Christian romances

Looking for a good Christian romance? White Rose Publishing has another wonderful story from Marianne Evans and she has graciously decided to let me spotlight her for this week.

Marianne Evans is a multi-published author of Christian contemporary romances and fiction. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Marianne is an active member of Romance Writers of America and the Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter in a number of capacities, but most notably for two terms as Chapter Treasurer and two terms as Chapter President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

Find out more about Marianne and her releases at: www.marianneevans.com,

www.marianneevans.blogspot.com or on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

While we were chatting, here are some of the highlights I thought you might like to know about Marianne and her writing style.

1) How do your stories come to you? Are they a full blown idea? or are they a vague idea and you create as you go?

I'm contracting on proposal now, which has forced me to transform from a panster (who writes as they go along...) to much more of a plotter (one who maps out the plot in detail, then writes it).

Well, God bless you. I've tried plotting and squashed a couple stories that way. I hope you have much better luck with it!

2) Are your stories plot driven, or character driven? VERY much character driven. My stories are driven by what my characters feel, and how they react to the world/circumstances around them. Those are the stories I love to read, so they 've become the stories I write. :-) I love putting myself into a pair of fictional shoes and taking them for a walk!

Lovely analogy!

3) How well do you know your characters before you start writing, and do they ever surprise you?

That's the hard part of being a reformed Panster - my characters LOVE to take me by surprise (just like God!!). I'll think I've got everything mapped out nice and clear, and BOOM - in comes the story THEY want to tell!

I know how that is, but I love every minute of it!

4) Are you a part of a writer's group? or have you ever been?

I belong to a number of writers groups: RWA, Greater Detroit RWA, Mid-Michigan RWA, Detroit Literary Network and American Christian Fiction Writers.

5) Do you have a critique partner or someone you count on for a first read before you submit your stories?

I have a critique partner who has been part of my writing life forever. I love her and wouldn't make it through without her support, expert eyes, and ability to kindly tell me where my plot has holes the size of the grand canyon....! :-)

LOL Don't fall in!

6) Do you work on more than one story at a time?

Yes, I do. I'm wrapping up a mainstream book and am already starting work on a three-book series I'm eager to pitch to my editor!

Wow! You are one busy lady!

7) What's your next project?

My Woodland Series continues with Hearts Communion this fall from White Rose Publishing. The series concludes in the spring of 2012 with Hearst Key. I've just handed in final edits on Hearts Key. Meanwhile, I'm finishing up a mainstream Christian novel titled Devotion that I'm eager to send to my editor! Devotion tells the story of a marriage in crisis that undergoes the test of commitment, and trust. I'm also mapping out a three book inspy-romance series centered around a mom-and-pop style diner in downtown Detroit and the wonderful characters who stroll through its doors and occupy its booths! I'm eager to tell their stories!

They all sound wonderful! I'll be waiting anxiously for them all!

So here's a little peek at her most recent story, A FACE IN THE CLOUDS :

Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit…Until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.

Sandy sees Christ alive in every aspect of her life. No need for quantified facts. Faith is the fuel of her spirit . But her love for Paul puts her at odds with God's call toward faith and all of its mysteries.

Paul considers Christianity to be well-meaning myth—hyperbole. To Sandy, it’s everything—and she can accept nothing less from the man she loves.
Can a miracle happen? Can the touch of God Himself keep their relationship from shattering?

EXCERPT

“I know how deeply you feel things, Paul. You have a wonderful heart. That’s part of why I love you so much. I’m torn in two about my feelings for you.” Sandy’s declaration would have filled him were it not chipped and cracked by the impact of her doubts.

“Your reporter’s instinct toward authenticity and revealing the truth is a big part of what I admire about you. There’s nothing wrong with facing the world honestly, but you need to make room for a few other truths.”

“Like God.”

“Yes, and the fact that life holds as much mystery, and as many intangibles, as it does realistic things you can hold tight with both hands.”

She wanted him to change. Right down to the soul. Paul continued to study her. She was hurt enough that she had almost stepped away from attending tonight’s event—out of a frustrated sense of love. Yet here they were—together—out of a frustrated sense of love.

And if he wasn’t mindful of her beliefs, she’d step away from him.

Paul navigated the rapidly-filling parking lot of Woodland Church. Once they stopped, he killed the car engine and used a restraining hand to keep Sandy in place. He closed the space between them and gave her a kiss that lingered and thoroughly tasted. He felt the gesture ease a bit of the tightness in her shoulders and back. “I’ll keep an open mind, OK?”

She touched his face, and there was yearning in her eyes. “Keep an open heart. That’s much more important.”

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/A-Face-In-The-Clouds