Last time I posted I had just had our second baby girl.
That was seven weeks ago at the end of July.
And yesterday I had my last appointment with my OBGYN.
What does this have to do with writing you ask?
Well, I gave my doctor my first book, Highland Hearts, as a thank you gift.
And that brings me to today’s topic: Has anyone ever had a bad experience giving a reader a book or introducing them to Christian fiction?
I’m lucky to say that I have not. Most people are quite happy by the gesture—if not shocked to find out that they know an author—and I think that’s wonderful, because I didn’t know that Christian fiction existed until several years ago, and I wish I had known about it all my life, because from the moment I read my first Inspirational novel I was hooked. And now, I’m so glad that God has put me in a position to be an ambassador.
I have much to be thankful for this year and I hope you do as well!
Enjoy the remaining days of summer and God Bless!
Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.
Highland Hearts
Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.
To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.
To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com
I've never had anyone respond negatively, although I know some even close Christian friends admitted to not reading it (yet)--never read fiction, being the claim. I sometimes get a few raised eyebrows that it could be Christian and Harlequin. My most enthusiastically received book was also one I gave to a doctor. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's good that you've never had any negative responses either, Sandra! I hope you never do! And I see doctors are getting pretty lucky with all these books :)
DeleteA friend of mine recently told me that--although she does like a couple Christian fiction novels, she tends to avoid searching books in that market simply because she doesn't want to be preached at.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I understand that readers read for entertainment, I think more people should give Christian fiction a chance. Not every book in the market is going to be preachy.
On the other hand, I do understand that us Christian fiction authors need to be careful that we tell a story rather than a sermon.
But this is where the struggle lies in writing Christian fiction: trying to figure out the balance between staying within the genre and not being preachy.
I think the most important thing is that we write the story that is on our hearts and pray that God will work in the hearts of those who read our novels.
Tessa
www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
Tessa, I agree!
DeleteAnd I understand the negative assumption that people have regarding these books preaching at them. I think when people hear Christian fiction they think people are going to try to convert them, force a message onto them, or change them in some way. I wish we could change their minds and just show them the wholesomeness that these books are centered around. Maybe we need a new genre name besides Christian Fiction, because the other books are not titled Non-Christian fiction?
I've never had anyone be in-my-face negative, but I have had to kill off a lot of assumptions about Christian fiction al being "preachy" or "bonnet books" or "unrealistic."
ReplyDeleteAlmost always once I manage to talk someone into reading a book I loan them, they're hooked and coming back for more!
That's wonderful, Kara!
ReplyDelete