (other topics)
Chapel Springs Revival (other topics)
While We're Far Apart: (other topics)
While We're Far Apart: (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ane Mulligan (other topics)Dawn Crandall (other topics)
Elisabeth Grace Foley (other topics)
Randy Singer (other topics)
Tracy Groot (other topics)
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Happy anniversary!!
Yes, I would read a book will older hero or heroine. I once read Chapel Springs Revival by Ane Mulligan which is about an older women trying to revive her marriage. I really liked it, so I know that age of the hero/heroine doesn't bother me :)