Like most authors, I’m often asked how I come up with characters and/or plots for my books. Depending on the book, my answer will vary. In only two of my books have the storylines been taken from situations and people in my personal life (Awakening, my debut novel, and Meet Me Under the Mistletoe). In most cases, my characters are derived from my imagination. I guarantee you, by the time their story is written, they are real and reside in my heart. My goal and purpose as an author is to bring those characters “alive” in the minds of readers, as well.
First and foremost, without fail, I always pray for the Lord’s guidance and inspiration when I sit down at the computer to write. I can thankfully and truthfully say that I’ve never suffered from that horrible affliction known as (gasp!) Writer’s Block. I also know that life’s experiences, both good and bad, have made me the writer I am today. I raised my family first, and I firmly believe the Lord honored that dedication to my husband and children early on by blessing my efforts in this season of my life (when my kids are older and more autonomous).
In my Lewis Legacy Series, each new novel (currently numbering five books plus the prequel, Prelude) builds upon the books before it and yet most can stand on their own quite well. The more characters you add and the deeper you get into a series, however, it becomes more of a challenge to preserve the charm of an ongoing series and draw new readers into a situation with preexisting characters and new ones added into the mix (and children!).
Catching Serenity, a standalone novel, is simply the product of my imagination and my love of small towns near the ocean. My upcoming standalone novel, Heart’s Design, was one of my first attempts at writing a full-length Christian romance. Originally titled Oxford Hills (for the real-life region in western Maine of the setting), I had clipped an article from the Philadelphia newspaper about the Oxford Hills and what struck me was this: for a region its size, Oxford Hills has the largest concentration of natural minerals and gemstones of any place in the world. My heroine, Caroline Prescott, is a jewelry designer (from a wealthy Boston family and expected to join the family law firm) and my hero? Seth Barnes is a mineralogist who loves the Lord, drives a truck with a license plate that reads “I Dig Rocks,” and has an axe to grind with a particular lawyer…from Boston. Throw in a B&B, some homespun charm, fun and quirky characters, and you’ve got yourself a novel!
My Starlight Christmas Series is purely from my imagination. More small-town charm and the Christmas holiday season go hand-in-hand in my opinion, and thus fictional Starlight, Iowa was birthed. However, the series began when I wanted to write a story about a handsome firefighter hero in his late twenties who’d never kissed a woman. I’ll let you read the intro to that book to find out how that story personally resonated with me. Echoes of Edinburgh stems from my trip to Scotland when I was a college student, and when my publisher put out a call for books with foreign settings, I jumped at the opportunity!
For my latest novel, Love So Amazing, which released last week, the “germ” of the idea came when I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Indianapolis in September 2010. My roommates and I were staying at the Hilton, a few blocks from the Hyatt Regency, the location of the conference. Both the Hyatt and the Hilton are mentioned in the book. However, it was the experience of taking a pedicab ride from the Hyatt back to the Hilton after the banquet (heels, evening gown, late at night) that planted the seed in my mind of writing a hero who owned and operated a pedicab business. I’d never seen that in a Christian romance!
Here’s an excerpt from when my hero in Love So Amazing, Sawyer Mancini, addresses a group of young teenage boys:
“In Galatians 5:13, it says, ‘For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.’ I guess that’s what I’d like most to tell you all tonight. You can win the ballgame, you can score the prettiest girl in school, you can pump yourself up with awards and compliments telling you how great you are, you can drink or smoke something that you think will make you feel good.
“I’ve been there, and I’ll admit that for a while, it felt good to stand on the mountaintop. But that high only lasts a short time. I can stand here and tell you how it’s a mistake, I can try to beat it into your heads that it’s not the way to find success or happiness or love. But will you listen? No, you’re going to live your own lives and make your own mistakes.
“If nothing else, please remember this: God’s love is amazing. That word is bandied about so much these days to the point where it’s been cheapened. A friend once told me that the word she heard the most on one of those sleazy reality TV shows was that very word—amazing. For the most part, it was used to describe the physical beauty of a woman. I’m sure you know the show I’m talking about here. A handsome young guy meets a parade of beautiful women, one woman more gorgeous than the next. They gallivant around on a beautiful island, in a gorgeous mansion by the ocean, and the alcohol flows freely. The guy sleeps with most of the women and then makes the choice for his so-called ‘perfect’ mate.
“I’m here to tell you it doesn’t work that way in the real world. That life is a fantasy, and nothing more than a lie. Sure, you can do those things, but in the end, you’ll feel empty inside if you don’t trust the Lord to guide you. No one else—not your parents, not your pastor, with all due respect to my best friend over here”—he winked and nodded at Chase—“your girlfriend, or anyone else, is going to love you more than God does. But God’s given these people to you as a gift. Treasure them not for what they can give you, but what you can give to them. It’s my prayer for each one of you”—Sawyer paused to make eye contact with some of the kids—“that you’ll see how amazing God really is by allowing Him to work in your life.”
Love So Amazing is only 99 cents on Amazon Kindle as the low introductory price, but three commenters will also be chosen at random to receive a complimentary digital copy of Love So Amazing (Amazon gift). To be eligible, please leave a comment telling us your definition of love so amazing and/or perhaps how the Lord has worked in your life. If you’ve read the book, please feel free to chime in! We’d love to hear your comments!
Blessings,
~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!
The greatest love comes from God! I truly understood His love when I had my son. I would not let anyone hurt him or bother him. Yet, God gave up His Son to suffer and die for sinners who hated Him. That is true and unselfish love!
God is so blessing me with my church family and my pastor who is preaching the Word. I have gone to church all my life and yet, I am learning so much about His Word I never knew. I feel so blessed!
You are so right, Beth. As a mother of three children, I can agree that His love is manifested in the joy of holding a newborn baby. We love because He first loved us enough to send His son to die for us. You are indeed truly blessed to have such a wonderful church family and pastor. And yes, we are always learning and growing as we draw even closer to Him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Blessings.
I love inspirational books. God is great and reading about how he brings a couple together is wonderful. It gives every woman hope that the right man is waiting out there for her.
I can not say enough good things about JoAnn Durgin’s books… I have read all she has written other than 1 (and it is on my to do list). Picture a canvas if you will, painted with such clarity that you can see even the tiniest details – that’s what JoAnn does with words. Her characters come to life for me. They are people I can picture being friends with and wanting to know more about. I laugh with them, cry with them, and rejoice with them. I also learn through their faith things that might be missing in my own walk with Him. The other thing I strongly love about her books is that she has a moral compass that she sticks to – there won’t be any profanity, any explicit sex scenes… They are always good, clean reads that celebrate life, love, and family. I would not worry in the least if my 8 year old picked up my Kindle and I was reading one of JoAnn’s books because I wouldn’t have to worry about her reading something she shouldn’t. You will *L*O*V*E* the characters in Love so Amazing – they are completely adorable and I can’t wait to read more about them!
Debbie, thanks for your comment. Yes, God is indeed great! Amen. Like you, I love reading about how He brings a couple together in His own timing and in His own unique way. Of course, I also adore writing such scenarios. That first blush of love is so precious! I appreciate your leaving a comment today! Blessings to you.
Joelle, you render me speechless (or wordless, both difficult to do). :) Thank you most sincerely for your kind comments. As an author, I am so privileged to be able to share God’s love through my stories, and I’m very thankful for readers and friends like you! With God’s inspiration and faithful readers, I’m honored and blessed beyond compare. I must confess to loving each of my characters and their stories, but Ava and Sawyer’s story was just begging to me told…and told NOW. :) Sometimes writers are kind of nutty like that! :) Blessings to you, and thanks, as always, for your support of Christian authors.
Love So Amazing – what a beautiful title! I would love to win a copy of this book, Jo Ann, to add to my collection of wonderful stories by one of my favorite authors. For me, amazing love brings to mind my Savior, my husband of forty-two years, my three children and our five grandchildren, the loves of my life.
I have loved all of your books that I have read and I know I will be reading more. Your characters are so real and so interesting that i usually read each book in one sitting then go back and review. I am now trying to find them in paperback because I know I will read them again. I will be buy the new asap. Keep writing and I will keep reading. Your stories have the such a clear message of how much God is a part of our lives down to the smallest detail. I am so thankful for stories that have God’s presence felt in every character’s life.
Amazing love to me is when a grandchild throws their arms around you , hugs and say I Love You !
Would enjoy reading this book :)
Love so Amazing. Great title, great thought. Of course, God showed the most amazing love in sending Jesus to die for our sins. When I had my first child, I was blown away by the depth of love I felt for her. I thought, “Is this the way my mom feels about me?!” It was way beyond what I expected! I’d love to win the book :)
Hi Kathleen! Are you back from your wonderful trip to the Hawaiian islands? We had yet another snowstorm here and I thought of you! Hope you had a GREAT time, my friend. Thanks for your lovely comments. The title actually comes from the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” There’s a stanza that goes, “Love so amazing, love so divine.” Guess what the title of the next book in the series is? If you guessed “Love So Divine,” you would be right! Thanks for your friendship and your readership, Kathleen! Blessings.
Ah, thank you so much for your very kind words! I’m so thankful you’ve enjoyed my books. If you’d like to get more of my books in paperback, I can sign them and send them directly to you at a much reduced price — if that’s something you’d like to do. You can send me a private message on Facebook or write to me at jdurgin9587@att.net. Love So Amazing is the first book I’ve done that I don’t plan on doing a paperback (it’s shorter, for one thing). Thank you again for your kind words and your readership! I sincerely appreciate it. Blessings!
Hi Deanna, and thanks for stopping by InspyRomance today! I have my first grandbaby, Amelia Grace, now, and I’m LOVING being a Nana. Love so amazing, indeed. Nothing sweeter or more gratifying. Blessings!
Hi Becky, and thanks so much for your comment! I agree that we mothers are beyond blessed and the depth of love we feel for each one of our children is indeed amazing. God set the example by sending His precious Son to die for us, and that was the ultimate gift of love for us! I appreciate your stopping by Inspy Romance today, and blessings to you! :)
My definition of love: First & foremost….the love God has for us!! There’s no other perfect love than that…He sent His son to save us from our sins. Scripture says that no greater love then this,laying your life down for your friends, and He did just that…willingly! I just can’t wrap my mind around it sometimes!
Secondly; the love my husband has for me! He personifies 1 Corinthians 13. I know God blessed me with a man like him, so wonderful!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “Love so Amazing”. I love the fact that you mention you sit down & pray for guidance & inspiration before writing each book. Who better to write the words on your heart & I know He uses it to speak personally to each of your readers! What a blessing that is :-) You keep writing for His glory & our reading pleasure!
JoAnn, thanks for the behind the scenes look into your books. I’ve only read a couple of your Lewis Legacy books so far, but from what I’ve read, I think you’ve handled the growing cast quite well.
My definition of love so amazing is loving someone when they’re at their worst. I know when I’m at my worst, I am very unlovable. And yet, God loves me anyway in those moments. Even more so, probably, because He sees how much my misery and mistakes hurt me and those around me. It’s in those dark times when I discover His love in new and deeper ways. And that makes me want to draw closer to Him without having to melt into a fit.
Blessings,
Andrea
I sat here nodding my head as I read your comments, Trixi. No greater love indeed, and I praise the Lord you have such a godly husband. Thank you for your gracious words about my books, and I intend to keep writing my books HIS way until He returns or calls me home. Many blessings to you!
You’ve made an excellent point, Andrea (although I cannot imagine you being unlovable…ever). Loving one another in the bad times and not just the good is a lesson we all need to learn, and you’re right–it’s in those time when we can fully discover God’s love for us in a new and perhaps deeper way. You are so wise for one so young, my friend. Thanks for your support of Inspy Romance and its authors, as always, and many blessings to you.
doing nice things for other people
Always a good thing, bn100! That’s pretty much what my hero, Sawyer, in Love So Amazing was saying in the excerpt in my blog. “But God’s given these people to you as a gift. Treasure them not for what they can give you, but what you can give to them. It’s my prayer for each one of you”—Sawyer paused to make eye contact with some of the kids—“that you’ll see how amazing God really is by allowing Him to work in your life.” Thanks you for joining us at Inspy Romance and leaving a comment. Many blessings.
Thanks, JoAnn. Wise in youth is usually accomplished through trials, and I can’t say I’m the exception to that rule. I’ve plenty of reasons to treasure God’s comfort and grace and closeness. And I do. Every day.
Thanks to you and the other Inspy ladies for putting out articles and friendships that are worth supporting. I love you all so much!
Blessings,
Andrea
I am afraid I have not had the pleasure of reading one of your books yet. I can not imagine how I missed them! You are truly blessed to have such a talent.
And we love you and treasure YOU, Andrea. Blessings as you continue to follow the Lord’s leading in your life and career.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Belinda! I have quite a few books out now, I’m blessed to say (and she says with a smile). I hope you’ll have the opportunity to be able to read one of them soon! I appreciate your stopping by Inspy Romance and leaving a comment. Many blessings to you and thanks for supporting Christian romance and its authors. :)
Aw, thanks! I’m enjoying the beginnings of my proofreading/editing career. There’s always something for me to find in the novels that come across my computer. It’s something of a treasure hunt, I suppose, only I’m turning typos into treasure. Hmmm. I kind of like that picture.
JoAnn, congrats on your latest release! A pedicab business sounds fascinating and I love reading books where I’ve visited the setting in real life :)
Thanks so much, Narelle! I had a lot of fun with Sawyer and his pedicab business, and I enjoyed the journey with Ava and Sawyer. I like fictional settings, too, but I think it does make it fun when we incorporate “real” life into our books. Blessings to you and congrats on your new release, too! :)
We are back and had a wonderful time in spite of the cool weather. I appreciate your friendship and your wonderful writing, JoAnn!