Writing the Christian Romance (Paperback)

by Gail Gaymer Martin (Author)
Key Phrases: romantic growth, dialogue tags, category romance, Writing the Christian Romance, Understanding Point of View, Creating Believable Characters (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Writing the Christian Romance provides readers with detailed instruction for creating a storyline that is reflective of Christian values with authentic well constructed principled characters. This comprehensive book shows writers how to develop an engaging, passionate, conflict-driven romantic storyline without the use profanity, gratuitous violence, or sexually explicit content. Writers will learn to construct stories using the three threads around which Christian romance is centered: the characters' personal growth, the growth of the romance, and the characters' spiritual growth, which is as irrevocably tied to the storyline as the first two threads.

About the Author
Accomplished author and conference speaker. Gail Gaymer Martin is the award-winning author of more than 25 Christian romance novels and is a co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers. Greystoke Entertainment has optioned her 2003 novel, The Christmas Kite, for a Hallmark TV movie.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books (December 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582974772
• ISBN-13: 978-1582974774
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #192,404 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin, February 18, 2008

By	Patricia M. Gonzlaes "writing as Patti Shene" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having read some of her novels, I was looking forward to reading Gail's book and gleaning all the advice she had to give about writing romance. Gail covered most of the essential elements of a good story: characterization, dialogue, tension, POV, and plotting. She leads the reader through the process of developing the hero and heroine as multi-dimensional, believable characters and escalating their romantic interest throughout the story.

Gail does a thorough job of speaking to the specific elements of a Christian romance verses other genre fiction. She gives excellent information on how to handle delicate subjects without offending the Christian publisher or reader. She explains how to develop the spiritual thread of a story.

Her suggestions and tips are backed up by examples from a wide variety of authors. The exercises at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and geared to teach the writer how to improve in specific areas.

Gail provided an example of a query/cover letter, short synopsis, a one-page synopsis, and a long synopsis. There may be others out there, but this is the first writing craft book I have read that gives a complete example of all four. This will be most helpful to those who struggle with this integral step in making a sale. She also gives sound advice on publication options, choosing a publisher, and searching for an agent.

Thanks for a great book, Gail!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Writer's Bible, January 24, 2009

By	J. Arduini (Youngstown, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was on my wish list for a long time and I'm so impressed with it, I think I might need an extra copy. I keep referring to the book and the great chapter ending exercises that the book looks used and beaten.

Ms. Martin gives a comprehensive look at writing the Christian Romance, using examples from her own work, as well as other respected authors. From plot to character to the spiritual emphasis of the book, no stone is left unturned.

What makes me love this book even more is that in the Christian romance genre, perhaps several names could have written it. But Gail Martin did, giving up secrets and tips in order to help others. It's generous gift, this book, and I feel blessed to have it in my hands.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-have for Christian romance writers, February 2, 2008

By	Deborah Raney - See all my reviews

This book is a great resource for romance writers of all genres, but especially for those writing for the Christian market. Full of examples and at-your-fingertips information, the book is an easy-read, and one you'll refer back to again and again. Plus, it's pretty enough to be a coffee table edition.