My Weird Taste

I've been a little sad about something recently. I realized that I have very atypical taste when it comes to books. I found out that most people want a lot of action and excitement and stuff. That they don't all relish amazing characterization, stunning symbolism, lyrical prose, challenging themes, and experimental styles the way I do. I guess it comes from teaching too many literature classes and analyzing those subjects ad naseum.

I started suspecting this when I realized that not everyone shared my passion for The Passion of Mary-Margaret. And that Lisa Samson, the author of this awe-inspiring masterpiece, has been discouraged lately that her books aren't hitting the market well. I saw on facebook that she's currently taking a sabbatical from writing until she figures it out.

For the last few weeks I've been reading Christi nominated Veiled Freedom. I have been thorougly enjoying it as a cultural study and for the amazing conversations between characters, but when I told my daughter, "There's just way too much action. Stuff keeps blowing up. I might just skip those parts," she looked at me like I had two heads. Evidently she loves all the action and excitement. That's supposed to be the good part of the book.

Hmm. I was starting to question if novels were even the right genre for me.

But I have to confess, that a few weeks ago I was studying some of my plots and realizing I was missing great opportunities for kidnappings, pirate raids and the like, and that I needed to start making the most of those moments. For my first novel, I did that. What happened? My critique partner, Christine Lindsey, has been trying to nicely point out how some of my scenes don't really go anywhere, but I just wasn't getting it.

And while one of my new favorite authors, Lisa Samson, might be struggling with her purpose right now, the other of my new favorite authors, Roseanna White, seems to be doing quite well. So I thought about her story in A Stray Drop of Blood. A great straight forward plot that has lots of action interwoven with snappy philosophical conversations and amazing characterizations.

I've had the pleasure of critiquing Roseanna's new novel about one of Xerxes wives for the last month or so. Adding in a little of my lyrical prose expertise. And I think I'm finally getting how she does it. Choosing smart scenes that weave dialogue, action, description, narration, and characterization seamlessly. And yet she still gets in all those artistic elements I love.

Epiphany moment!

So, I will be working on this in my own writing. I did some big edits today, and you know what. I actually love them. They really work.

My sadness has now turned to thanksgiving. I think I've finally figured it out, and I'm looking forward to putting my new epiphany into action. Literally. Watch out publishing world. Here I come. Although, of course, I vow to remain a faithful fan of Lisa Samson and literary writing in general.

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Did you know, that much like in hair, make-up, and music, trends exist in the publishing world? Oh yes, we writers are subject to “What’s Hot, What’s Not” lists as much as aspiring fashion designers.

What’s “Not Hot” in Christian publishing right now? Sci-fi, Westerns, Medievals, to name a few. In fact, I heard a report that the sales figures on Judith Pella’s one and only Medieval was half that of her normal books. Which is very sad for me, having already written one and a half medieval novels. So, I was very excited about the pending release of Jennifer Hudson Taylor’s Scottish Medieval romance, Highland Blessings, by Abingdon Press.

Highland Blessings is set in 1473. Now some may say this is too late in history for a Medieval novel, but the simple fact is, while the Renaissance began in Italy in the 1400s or even earlier, it took much longer to reach other parts of Europe, particularly the Scottish Highlands. All of the cultural elements we associate with the Middle Ages, stone castles, armor, flying pennants, are still firmly in place at this time. Add to that plaids, clan lairds and feuds, and the stage is set for a fun story similar those written by CBA author Kathleen Morgan.

Akira MacKenzie is kidnapped on what should be her wedding day by Bryce MacPherson to keep a promise he made to his dying father, in hopes of settling a long-standing fued between their two clans. He wishes for Akira to wed his brother Evan, Laird of the MacPherson’s, but when Evan is killed, the plan changes.

At first Akira is crushed to be abandoned by her family into the hands of the MacPhersons who detest her, but quickly comes to realize that they are not so different, and begins to suspect that this may have been God’s plan all along. However, Akira and Bryce both have many obstacles to overcome to achieve peace between their clans and trust between one another.

While I felt this story had some small technical issues, overall I enjoyed it very much. By far, my favorite element of this book was the spiritual aspect. Akira is truly a woman of God to be admired. She puts aside hurt and unforgiveness in order to submit herself to God’s plan. In addition, she is open to the spirit of God and known for her prophetic dreams. She speaks them forth boldly despite the danger of being thought a witch in her superstitious culture.

Congratulations to Jennifer Hudson Taylor on her debut novel. Here’s to hoping this is just the start for her career and for Medievals in general. It’s time the market took notice of this exciting and underrepresented time in history.