First of all, let me say how honored I am to be the first InspyRomance author to post on this fabulous new blog. Oh, friends, we’re going to have such fun! Grab something to sip, settle in your favorite chair and let me tell you a little about why I write Christian romance.
Confession: I “lifted” (shhh) the title of this post from the sweet love song my husband, Jim, and I sang to one another at our wedding reception more than 26 years ago (on his birthday, no less, but he hasn’t forgotten his anniversary yet). Of course, Jim was (obviously) musically trained, but this girl (just as obviously) was not. But I tried, and our voices actually blended together pretty well. Perhaps Frasier Crane said it best on an episode of Cheers when he sat down to play the piano: “Cut me some slack, people, I’ve had no professional training.” The whole point is trying and pouring your heart and soul into it…and others will take note (pun intended, I suppose). And–wouldn’t you know–to this day, every time a woman from my home church sees us, she never fails to tell us how that song touched her heart.
Speaking of “professional training,” I have a college degree in Journalism/English, but that doesn’t make me a writer. Not at all. It simply means I learned the basics of sentence structure and correct grammar. Of course, back in the Stone Age (as my kids would say), that meant full sentences, never fragments. Since then, the “rules” have changed—a lot. We could debate endlessly as to whether authors are born or made, and I’d suggest it’s a bit of both. In my case, I wrote a number of novels, got a few nibbles from editors and agents, but then put my writing aside–but not the passion for it–for over a decade. Even though I wasn’t writing during that time, I was experiencing life, observing people, and maturing. I’m a better writer today because of what I learned during that period. And, without a doubt, the Lord honored that commitment by opening the doors of His choosing…in His perfect timing.
A good friend of mine read my first two novels pre-publication and made an observation I’ll always remember. She said, “You must have experienced great love in your life to be able to write the stories you do.” Wow. That comment really opened my eyes. On the flip side, I know single, unmarried and/or never-married authors who can write a romantic scene that thrills my soul. I’d always heard to “write what you know.” Then a writer friend of mine made another valid point, “Did you personally go to the International Space Station? No? Well, you wrote about it as if you did.” Ahem. True enough (with a whole lot of research for an upcoming book). I write what I personally love to read. For so many years, as a young mother, I was so exhausted at the end of the evening, I could only read a short snippet here and there. So, whatever I read had to be pretty entertaining to keep me reading. As a result, I love books with lively dialogue, a bit of adventure, solid romance and humor.
It’s my goal to put the reader right there “in the moment.” Could anything be more thrilling than that first blush of love between a man and woman? Surely you know what I mean: the initial attraction where you’re skirting around one another—exchanging shy gazes, small smiles and wondering what the other person is thinking. Then you start to talk, to tease, to banter, to ask questions. The pulse escalates, you feel that rush of adrenaline. You hope, you anticipate. The build-up to a kiss, the tension, the heightened awareness… I’d suggest those moments can be every bit as delicious, if not more, than the actual moment when lips meet.
You know what it is? I have an overwhelming passion for romance…for love. I want to read it, absorb it, live it, breathe it, write it. Through my characters, I want to share the hope, the joy, and the pure satisfaction to be found in a great love story. A truly memorable book (and movie) is one that makes me laugh but also makes me cry. Above all, it prompts a reaction from me and—just as importantly—makes me think. When you read one of my books, I want to take you on the journey of one man and one woman (yes, with supporting characters to help them see what they often can’t, with humor and wisdom, right?). By the time you close the book, I want you to feel like you know these people and they’re close, personal friends. One of the best compliments I ever received was, “If I saw them walking down the street, I’d recognize them right away and run over to ask how they’re doing.”
It always makes me laugh when someone asks me this: “There’s really such a thing as Christian romance?” It all started with love, folks. I’m saved by 
grace and the greatest Love of all! My most fervent prayer in my personal writing journey has always been this: Lord, may I be Your vessel to touch one woman’s heart with a truth from Your word or to somehow bring about a positive change in her life. Sometimes a very small, seemingly insignificant passage in one of my books will mean something very personal to someone else. Who knew? Makes it worth the long hours and lack of sleep, the arrows sometimes slung our way and the vulnerability of putting my work “out there” for the world to accept or reject. When I get discouraged on occasion, I remind myself: You’re doing it all for Him…and His glory. And then I keep writing. The Lord knows just when I need a word of encouragement from a reader. His love never fails indeed.
For this Christian romance writer, the rest of that lyric we sang to each other on September 5, 1987, expresses it perfectly: Only God Could Love You More…Than I Do.
Blessings, friends.
JoAnn
Matthew 5:16
USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin is the author of over twenty novels since her debut, Awakening (Lewis Legacy Book 1), released in late 2010. Her books include the beloved Lewis Legacy Series, as well as its prequel, Prelude. She is also the author of Catching Serenity, Heart's Design, and Gentle Like the Rain, a sequel to Heart's Design. Other novels include Echoes of Edinburgh, The Wondrous Love Series, Perchance to Dream, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series. Her latest release is The Christmas Challenge and coming up next is Pursuit, the highly anticipated Book 8 in The Lewis Legacy Series. JoAnn lives with her family in her native southern Indiana and now enjoys writing full-time and spending time with her first granddaughter, Amelia Grace. Sharing the hope and joy to be found in a relationship with Christ is her passion, and JoAnn adores writing and reading Christian romance. She loves to hear from her readers via her website or her Author JoAnn Durgin page on FB!
Oh so true, JoAnn! The love of God is transcends beyond our earthly expectations. He’s amazing, and I’m so thankful for His love.
I love the way you talk about your husband–you still have the newlywed zeal in your voice. :)
Thanks, Lisa! So great to see you here (and can’t wait to read your posts, too). That’s so true about God transcending our earthly expectations, isn’t it? Just when I think He can’t surprise me, well…wrong. I also adore how He’s the God of surprises! You’re so sweet…I hope I never lose that newlywed zeal. Helps that we just took a trip recently, too (just the two of us). It was wonderful. Everyone should be so blessed. Thanks for your comment! :)
I love reading your books and your love story.
Blessings
What a great post! Thanks for being the first one to go, JoAnn!!!
Joann, you described yours books perfectly. They have humor and romance and love of God in them and you can certainly do all of that in a book and it be very entertaining. In your books, I love when I have been able to laugh out loud at what a character has said and done and then cry at what another character may say and do. In Catching Serenity, I loved when Serenity was at the Fairie Kingdom and talked to the little girl about how she was God’s princess and told her the story of salvation that a child could understand. I was amazed and sat back and thought, “Wow, such a great explanation for a little girl.” I have so much respect for authors because I certainly cannot write and love for a little while that I live in the book and it is like I know the characters and I am part of the book . When someone has said to me why don’t you get rid of some of your books after you have read them, I say, “They are like my children. I could never left them go.” You and the others keep on writing your inspirational romance books. People like me cant wait to read them and visit with them for a while.
Thanks, Diana. I couldn’t do it without loyal readers like you. I appreciate your support and encouragement of Christian authors. Blessings and happy reading (hope you’re staying warm)!
Thanks, Carol! Once we worked through some kinks, I’m thankful we were able to get everything set up for my post. With a lot of help from my friends, namely Valerie Comer and my daughter, Chelsea (for the video). Thanks for all you do and being such a great lead-in hostess for us last week. Awesome job!
Cathy, you humble this author. Thank you so much. I’m so thankful you enjoy my books and their message. Lord willing, I’ll continue to bring you many more books in the future. Blessings to you, my friend!
I smiled at your song. You sounded just fine. :) I needed the reminder that touching lives is why we do this writing thing. In the midst of the frenzy of release day, I may have misplaced that thought. All for HIS glory.
Ginger, thanks so much for stopping by today. CONGRATS on your release! I looked for it but then saw on Facebook that it’s out tomorrow. Can’t WAIT to read it! I wanted to tell you that you and I listen to the same instrumental music while writing. Love Michael W. Smith’s Freedom (and have you heard Glory, his other instrumental)? They inspire me and I can almost envision the end of Awakening (if it were filmed) set to certain songs in the Freedom CD. Blessings to you, Ginger.
JoAnn, what a lovely way to start us off – now you’ve set a high standard! :)
Loved your post, JoAnn! Thanks for sharing from your personal romance.
So beautiful–you, your voice, and your love story. Blessings, dear friend!
Elizabeth, thanks so much for the very kind words. Val, you know I couldn’t have done it without you. And Deb, hugs and love to you, my friend. I can’t wait to see what this blog has in store for the future and am sooooo excited for all the possibilities for this marvelous blog! So thankful we’re all in this venture together!
Loved this post JoAnn! It’s something I needed to read! :)
I finally got to hear you sing! And you BOTH sound awesome!! That truly was beautiful JoAnn, very sweet just like the love you share. Thanks for writing about romance and faith… and encouraging love in people’s lives!
JoAnn, lovely post :) Thanks for sharing your real life love story.
Joann…You are so tiny. OK…maybe it’s just Jim is sooo tall. You were a very pretty bride. Very sweet blog post. Thanks for sharing. You are absolutely correct. The first/ultimate act of Love was God offering HIS Son on the cross for our sins. Without that, nothing else matters.
AMAZING, and so wonderful. I finally got to listen to it, and this time the video worked for me. I got all squishy inside and smiling, and teary. So lovely to see you my dear sister.
Thank you, Noela. Can you see my smile? Narelle, thanks so much and congrats on your new book release! That’s awesome. Brightflute, I used to be short (never really tiny), but yes, I’m only 5’1″ and Jim is 6’2″. My counterpart Lexa (in Awakening) makes the joke about marrying a tall man so her “kids would have half a chance.” That’s based on my own feelings, and the Lord honored that wish with all three of our children being much taller than moi. :) And, Christine, my Irish sister, I’m so thankful the video worked for you this time! Hugs to your squishy self. :) Can’t wait to start spreading the word about YOUR upcoming releases! Blessings, everyone.
Joann, it sounds like you and my mom had the same idea. Dad was 6’1″ and Mom was 5’5″. One sister ended up Mom’s height, but the other 4 of us ranged from 5’8″ to 6’3″. Well played, woman. Your kids will thank you. LOL Loved getting to watch your happy day. Hugs.
Lovely blog, and what a touching video – you’re both so awesome! Love and blessings on your venture, and Viva Inspy Romance – we need to spread the word as far and as wide as we can.
JoAnn, loved your wonderful post! I have a short friend who married a tall man. Her college roommate at the time was very tall and had difficulties finding a man taller than her. Every time she saw my friend with her hubby, her comment was: “Waste of a tall man…” :)
JoAnn,
What a great way to kick off this blog! Fabulous article. Looking forward to more. Keep writing your romance, girl. Your stories are ones that stick with a person. :)
Blessings.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my first post, ladies! Marianne–Viva InspyRomance…I LOVE that! And thanks so much, talented sister. Feel free to spread the word about our blog far and wide. :) Cathy, your friend’s quote made me laugh. I don’t know why it is, but it seems like I dated tall men much more often than shorter ones. Opposites attract perhaps? Interesting… Andrea, my friend, so great to have you join us! I LOVED your comment. Thanks so much, and I’m hard at work to bring you more stories. You just keep reading (and I know you are)…and writing, too! Blessings!