Writer's New Year Prayer and Fast - Part 1 Why Do It?

by Elva Cobb Martin

I encourage you to start the New Year of 2019 seeking God's face with prayer and fasting! I began this discipline long before I became a published author and really recommend it. I have had so many answers to prayers that I lifted up during my January Prayer and Fasts.

Here are three reasons for beginning a new year with fervent prayer and fasting:

1) By doing so you set the course for the rest of the year.
Just as beginning your day with prayer sets the course for your normal day and covers anything that might happen, the same is true of the beginning the year with a fast and planned, fervent prayer.

2) Blessings will happen for you and your family through out the year because you gave God the first fruit of the year. Our God is the God of first fruits whether the tithe of your money, Sunday, the first day of the week, or January, the first month of the year. When you give Him the first fruit, the rest of the money, the week or the year will be under His special blessing and protection.

3) You release the principle found in Matthew 6:33: "Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

What is Fasting?
It is NOT just going without food. That is dieting. Biblical fasting is refraining from food (and/or other activities) for a spiritual purpose. Fasting and prayer brings one into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, His voice and His wisdom. Now I ask you, does a Christian or a writer need anything more than these things?

Three specific duties of a Christian Jesus taught in the Beatitudes are giving, praying, fasting. Jesus said, "When you give" and "When you pray" and "When you fast." He made clear these are to be part of a normal Christian life.  When these three are practiced by a Christian, they create a type of three-way cord that is not easily broken. In fact, Jesus went on to teach that "Nothing will be impossible." Fasting along with your prayer can cause God to zoom in on your children. In addition it can help bring health to you body and many other blessings.

So what kind of fast will you choose? There are several ways to fast. And one amazing principle that has ALWAYS worked with my fasts, was that once I decided on a type fast and the length, God made it so much easier than you would imagine. He honors your fasting with supernatural help to accomplish it.

A total fast means no food or water for a period of time. Personally, I've never felt led to do this type of fast without water. I am such a water-drinking nut to keep toxins flushed out. 
When Jonah called the huge city of Nineveh to repentance, the pagan king ordered a total fast for all the people and also the animals.
In John 4 the Bible says Jesus fasted food forty days, but does not mention water.

A juice only fast. I've done this type fast several times for one, two, or three days when I need direction or confirmation on something important. I mix half apple juice and half water and sip on it during the fast as I pull aside to seek God's voice. 

Once I did a fast with only water for three days to confirm God's call into full-time ministry. The enemy really fought this fast and calling. Since one of my parents had diabetes, the devil whispered, "You're really diabetic yourself. If you try to go without any food, you'll die." Well, we don't have diabetes and I declare I never will. I didn't eat any type food for three days and I didn't die, or even suffer, actually. God energized the whole thing and really confirmed our calling into ministry.

The enemy really fears a fasting, praying Christian!

Other type fasts: When pastoring we sometimes led our church into what we knew as a Daniel Fast of no pleasant bread (sweets) or meats for 21 days. (Daniel 10:1-3) This is really a vegetarian healthy detox for your body of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and filtered water. Sometimes we encouraged our congregation to add "no secular TV or movies" to clear their minds. This is the type fast I most often practice, sometimes just for a week, seven days, or even for three days.

If you ask the Lord, He will share the type fast He would like for you to do, and he will enable you to do it.

In Part 2 I will share some prayer points for a strong January Prayer and Fast.

Thanks for stopping by. Do you believe and practice fasting?
Would love to hear your comments and please do share this by clicking on the small icons below.

Onward into 2019!
Elva Martin

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

Christmas Special: Angels - Our Supernatural Helpers Part 3 "On Assignment"

By Elva Cobb Martin

Today in Part 3 we will look at angels on assignment and how we can make sure they work for us, not against us. To find Part 1  click here  http://bit.ly/2UVVtAc
and to find Part 2 here http://bit.ly/2LsTvTG.

Angels on Assignment
Jacob had a vision in Genesis 28:12 of a ladder reaching from heaven to earth with angels descending and ascending and God standing above them. I am so glad God showed Jacob and us He does send angels to earth and back on special assignments. Jacob was going through a real family crisis and had, in fact, fled from his home. God wanted to reassure him and share great promises for his future.

The Bible shows several angel visitations during the lives of people trying to serve Him, or in the case of Balaam, not obeying Him. 

Remember Balaam's story in Numbers 22? God never meant for Balaam to go at the Midian king's request and curse Israel. He went anyway and God put a warrior angel in his path "for an adversary against him." His donkey saw it and stopped but Balaam did not see the angel and he became furious and beat the donkey,until the donkey spoke to him. God can use anything to get our attention in an effort to turn us from a wrong path. Note: Disobedience can cause our angels to work against us, God forbid.

The Bible describes other angels sent on assignment, in addition to Gabriel being sent to Mary in Luke 2 we covered earlier.

• The two angels sent to Sodom because of Abraham's intercession to save Lot and his family before judgment fell for the city's practice of homosexuality. Isn't it great to know we may have loved ones living in the devil's camp but we can intercede and expect God to send angels to pull them out in time?                                                                                                            
• The angel sent to Daniel while he was in Babylon in chapter 10 who had to battle the demon angel over Persia for twenty-one days before he could get through. He told Daniel that Michael (Israel's guardian angel) came to assist him. We can glean a lot about angels from this story. The angel told Daniel he came "for his words." Daniel was fasting and praying. Evil nations have evil angelic principalities leading and guarding them--but God's angels can overcome. They told Daniel what would come in the future of nations. And let's don't forget the angel sent to shut the mouths of the lions to save Daniel. (God's angels can be sent at a moment's notice to deliver and help us.)                                                                                                                    
• The future assignment of ONE angel in Revelation 20 who will lay hold of Satan, bind him in a great chain and cast him into the bottomless pit. (Angels were sent on assignment throughout the Bible and will continue to be sent in the future).

To understand about angels form and abilities, here are some general facts I've gleaned from the Bible:

They are heavenly spirit beings with personal spirit bodies, created by God, with human-looking body parts, emotions, passion, intelligence, wisdom, great strength (one angel in the OT slew 185,000 of Israel's enemies in one night). 

They need no rest, they travel at inconceivable speeds, speak all languages, are innumerable, are subject to God, are interested in human affairs, can cook, wear clothes, not to be worshiped, can lead sinners to gospel workers and rejoice over one sinner who repents, minister to the saints, can appear unawares, bring answers to prayers, appear in dreams, guard Christians and Christian nations, wage war against the devil and evil spirits, and receive departed spirits. Last, but not least, angels will come with Christ when He returns.

How can we encourage the work of angels on our behalf? Remember the angel told Daniel he came "for his words." His prayers. Here's something from my personal experience.

I was in my prayer closet one day of prayer and fasting and God showed me a door opening in the spirit and a mighty warrior angel came marching through. Then the Lord lifted me up to see like a courtyard with many doors and behind these doors also stood mighty warrior angels, but the doors were closed. I asked the Lord about this, and He told me those Christians were not praying and that was what opened the doors into the earth for special assignments.

In Psalm 103:20 KJV, the Psalmist tells us that angels "hearken unto the voice of God's word." As we speak and confess God's mighty Word, His promises, over whatever situation we are in, angels hearken and get busy helping that word come to pass. Find God's promises for deliverance, healing, or supply and speak them out and stand in faith. ALSO stay in obedience to make sure your angels won't be sent to work against you, like Balaam.

As a final Christmas comment, have you ever wondered just exactly WHEN Mary became impregnated with God's Son? We know the Holy Spirit was involved in this process.

Based on my understanding of scripture, I believe it was when she SAID aloud, "Be it unto me according to thy Word." I also believe that's about when some camels in a far country got up on their dusty legs and started on the LONG desert trek toward her and Joseph with their supply they would need in nine months --gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

God and His angels are just waiting for us to speak out God's mighty Word in faith instead of doubt, fear, and doom the world speaks. I believe demons are activated by these depressing kinds of words. Let's keep our angels working hard on our behalf and on the behalf of America!

Thanks for stopping by. Do share this article by clicking on the small icons below.

God bless you and your family this Christmas and New Year,

Elva Martin

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

Christmas Special: Angels - Our Supernatural Helpers Part 2

By Elva Cobb Martin

Some people refuse to believe in God, heaven, hell, the devil, or angels. But this unbelief does not negate the reality of the spirit realm and our Creator of both the natural and the supernatural realms. 

The Bible records hundreds of manifestations and encounters with angels. Angels are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament (OT) and 165 times in the New Testament (NT).

Here are more angel facts that you can confirm by a good concordance and search of the word:

The word "angel" (Hebrew malak; Gk angelos) means "messenger." They are God's heavenly messengers or servants created by God before the earth began (Colossians 1:16).

Angels are not omnipresent--only God is, but angels are around everywhere on assignment. Jacob received a vision of them descending and ascending from assignments. In every nation assigned angels are among the agents executing God's will in the earth and assisting those who are trying to do so. Satan also has his demon angel assignments over various nations (Daniel 10) and ranks in his evil kingdom Paul received a revelation of in Ephesians 6. We'll discuss this in a later blog in this series.

Angels are not to be worshiped. Only God deserves worship.

The Bible speaks of good angels and evil angels, though it stresses that all were created good and holy. Having the freedom of choice, one-third of the angels joined in Satan's rebellion and were cast out of heaven (Ezek. 28:12-17; Jude 6). The Bible is not clear, but some theologians think likely these fallen angels can be identified with demons. Isn't it wonderful to know God has two good angels working for us for every bad one working for Satan?

In NT idol feasts Paul told the Corinthians that idol worshipers sacrificed to devils and that no one can drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils. This is just one of many Biblical prohibitions against Christians having anything to do with the works of Satan, sorcery, or the occult (I Cor. 10:21, Lev. 19:31). Anywhere the gospel was preached in the NT, God's power overcame the works of Satan and demons (Acts 19:11-20; Mark 8:26-36). This same power is available to us today if we learn and use our authority in Christ. This is why I wrote my primer, Power Over Satan. It can be found here  https://amzn.to/2G73tep

Thanks for stopping by. Next time we will look at the works and assignments of angels, good and bad. Please do share this blog by clicking on the small icons below.

Have a blessed Christmas aware of God's angels' helping us as we speak God's Word,

Elva Martin

Elva Cobb Martin Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

Christmas Special: Angels - Our Supernatural Helpers Part 1

By Elva Cobb Martin

Most of us are familiar with the vital part the angel Gabriel played in the story of Christ's birth in Luke 2:26-38 when he appeared to the virgin Mary. I encourage you to reread this text. I do so each Christmas season. Just from these few verses we can glean a lot of information about angels.

• They are very intelligent beings with computer-like brains and human characteristics. They can talk, walk, greet, share information from God, have feelings and desires.
• They are at God's command and able to move from His presence to a specific, assigned place on earth at a moment's notice--God's GPS, far superior to ours!
• They know specific countries, towns in those nations, persons in the towns and their names, who they are a descendant of and God's plan and purpose for these at their time in history, as God reveals it to them for their assignments on earth.

God says he gives His angels charge over us in Psalm 91:11. Isn't it wonderful to know, that today, if you are a born-again believer in Christ, you are in the charge of ANGELS?

We are in their charge and they are sent to minister to us when needed according to Hebrews 1:13-14: 

 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

I’ve personally experienced a few angelic visions and received help when needed. 

The first experience took place not long after we were called into the ministry. I had gone through deliverance ministry at my home with a young father who had such serious demonic panic attacks he could not work or even drive his truck. After three hours of deliverance prayer ministry with him, he became free and left our house a happy, new man. I was totally drained and just dropped into bed at 8:30 PM after he and my prayer team warriors left.

I awoke  with the sensation of the four corners of my bed being shaken with me bouncing in the middle. I remembered I had not commanded the demon spirits I had cast off of the young man to leave our property, so I did that and the shaking stopped immediately. 

My husband in the living room who heard the commotion I had made back in the bedroom came in, and he was upset. This was the first time I had gone through personal deliverance ministry with anyone at our house and some doubts of how all this could work well in the future in our new ministry calling assailed my mind as I tried to soothe hubby and then go back to sleep. 

Just as I was about to drop back off I became aware of a supernatural mighty being standing beside the bed, with weapons drawn. I can only describe him as looking like a powerful Mr. Clean standing guard. Peace flowed from him to me and all doubts fled. I truly believe this was a ministering angel sent from God or revealed as my guardian angel God had assigned to me to encourage us in our ministry.

Another angelic visitation took place late one night as my husband and I were headed home down the interstate at about 75 MPH. He was driving. Suddenly a carpenter’s wooden sawhorse, which had apparently fallen off a truck, appeared in the headlights in the middle of our lane, just in front of our car. In a micro mini-second I knew if we hit it, it would bounce up on the hood, through the windshield and probably kill us both. All I had time to say was, “JESUS!”

Immediately our car swerved to the left shoulder, passed by the sawhorse, then righted itself back in the proper lane. My husband, when he could catch his breath, said, “Elva, why did you grab the steering wheel like that? We could have wrecked!” I told him I HAD NOT grabbed the steering wheel. To this day, I believe an angel did that impossible split second maneuver and saved our lives.

Thanks for stopping by?Have you ever had angelic assistance or help? Would love to hear about it in the comments.

In the next parts of this series as we look at the different kinds of angels in the Bible and their assignments, and how to keep your angel working in your behalf versus against you. Yep, according to the Bible, it is possible to offend our angel helpers. 

Would you please share this blog on your social media by clicking on the small icons below?

Have blessed Christmas Season,

Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

300th Anniv. of Blackbeard's Death This Week

REMEMBERING BLACKBEARD THE PIRATE

Dr. Mark Hopkins (former president of Anderson University and syndicated columnist) and Elva Martin contributed to this article published in newspapers Nov. 23, 2018        

                               

Blackbeard battling for his life with Lt. Maynard's crew Nov. 22, 1718, off Ocracoke Island, NC

         

He wrecked havoc from the Caribbean to Boston and was so feared that many gave up their goods and money to him without his firing a shot.  Blackbeard was a swashbuckling, fearsome, terrorist who has dominated our tales of the sea from then until now.  He met his fate on November 22, 1718, three hundred years ago this week.  His life and downfall make quite a story.

          Blackbeard was born Edward Teach and won his nickname by his long beard and flowing black locks.  He was a skillful navigator and a feared naval tactician.  Newspapers up and down the coast of the Colonies carried the exploits of this most famous of American pirates.  “Who was this upstart who could attack American coastal cities and ships at sea and disappear without a trace?”  Stories and poems were written about him, the invisible and invincible pirate.  Mothers frightened their children with the bare mention of his name.  By the early years of the 18^th century Blackbeard had become the best known and most feared of all the rogues of the high seas.  

          Perhaps Blackbeard’s best known incursion into U.S. history was in May of 1718 when he sailed his fleet of pirate ships into Charleston Harbor.  He blockaded the harbor, captured and plundered nine ships and took several hostages including a member of the South Carolina Legislature.  He held the prisoners for ransom which the city gladly paid to get back their citizens and to see the stern of his ship, Queen Ann’s Revenge, sailing away.

          Blackbeard left Charleston Harbor gloating over the fact that not only had he taken the most valuable loot of his career, he had, as one writer put it, “reduced to total submission the proud people of South Carolina without firing a single shot.”

          What Blackbeard and his cohorts did not count on was that in the South, revenge rides hard on the heels of humiliation.  History records that the courts of Charleston in November of that same year hanged a total of 49 pirates.  The pride of South Carolina was certainly restored in great measure by these successes against piracy.  
          Blackbeard, however, was not among those executed in Charleston.

          The ruthless pirate met his demise just a few months later when the governor of Virginia dispatched a small fleet to Blackbeard’s stronghold on Ocracoke Island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  After a fierce battle, Blackbeard and many of his men were killed or captured.

          Lt. Robert Maynard, commander of the Virginia contingent, executed Blackbeard on the deck of his ship.  He chopped off Blackbeard’s head and attached it to his mast.  Legend has it that when they threw Blackbeard’s body over, it swam around the boat seven times before sinking.  The specter of Blackbeard’s head hanging on the mast of Maynard’s ship made quite a sensation when Maynard sailed his ship into the harbor at Norfolk.

          Pirates were the scourge of the high seas in the Western Hemisphere from the late 1600s until the Revolutionary War in the late 1770s.  Pirates, or privateers as they came to be called, joined the fight for freedom and were a major factor in the war with Great Britain.

          The story of Blackbeard the Pirate is still told in fictional stories.  Several movies have been made about his exploits.  He is memorialized even today on the stage at Myrtle Beach South Carolina where former Anderson, SC resident, Stan Wood, played the villain for several years in Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Show. 

          The life of Edward Teach, Blackbeard the Pirate, is not one that we celebrate but it is worthy of note that he met his fate three hundred years ago this week.  There has been none like him since.

                                                ***

As a footnote to the article, Mark Hopkins has written an excellent creative non-fiction account of how the pirates and privateers joined our war against Britain. Some of Mark's ancestors,  actually helped enlist the pirates to help us win the Revolution against the mighty British Navy war machine. Here's the cover and link on Amazon.  https://amzn.to/2OYZI9X

Thanks for stopping by today! Would love your comments on this article. Please share on your social media by clicking on the small icons below. My next blog will continue my series on "Creating Romantic Tension and Conflict in a Novel."

Blessings,
Elva 

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

Creating Romantic Tension & Conflict in a Novel - Part 3 Response to the First Kiss

by Elva Cobb Martin

 The hero's and heroine's response/reaction scene(s) to the first kiss is important in keeping the romantic tension or conflict going strong. Here is the hero's response/reaction to the first kiss. Find that kiss covered in my previous blog here:  http://bit.ly/2DtS999

Ethan entered his priest chamber next to the chapel with a grin still on his lips. He sat on the simple chair at the small desk and shook his head in wonder. There was so much to process his mind seemed to balk. Marisol dancing the flamenco. So talented. So beautiful. Who was she really? Where did she come from? Obviously from an estate similar to this one with those special horses like the one that followed her in the dance. Marisol with tears gushing from her eyes but never really telling him why. Did she dance for him or the viceroy? Her soft lips had responded to his kiss. He closed his eyes savoring the memory and felt like shouting. Or praying. Thanking God. Could he experience wonderful love again? Was God that good? Suddenly, he was very tired. He flung off the robe and lay on the cot. No disloyal thoughts of Olivia entered his mind. Only Marisol, her face, her beauty, her energy, the love he saw in her eyes tonight flowed over him, filling, healing broken places he’d forgotten were there. He slept more soundly than he’d slept in more months than he could remember.

                                                             ***

How's that for a hero blown away by the first kiss?

In reading a romance we want to see, feel, and rejoice in the lovers' bliss at finding love, the most powerful, life-giving force in the world.  In writing a romance we then want to show how how things can, and most often do, foul up and put that love at great risk. That brings the romantic conflict. Don't miss my next blog.

Would love your comments and please do share this blog on your social media by clicking on the small icons below.

Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed, safe Thanksgiving holy day with your family and friends,

Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

Creating Romantic Tension & Conflict in a Novel - Part 2 The First Kiss

by Elva Cobb Martin

The first kiss between my hero and heroine is a vital scene in a romance novel. I work on this scene diligently, refining, adding the five senses, and other details to make the scene come alive.

The follow up, reaction/response, scenes to the kiss from the POV of both hero and heroine are also important in a romance. 

Here's an excerpt of the first kiss from my current wip, Marisol. It takes place in Chapter 10 --but remember we've had at least two "almost" kisses before this to show the mutual attraction of the h/h.

We pick up the story after Marisol has danced the flamenco with an Andalusian stallion accompanying her. She has unfortunately attracted the powerful Viceroy of Grenada who thinks she danced it for him. In reality she danced it for the hero, Ethan.

Ethan caught up with her at the stairs as she started up. “Marisol, wait I want to talk to you.”

She didn’t look back but nodded and he followed up two more flights to a secluded landing near the chapel. When they were alone and no sound of the dance below reached their ears, she turned to face him. Shock rolled over him to see tears overflowing her lovely eyes. She lowered her head from his intense stare.

“What is wrong?” He took her by the shoulders and forced her to look up. “Did that man, that viceroy or whatever he was, say or do something untoward to you?” Heat flushed through him at the thought.

                                               ***

Through her tears she couldn’t control, Marisol looked at Captain Ethan Beckett, currently Father Garcia in his brown robe that hardly hid his muscular form or camouflaged his strong tanned hands now gripping her. His manly scent laced with spice enveloped her. She blinked, but still the salty flow gushed out. She couldn’t speak, at least not what her heart wanted to admit—that the Flamenco dance was done for him, with only him in her heart, and that she hated he was not her partner on the dance floor moments earlier. But it had gone awry. The Viceroy of Granada, a man her aunt had told her was the most powerful man on the Spanish Main, had somehow thought her flamboyant dance was especially for him. She had attracted a man she never dreamed of attracting, and she had no idea how to deal with the situation. Worst of all, he reminded her of Diego Vargas.

Finally, she found her voice, though hoarse. “No, he didn’t do anything…to me.” She looked into Ethan’s intense gray eyes, filled with compassion for her—was it compassion or something else? 

A sudden desire possessed her to speak the truth to this man she so admired and respected. “I did the Flamenco for you, Ethan, only you, not this, this viceroy, who seems to think I danced for him.” Had she spoken the words or only thought them?

Something like a light came on in his gray eyes. He drew her to him and raised her chin with his thumb. He perused her face, setting her heart afire. When he kissed away the tears, she began to tremble. Slowly, like a sleepwalker, he bent and touched her lips with his own. Her eyes closed of their own accord. The next instant he crushed her to him and his lips possessed hers with desire and urgency. Never had she known such a kiss. Fireworks exploded in her mind and body. Just as suddenly he pulled away from her and held her at arm’s length. Had he not gripped her shoulders tightly, her knees would have folded. He spoke one word.

“Marisol.” He started to release her but caught her before she fell. “I should not have done that. I would never take advantage of you. Will you forgive me?”

Her whispered words surprised him. 

“I don’t regret it.”

“You don’t?” Now a smile tugged at the corners of his thin lips that had so recently set hers aflame.

She leaned against the wall, took a deep breath and dared to look into his grey eyes,  smoldering in intensity. “Do you?”

A grin lit up his tanned face, parted his beard and revealed even white teeth. “Well, I daresay there’s not another priest on the Spanish Main who would be here, not only not regretting it, but wishing to do it again.” He reached for her.

She laughed and pushed him away. “I must go check on Samuel.”Thank God for simple tasks that could suspend the crackling tension between them. She started to move around him. He encircled her again in his arms and leaned to whisper in her ear. “I will not forget this, or you, Marisol. One day…” He hesitated and drew in a ragged breath. “But for now we must be very careful that no hint of what has happened here today is revealed on our faces or by our words.” He lifted her chin. “Do you understand?”

“Yes.” She saw his eyes move to her lips, and she ducked under his arm and started back down the stairs. She held onto the railing, not yet trusting her legs to hold her. His whispered goodbye followed her.      
                                                                             ***
                                                       

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have any refining comments on this scene? I'd love to have them. Please do share this blog on your social media by clicking on the small icons below.

Blessings,

Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. Jim Hart of Hartline Literary represents her. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

Creating Romantic Tension & Conflict in a Novel - Part 1 First "Almost" Kiss

by Elva Cobb Martin

Most of us read romance novels to follow the romantic  tension and conflict progressing between hero and heroine. We might race over a lot of description of setting, clothing, and weather, to get to these compelling scenes. 

I work hard on description, secondary characters, plot and sub plot, but I spend lots of quality time writing, refining, the romantic tension and conflict scenes between the h/h because they are vital to keep reader interest.

Kisses and "almost" kisses make up vital scenes in a romance.

Below is an excerpt of that magic "almost first kiss" in my current wip, Marisol, which is part of an historical romantic series set in Charles Town and on the Spanish Main. Keep in mind, this scene might be further refined. In fact, I'd love your refining thoughts if you'd share them in the comments.

The hero is disguised as a priest and H/H are in Cartagena on the Spanish Main to seek the hero's captured sister. Marisol has just returned from horseback riding and dancing the flamenco with the trained Andalusian stallion on her aunt's estate. I am giving the romantic scene and the hero's response to the almost first kiss. We need a response/reaction scene from sometimes both h/h 's POV, but definitely from one.

On the way back to her room Marisol met Ethan in the hall. 

He pulled her into a secluded corner before speaking. “I haven’t been able to find out anything in the taverns, Marisol. Have you spoken to your aunt?” His brows knit and his breath fanned her face as he spoke in  a low voice. 

Her heartbeat skyrocketed at his touch on her arm, and she breathed in his manly scent that seemed so right. Even in his priest robe, he was the most handsome man she had known.  Suppressing that thought, she met his startling gray eyes. “Yes, Aunt Lucia is working on it. And she’s planning a celebration here to commemorate my arrival, sir. We will meet quite a few people, the kind who could have an educated tutor like your sister for their children.”

His countenance lifted. “Yes, that sounds like a good opportunity to ask a few discreet questions.” His eyes moved over her face and settled on her lips. For a moment she couldn’t breathe. Then he dropped his hand from her arm and walked away.

                                           ***

Ethan entered his priest’s room next to the chapel. He jerked the sash away, dropped off the robe, and flung himself on the narrow cot. What was he thinking? He must not let his heart get involved with his former governess. He tried to convince himself it was because Marisol was different since they had arrived at her aunt’s. She had a new peace and confidence. Where had she been this morning? Her cheeks were rosy, her lips…. He banged the headboard with his fist, then sat up. He must concentrate on the main issue. Was his captured sister in Cartagena? The coming celebration might be of help. He stood and paced the room. 

So there is my "almost first kiss" and the hero's reaction.

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have any refining comments on these two scenes? I'd love to have your comments. Please do share this blog on your social media by clicking on the small icons below.

Blessings,
Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. Jim Hart of Hartline Literary represents her. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI