Have you ever read a romance that left you with that
[*sigh*]-if-only-that-book-lasted-forever feeling? Better yet, have you written
one? Then you know exactly what I mean when I say a good romance is like strawberry
cheesecake.
Do I have a food fetish? I’m afraid so. One friend,
having read my romances, even complimented? me, saying I always blow my quota
of adjectives describing food.
True. Probably more than I spend on the hero.
Still, I stand by my hypothesis.
Romance, as well as cheesecake, also consists of a
delicious balance of the sweet and the sour swirled together to create a flavor
blend better than the original ingredients.
A contrast of textures, including crunchy graham cracker
crust, creamy filling, and fruity topping, reinforce this in cheesecake.
Likewise, nitty-gritty research (often historical, geographical or
occupational); rich, luscious language; and wholesome, flavorful everydayness together
enhance a romance’s appeal.
Like strawberry cheesecake, excellent romances usually
take time to solidify before the writer layers on the final elements that make
it taste out of this world.
John Steinbeck, in his book Travels with Charley, deplored chain restaurants that boasted their
generic offerings were “untouched by human hands.” He wanted a dinner imprinted
with the cook’s own fingers. Likewise, an excellent romance should bear an
author’s special touches based on her background and personality, distinctive
as an unrecipe-d sprinkle of cinnamon or even an opulent layer of
chocolate.
Yes [*eye roll*], dieticians don’t consider strawberry
cheesecake a critical element of the food pyramid. Likewise, theologians and
pastors don’t regard Christian romance an essential nutrient. Some even see
both cheesecake and romance as harmful.
Yet how many of us
avoid those who religiously stick to their uncompromising diets—and expect
everyone else to, as well?
The Bible does not stuff truth down our throats without
regard to taste. In fact, the frankly sensual chapters of the Old Testament
book Song of Songs celebrate married love. The romantic theme of Christ’s love
for His Church resonates throughout the entire Bible, including a rescue of the
damsel in distress—on a white charger, no less, as Robin Jones Gunn says—the
Great Elopement (a.k.a., “Rapture,” no ladder necessary), and the Marriage
Supper of the Lamb (notice the food reference, here?), which celebrates His
becoming one with his Church forever.
Strawberry cheesecake, right? With a gazillion chocolate
dribbles on the plate.
Certainly, something is wrong if our diets consist of
nothing but yummy dessert-type fiction. Even the most avid romance readers and
writers should fill their lives with a variety of nourishing genres.
Yet somehow, a
bowl of oatmeal doesn’t celebrate life and truth the way strawberry cheesecake
does.
I say, “Mmmmmmmmm. Bring it on!”
Uh, yeah . . . the well-written romance, too.
What do you say?
This has been one of my main struggles with writing, Rachael! (I'm not a fan of cheesecake (gasp) but I DO love creme brulee and strawberry shortcake,so we can go with that analogy.) Anyway, I do think Christian romances can reach more people than some dry, preachy nonfiction book and how many people do you touch in a kind way with a scowl and a "you're not seriously going to eat that!?"
ReplyDeleteYou've given me much food for thought...(I know, groan!)
[*Chuckle*] Actually, Crystal, that was the original title of this blog--somehow, my mind and taste buds wandered to cheesecake :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly. I handed my book to a non-believer on a plane last month, and she lit up. I don't think she would have if I'd given her a tract.
Well, if good romance is a strawberry cheesecake, then a good mystery is like a spearmint mocha latte and a good suspense story is like a grilled chicken sandwich with jalepenos, guacamole and horseradish. Both of which I'd prefer to cheesecake any day.
ReplyDeleteJeff
Oh, yum! LOL! Yeah, I really like this analogy, Rachael. Lots of stories and whatever you're in the mood for, Jeff! :)
DeleteLOL, Jeff, I like those analogies, too! (I love lots of genres and definitely, all kinds of food!) Isn't it great how God has given different tastes and different gifts to all of us so we can speak to his diverse people?
ReplyDeleteAmen! :D
DeleteI was working a retreat where each of the attendees (not the ones working) received a book. Usually, the books were non-fiction and--though very good--not always...uhm, cheesecake-like in flavor. This particular weekend, when money for the program was tight, those of us on the working team were asked if we could donate any gently used books. We did. Romances. The book table was swept clean in the blink of an eye!
ReplyDeleteLoved your post.
Thanks, Liz! Yes, people--particularly women--seem to assimilate truth through romance than practically any other medium! I used to look down on them (while secretly enjoying them), and now I've written several! Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
ReplyDeleteYour posts always leave me smiling. I agree, people assimilate truth through fiction as Jesus well knew when he spoke in parables.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, He knew what He was doing, right, Mary? :-)
ReplyDeleteThere is a great need in the prison system for Christian fiction. I agree whole-heartedly. The inmates pass books around and they are valuable commodities. Unfortunately, many of the books have no message. The inmates will read a fiction much more readily than a dry non-fiction. I agree. Fiction makes the message powerful delicious.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karla! That's one big reason why we keep working at it! I prayed this a.m. for all Christian writers that God might share His truth in bite-sized portions as readers consume our stories.
ReplyDelete