This past weekend, I attended RomFest with The Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.
This was my second romance-writer centered convention/fest/con. Both (though they were scaled differently) had similar themes, atmosphere, and workshops. Male cover models mingled (often shirtless) among the readers and writers in attendance.
Over the years, romance writing has evolved from the standard “boy meets girl” into almost anything goes. And, people are embracing anything goes. I was sitting in a workshop and the speaker was talking about writing “M/M shape-shifting dom-sub sci-fi” novels. Because it’s so not a apart of my normal world, it becomes almost shocking.
As a writer of inspirational romance, my field is completely different than many of the writers who attend these romance conventions, and hypothetically, my audience is vastly different. However, I have discovered over the last couple of years that a good portion of my audience is not a typical inspirational romance reader – many of them typically read secular romance novels but LOVE mine. Because of that, I LOVE attending these kind of events because I meet current or new readers.
I’d planned on writing about the RomFest for my blog post this week. And I’d planned on making the theme about an inspirational writer in the midst of the secular romance world. And while that post was brewing in my mind, I received an email from another Christian writer who had seen me talking about it on social media and who asked me directly about my presence there. What did I hope to gain?
The Bible is full of cautions to Christians about the secular world, and instructs us not to conform to the world. We are to set ourselves aside. But, we’re not to cloister ourselves indefinitely. We’re to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, share our wealth with the poor, and share the Good News with everyone.
While I was there, I openly talked about my faith and how it inspires my writing with a group of writers, I talked to another writer about her desire to quit writing some more risqué’ themed books and get back to her love of clean YA writing, I talked to another writer about how I work a faith element into my books because she has a desire to do the same thing — and gave her some of my books to read so that she could see how I do it. I gave away books, sold books, and talked about books that have a strong evangelical theme through them.
I spent my mornings with my one-hour walk while I listened to my Bible, shored up on the Word of God, and prayed. Then, I spent the day truly enjoying myself. I didn’t attend erotic readings, I left events where the host was telling raunchy jokes, and I didn’t buy or read anything I would consider inappropriate for me. I did all that I was comfortable doing, entertained with a cupcake social sponsored by another blog to which I contribute, and took part in two book signings.
And, hopefully, was the light for someone there who might otherwise not have any light shined on them.
It is exhausting to be surrounded by “the world” on such a large scale. I don’t think I could do it all the time. I love it in small doses, but I can only take so much shirtless male models and excitement over the latest menage story until I have to go somewhere alone and “be still.”
How do you shine your light in the world?
cfamilyof6 says
Hallee, you are such a blessing and inspiration to so many. I pray God continues to bless you and your family.
Valerie Comer says
I loved reading your perspective of this event, Hallee! Yes, God has called us to be light. You go girl!
bethkvogt says
Great post — you’ve got me thinking!!
KaLyn says
And not all of us there were talking about “those” relationships. There were several workshops, including my own, that were specifically on the craft of writing. Hallee, it was a pleasure to meet you! I’m sure you met several other inspirational writers there. People attend romance conferences for different reasons but we all have one thing in common: we write books with happy endings. Although exhausted from my hosting duties, I left rejuvenated for writing and taking many new friends “home” with me. I count you among them, Hallee. Hope to see you at another conference!
Andrea Cox says
Hallee, I’m proud of you. Going to a place where you know the world will be very present and yet standing firm in your faith and beliefs… That takes huge courage. It’s no doubt you made a difference, probably to more people than just the ones you spoke to.
God shines through us when our hearts and our vision are aimed to Him. This is apparent in my life right now through tutoring. Helping the kids learn the fundamentals for the state tests next week is such a blessing for all involved. I’m blessed to be God’s hands and feet.
Blessings,
Andrea
Proofreader/Writer
writingtoinspire.blogspot.com
Diana Montgomery says
Hello Hallee!!! Good to see you here. I think I have read so far about every book of yours and love them. God does shine through you.
Blessings
Diana
Hallee Bridgeman says
Hi KaLyn! I’m sorry I didn’t attend your class – I was busy prepping the cupcake social during the time you were teaching. It was a joy to see you again. I had a lot of fun at Romfest. You and the other coordinators did an amazing job, and look forward to attending again next year.
Hallee Bridgeman says
Thank you! God bless you as well.
Hallee Bridgeman says
Thank you,my friend!
Hallee Bridgeman says
Thinking is good… :)
Hallee Bridgeman says
THank you so much for your reply.
I think people who tutor children are gifted by God. That is fantastic that you do that.
Hallee Bridgeman says
Thank you,Diana!
Elizabeth Dent says
Hi Hallee , love hearing you talk about your conference and what the people are liking . I love your books , even though I have not read them all, and like your writing . Just keep doing what you are doing sweet lady . Blessing to you .
Pamela Hargraves says
What a great blog and I agree with what you saying about not being cloistered and being a light to the world, only you expressed it so much better. I love your books and loan them out and purchase copies for my friends.
Heather M says
You are so right on. I laughed at the last line though I totally get it. Not my thing either.
Narelle Atkins says
Hallee, great post! I totally agree with your perspective, and the importance of being a light in the world. I love attending romance writing conferences. My mentor, Mary Hawkins, and I are presenting a workshop in August at the Romance Writers of Australia annual conference on ‘How to Write and Sell Inspirational Romance.’
Andrea Cox says
Thanks, Hallee!
Cathy Bryant says
Thanks so much for your timely post, Hallee. There are times in cyberspace when sharing a book event, sale, or freebie day when I’m shocked to the point of blushing at some of the other books I see. And there have been times when I contemplated not sharing my books in those places, but then remember that my mild-mannered book covers sans shirtless men and bodice-ripping might be just the light someone needs at a dark and desperate time. Shine on! :)
Maria says
Thanks for sharing Hallee. As a Christian reviewer I try to avoid reviewing books with erotic content although it can be hard saying no….