God is a Romantic at heart! By Mary Lu Tyndall https://www.marylutyndall.com/
Posted: 16 Sep 2019 12:30 AM PDT
 Sometimes people ask me why I write romance. Aren't there more important things to write in these trying times? I always answer them that I write about God, and God is a romantic! In fact, the entire Bible is one huge love story composed of a bunch of little love stories. It goes something like this.
Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also. Jeremiah 3:8
God loves you with an undying, sacrificial, unconditional, immense love! And He never leaves you and never gives up on you, and He pursues you as if you were the only object of His great affection. Don't ever forget that! Look how God has woven the same story throughout Scripture! Adam and Eve What a grand love story. Adam was lonely. He needed romance in his life. He needed to fall in love. So what did God do? He brought him Eve. What is God preparing for His Son now? A Bride, which He will bring to Jesus at the rapture. Note. Jesus doesn't come down to earth. We go up to meet him in the clouds! Just as God brought Eve to Adam. Abraham and Sarah. What a grand love story! Apparently she was so beautiful he had to lie and tell other men she was his sister so they wouldn't kill him for her. Not his best moments. Isaac and Rebekah! Who could forget this great love story that mimics the love story between Jesus and His bride. Abraham (Father God) sends Eliezer (the Holy Spirit) back to his homeland (earth) to find a suitable bride for his son, Isaac (Jesus). Eliezer finds Rebekah, who agrees to marry Isaac. He pays the bride price and brings her willingly home to her new husband (Jesus) Joseph, who many scholars believe is a typology of Jesus, took a gentile bride from Egypt, an Egyptian princess. Just as Jesus is taking a Gentile bride (the church) Jacob, who was forced to marry a bride he did not want at first, Leah, in order to get the bride he did want, Rachel. Sounds a lot like Jesus who is now about to marry a gentile bride, (the church), but that is not the original bride God wanted for His Son. The Jews were to be the chosen people, the chosen bride but they rejected him. However, after Jesus marries the gentile bride, the Jews will be saved during the tribulation and they will once again become part of God's family. Moses took a gentile bride. Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho who sided with the Jews. She married a Jewish man and from their union, Jesus was eventually born. David and Bathsheba - who can forget this love story, as immoral as it started out. It was through their lineage that Jesus came as well. Ruth and Boaz, one of my favorite love stories. It it the perfect analogy of Jesus and the Church. Boaz was Ruth's kinsmen redeemer, just as Jesus is ours. If you don't know the story, I encourage you to read the book of Ruth. Esther - who doesn't love a story about a young girl who is nobody but who then becomes Queen of the Realm! And of course the ultimate love story. Jesus, who loved us so much, He gave up everything to become nothing, who was beaten and scorched and crucified so badly, He didn't even look human. He was rejected by men, a man well acquainted with sorrows, belittled, mocked, spit on, and harassed. And He did all of that to win your love,. to save you from eternal fire. Now, there's a love story for the ages! In fact, many of the things Jesus said are idioms for a Jewish wedding. It's a fascinating study, and I encourage you to read this article about the Jewish Wedding and Jesus And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 Remember you are bought with a huge price--the death of the Son of God. It is the bride price God paid for you to become His Son's bride. That makes you the most valuable thing in all of creation. Highly loved and exceedingly precious!
***
Thanks for stopping by! Would love to read your comments about this post by a dear author friend, MaryLu Tyndall. Feel free to share by clicking on the icons below.
Be blessed,
Elva
 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI
Coming Nov. 12, 2019 Marisol Book 1 in Charleston Brides
https://amzn.to/33Npc2L |
Showing posts with label #romanceWriter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #romanceWriter. Show all posts
Friday, September 20, 2019
Why Do We Write Romances? Guest Blog MaryLu Tyndall
Saturday, November 17, 2018
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
***
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
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.
Elva
Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI
Saturday, November 10, 2018
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.
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
Friday, July 13, 2018
Show Don't Tell Descriptions - Part 1
by Elva Cobb Martin
As authors we have to keep sharpening our show don't tell skills. When I read, I take notes on examples of good descriptions that show us rather than tell us. This helps us master the technique.
See if the sentences/phrases below help inspire you. They are my descriptive notes from a novel of a New York Times bestselling mystery author. This is one of the reasons she's enjoyed by so many readers! Can you SEE what she is describing?
The air was hot and heavy, as if it had already been breathed, and tasted faintly stale. (at a grave yard during funeral)
She looked tired and rumpled.
His voice lifted as he warmed to the subject.
He loved inflicting pain, that she knew as surely as any animal knows its predator by sight and smell.
She forced a smile and feared it might be more like bared teeth.
A look of venom hardened her face before she mastered it and ironed it out.
Charlotte knew exactly when the woman caught sight of Jacob. Her face changed. The full lower lip came forward, and the skin tightened across her cheeks.
Her voice, when it came, was as brittle as splintered glass.
Do these examples inspire you? With slight changes we may be able to use these great examples of show/don't tell descriptions.
And also come up with new ones.
Here are some descriptions of mine:
From Summer of Deception after the hero Luke Barrett has come back to God and had his faith restored. This is how I described what he felt later.
"As Luke walked across the lawn, the grass appeared greener, the flowers of the garden path more brilliant. A harmony filled his inner being, and he started to whistle."
http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI
Here's part of a scene from In a Pirate's Debt as the hero, Captain Bloodstone, (ancestor of Luke Barrett above) wrestles with the enemy in his dungeon cell on the eve of his proposed execution.
"Fury singed his mind and body. If he could just get his hands around Roger Poole's neck. That murderous thought brought others and Lucas fell into a hellish, demonic wrestling that lasted hours...Finally, exhausted and weary with the visions and the damp darkness about him, Lucas fell to his knees and cried out to God for deliverance from his anger and his unforgiveness. The response came swiftly, peacefully, like a gentle hand on his head. He looked up and saw a thin ray of sunlight filter down from the small barred window announcing morning."
Thanks for stopping by. Can you give me some good descriptive phrases or sentences that inspire you to add to my file? Please click on the small links below to share this blog.
Be blessed today is my prayer for you,
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
As authors we have to keep sharpening our show don't tell skills. When I read, I take notes on examples of good descriptions that show us rather than tell us. This helps us master the technique.
See if the sentences/phrases below help inspire you. They are my descriptive notes from a novel of a New York Times bestselling mystery author. This is one of the reasons she's enjoyed by so many readers! Can you SEE what she is describing?
The air was hot and heavy, as if it had already been breathed, and tasted faintly stale. (at a grave yard during funeral)
She looked tired and rumpled.
His voice lifted as he warmed to the subject.
He loved inflicting pain, that she knew as surely as any animal knows its predator by sight and smell.
She forced a smile and feared it might be more like bared teeth.
A look of venom hardened her face before she mastered it and ironed it out.
Charlotte knew exactly when the woman caught sight of Jacob. Her face changed. The full lower lip came forward, and the skin tightened across her cheeks.
Her voice, when it came, was as brittle as splintered glass.
Do these examples inspire you? With slight changes we may be able to use these great examples of show/don't tell descriptions.
And also come up with new ones.
Here are some descriptions of mine:
"As Luke walked across the lawn, the grass appeared greener, the flowers of the garden path more brilliant. A harmony filled his inner being, and he started to whistle."
http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI
"Fury singed his mind and body. If he could just get his hands around Roger Poole's neck. That murderous thought brought others and Lucas fell into a hellish, demonic wrestling that lasted hours...Finally, exhausted and weary with the visions and the damp darkness about him, Lucas fell to his knees and cried out to God for deliverance from his anger and his unforgiveness. The response came swiftly, peacefully, like a gentle hand on his head. He looked up and saw a thin ray of sunlight filter down from the small barred window announcing morning."
Thanks for stopping by. Can you give me some good descriptive phrases or sentences that inspire you to add to my file? Please click on the small links below to share this blog.
Be blessed today is my prayer for you,
Elva
Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI
Friday, June 22, 2018
Villains - Part 2
by Elva Cobb Martin
Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself as you create a memorable villain like Petro in the Netflix series, Kurt Seyit and Sura.
What one or two positive traits does your villain possess?
Petro is the perfect gentlemen on the outside, dresses well, treats women well.
Maybe your villain is kind to animals or children.
Maybe he/she shows love for a family member, or helps a needy person.
Think of something that might help your readers sympathize early on with the villain.
What negative traits does your villain have?
Petro pretends to be the hero Kurt's best loyal friend, but is really disloyal, a liar, evil plotter, and murderer.
Have you foreshadowed your villain's evil core after showing his positive traits?
Is your villain obsessive compulsive in some way?
Does he/she have some nasty habits?
What does your villain love or value more than anything?
Petro values position and riches.
What is your villain's goal and motive?
Petro wants to discredit the hero and he wants the heroine for himself.
He is motivated by hate for the hero and a past perceived wrong.
What lie does your villain believe?
Petro believes that if he can destroy Kurt, Sura will fall in love with him.
What has helped you create a good villain? Would love to hear your comments.
Thanks for stopping by! Please share 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. 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
Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself as you create a memorable villain like Petro in the Netflix series, Kurt Seyit and Sura.
What one or two positive traits does your villain possess?
Petro is the perfect gentlemen on the outside, dresses well, treats women well.
Maybe your villain is kind to animals or children.
Maybe he/she shows love for a family member, or helps a needy person.
Think of something that might help your readers sympathize early on with the villain.
What negative traits does your villain have?
Petro pretends to be the hero Kurt's best loyal friend, but is really disloyal, a liar, evil plotter, and murderer.
Have you foreshadowed your villain's evil core after showing his positive traits?
Is your villain obsessive compulsive in some way?
Does he/she have some nasty habits?
What does your villain love or value more than anything?
Petro values position and riches.
What is your villain's goal and motive?
Petro wants to discredit the hero and he wants the heroine for himself.
He is motivated by hate for the hero and a past perceived wrong.
What lie does your villain believe?
Petro believes that if he can destroy Kurt, Sura will fall in love with him.
What has helped you create a good villain? Would love to hear your comments.
Thanks for stopping by! Please share by clicking on the small icons below.
Blessings,
Elva
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Villains - Part 1
by Elva Cobb Martin
As an author I have to admit I often spend more time thinking about and creating my hero than I do my villain. But the best stories and movies I've enjoyed have had well-crafted villains.
What powerful villains come to your mind? One villain I loved to hate is in the Netflix series, Kurt Seyit and Sura. This romantic historical drama is set beginning in 1916, and takes place in Russia, Crimea and British-occupied Istanbul. The hero and heroine's love story is to die for.
The villain, Petro, is the best friend of the hero, and he wants the heroine, Sura, for himself. What makes him so hate worthy is his lying deception as a best friend and his total disloyalty and cruelty whenever it suits his purpose of trying to break up Seyit and Sura. Neither of them realize what he is doing until it's almost too late.
Petro is a good-looking, kind of harmless-looking guy and a gentleman, but he's also a devious liar and murderer. This author put as much time in creating this villain as she did her hero and heroine and this is a big part of what makes this series spellbinding. It's actually based on a true story.
Here are this villain's characteristics so far:
Good-Looking, harmless-looking guy, gentleman
Motivated by love or lust for best friend's sweetheart
Disloyal
Liar
Murderer
Deceptive/devious
Thanks for stopping by. What villains have you loved to hate and why? As authors we have to work on creating three-dimensional villains. We are way past how the old westerns handled it. The good guys wore white hats and the bad guys wore black. LOL
In Part 2 we will talk about some questions you can ask yourself when creating a great villain readers won't soon forget.
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. 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
As an author I have to admit I often spend more time thinking about and creating my hero than I do my villain. But the best stories and movies I've enjoyed have had well-crafted villains.
What powerful villains come to your mind? One villain I loved to hate is in the Netflix series, Kurt Seyit and Sura. This romantic historical drama is set beginning in 1916, and takes place in Russia, Crimea and British-occupied Istanbul. The hero and heroine's love story is to die for.
The villain, Petro, is the best friend of the hero, and he wants the heroine, Sura, for himself. What makes him so hate worthy is his lying deception as a best friend and his total disloyalty and cruelty whenever it suits his purpose of trying to break up Seyit and Sura. Neither of them realize what he is doing until it's almost too late.
Here are this villain's characteristics so far:
Good-Looking, harmless-looking guy, gentleman
Motivated by love or lust for best friend's sweetheart
Disloyal
Liar
Murderer
Deceptive/devious
Thanks for stopping by. What villains have you loved to hate and why? As authors we have to work on creating three-dimensional villains. We are way past how the old westerns handled it. The good guys wore white hats and the bad guys wore black. LOL
In Part 2 we will talk about some questions you can ask yourself when creating a great villain readers won't soon forget.
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. 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
Friday, May 11, 2018
Creating a Hero Part 4 - Man of Steel and Velvet
by Elva Cobb Martin
If you missed Part 1-3, click here:
http://bit.ly/2IDQ5hY
My definition of a man of steel and velvet is one who may have great physical and mental attributes, but who also has received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And everything in his life is influenced by this relationship and his love for God's Word.
William Wilberforce (played by Ioan Gruffudd in the movie, Amazing Grace) was a definitive man "of steel and velvet."
This one man's passion and perseverance changed the world. His courageous quest ended the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade in the British Empire in May, 1807, in England, and in the U.S. in January, 1808. (Then our Civil War followed in 1861 to bring freedom to the slaves already here.)
Our Bible has several heroes who might fit this bill. Some of my favorites are Joseph, Gideon, and a lesser known one, warrior Jephthal, who was born of a prostitute and turned out of the family by his half siblings. But in war they ended up begging him to return to lead them in battle. His prayers for God's guidance are recorded in Judges 11-12.
Aubrey Andelin authored the book, Man of Steel and Velvet. He lists six qualities of steel and six velvet qualities of men. Find it on Amazon here https://amzn.to/2jObsyV
These 12 characteristics are great to consider when building our memorable heroes.
Steel Qualities
Please Click to tweet this blog: https://ctt.ac/3R5r2
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. 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
http://bit.ly/2IDQ5hY
My definition of a man of steel and velvet is one who may have great physical and mental attributes, but who also has received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And everything in his life is influenced by this relationship and his love for God's Word.
William Wilberforce (played by Ioan Gruffudd in the movie, Amazing Grace) was a definitive man "of steel and velvet."
This one man's passion and perseverance changed the world. His courageous quest ended the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade in the British Empire in May, 1807, in England, and in the U.S. in January, 1808. (Then our Civil War followed in 1861 to bring freedom to the slaves already here.)
Our Bible has several heroes who might fit this bill. Some of my favorites are Joseph, Gideon, and a lesser known one, warrior Jephthal, who was born of a prostitute and turned out of the family by his half siblings. But in war they ended up begging him to return to lead them in battle. His prayers for God's guidance are recorded in Judges 11-12.
Aubrey Andelin authored the book, Man of Steel and Velvet. He lists six qualities of steel and six velvet qualities of men. Find it on Amazon here https://amzn.to/2jObsyV
These 12 characteristics are great to consider when building our memorable heroes.
Steel Qualities
- Guide, protector, provider
- Builder of society
- Masculinity
- Character
- Confidence
- Health
Andelin says the steel side of a man makes women and children feel secure.
Arouses admiration of all. Makes a woman feel womanly.
Velvet Qualities
- Understands women
- Gentleness
- Attentiveness
- Youthfulness
- Humility
- Refinement
The author says the velvet side of a man promotes good human relations among people and awakens love in women and children.
I believe only a man who has chosen to be led by God's Holy Spirit can hope to excel in these characteristics.
Our culture vitally needs to be reminded of these qualities as some increasingly work to erase man's masculinity, blur the roles of men and women, and redefine the family.
Who is your definitive "man of steel and velvet?" History, movies, and novels evidence quite a few. Some of us even have the great pleasure of being married to one. ( :
Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed Mothers' Day, all you dear mothers and grandmothers.
Here's a pic of one man of steel and velvet--and a little "steel and velvet" growing up. (Our Christian law officer son and grandson we'll be seeing this weekend.)
Please Click to tweet this blog: https://ctt.ac/3R5r2
Friday, April 6, 2018
First Chapter Pointers - Part 3: Summer of Deception First Chapter
by Elva Cobb Martin
As promised, here is the first chapter of Summer of Deception,
my contemporary romantic suspense novel. Can you see the pointers illustrated for first chapters we've already shared in Parts 1 and 2? Click here for Part 2 http://bit.ly/2GG5ygy
Here are the pointers we covered in Parts 1-2:
1) Introduce the Protagonist
2) Ground the reader in a setting
3) Introduce main plot
4) Introduce conflict and/or problem
5) End chapter with a bang that will force reader to turn the page.
Amazon link to Summer: http://amzn.to/2f0y2SB
Here's the pitch to introduce the story:
Summer of Deception is the story of a young woman who determines to unearth the truth about her brother's reported death by taking a position at an historic Charleston tea plantation, only to realize the truth may destroy her new found love and could even cost her life.
Chapter One
Charleston, South Carolina
Rachel York gasped when the taxi headlights
pierced the stormy night and illuminated Barrett Hall in all its southern grandeur. Her travel fatigue faded, and she leaned forward, energized, as the cab crunched its way up the tree-lined shell drive to the entrance. At the gate, she exited the auto with her umbrella extended, and the taxi driver placed
her large bag and tote at her side. Rachel thanked him,
paid him, and hurried up the front walk, pulling her valise
behind her. The vehicle disappeared down the drive,
and darkness closed in as she made her way up the
front steps.
On the wide porch, she propped her umbrella
beside her suitcase, took a deep breath, and tried to
ignore a shiver of disquiet that traveled up her spine.
She would discover the truth about Ron. This summer job
in Charleston was her first step.
The rain pounding against the slate roof stopped
as quickly as it began. The moon angled out from
behind a cloud, and Rachel glanced around the
plantation’s wide portico with its six imposing
columns and rocking chairs bathed in shadows. The
brass horse-head knocker adorning the entrance added
to its aura.
She held her wristwatch to the moonlight and
grimaced. Ten o’clock. She’d arrived five hours late
and with her cell phone dead. How early did the
elderly Mr. Barrett retire? Did he think she would
change her mind about his job offer? No way. It was an
answer to prayer.
Rachel breathed in the moist air. The sweet smell
of gardenias delighted her. Swinging her thick hair
behind her shoulders, she lifted the knocker and let it
go. The sound broke the quietness like a pistol shot.
A sharp bark from behind startled Rachel’s
already antsy nerves. She whirled around. A gray
German shepherd the size of a calf stood on the steps.
She grabbed her umbrella and pointed it at the beast as
if it were a sword.
"Gabriel, what are you growling about?" A tall
man stepped into view from a path beside the house,
shaking rain from his cowboy hat. The moonlight
revealed his strong build and rich tan. He wore an eye
patch and an olive green T-shirt etched with the word
Marines.
When he caught sight of Rachel, he commanded
the dog in a strong low voice, "Come, Gabriel." The
animal obeyed, and he snapped a leash on its collar.
"Sorry if this big mutt frightened you. He’s not
ferocious, but we don’t broadcast it. And the umbrella
wouldn’t suffice for your defense if he wanted to
attack—which he doesn’t." The man chuckled, a
pleasant sound in the shadows.
Was he a farmhand or some kind of security
patrolling the grounds? Rachel breathed easier and
lowered her umbrella. She opened her lips to speak,
but the porch flooded with light and the door opened.
Rachel turned.
A gray-haired woman in a wilted apron stood in
the partial opening. She glared at Rachel with
narrowed blue eyes that rounded as she spied the
luggage.
"I’m Rachel York. Mr. Barrett’s expecting me.
Sorry I’m so late."
"Mr. Barrett, eh? He didn't tell me he was
’specting nobody, ’specially for overnight." She
frowned and pursed her lips. "And I'm the
housekeeper. What did you say your name was?"
“Rachel York." Not expecting me? And not just for
overnight—but the whole summer.
The woman opened the door wider, and her eyes
fell on the man in the shadows. "Oh, there you are."
Rachel glanced back at the man and dog.
He spoke to the housekeeper. "Mrs. Busby, show
our guest to the game room in about two minutes."
"Yes, sir."
Obviously not a farm employee. Or a guard.
Rachel pulled her luggage into an elegant entrance hall
lit by a grand chandelier. A delightful fragrance wafted
up from roses on a side table. She propped her suitcase
upright and dropped her carry-on beside it. Glancing
around, she tilted her chin and smiled. What a place to
have a job for three months. Even a nanny job. Just who
was the striking man?
The housekeeper disappeared down the hall, and
Rachel tried to still a flutter in her stomach. How could
her arrival be a surprise to the help?
The woman soon returned and gestured for Rachel to
follow. They turned past a curving staircase and down
two steps into an enclosed patio dotted with plants and
white wicker furniture. Rachel’s metal-capped heels clicked
across polished brick. The house appeared to be exactly the kind of historic residence she expected a southern plantation
owner like elderly Charles Barrett to own. That day in
the college office, Dean Woods described it perfectly as
a Gone with the Wind setting. Her future employer
laughed and nodded at them both.
The woman gave a brief knock at a door and
opened it. She motioned for Rachel to enter and came
in beside her.
Rachel inhaled the delightful woodsy scent of
cedar chips and turned at the sound of the masculine
voice she recognized from the porch.
"Hello, again." The man and the dog stood in front
of an unlit fireplace at the far side of the room. He
wore a towel around his neck and Levis tucked into
army boots. The German shepherd wagged its tail and
started to move forward. But its master spoke a
command. "Sit, Gabriel."
The dog obeyed.
Rachel found it difficult to breathe as the man
glanced from her hair to the stilettos peeking beneath
her jeans. She resisted the urge to smooth her curls or
straighten the blazer.
He cast aside the towel and strode toward Rachel
and the housekeeper. His boots clunked on the
hardwood floor.
Mrs. Busby spoke with a stiff voice. "Mr. Barrett,
shall I place her luggage in your room, sir? Or a guest
room?"
Blood rushed to Rachel’s face. In his room? "No—
this is not the person I’m here to see."
The housekeeper turned to her. "You said Mr.
Barrett expected you, Miss York."
"I would like to speak with Mr. Charles Barrett, if
you please. He should be expecting me."
The housekeeper’s mouth fell open, but the man
waved her out the door. She left without a word.
He turned to Rachel, a corner of his mouth
quirked up. "You mean my uncle invited you here to
spend the night? That’d be a first."
Speechless, Rachel stared at him, her cheeks hot
enough to fry an egg. Raindrops glistened on his short
black hair, and brown stubble darkened his chiseled
face. The hint of a mustache floated above thin lips
now stretched into a grin. Surely she was the victim of
a joke—and by a most handsome man, even with the
patch across his left eye.
He propped on the edge of the desk, folded his
powerful arms, and met her burning glance. "Sorry,
let’s start over. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an
honest-to-goodness flush like the one lighting your
face."
Some apology.
"I’m Luke Barrett." A smile showed even white
teeth, and he leaned forward and extended his hand.
The low, rich timbre of his voice vibrated through
Rachel, and the scent of spicy aftershave tickled her
nose. She took a needed breath and shook hands.
Luke's calloused palm swallowed hers, and their gazes
met. A tiny shock coursed through her.
"Rachel York,‛ she said, surprised at the tightness
in her throat. She tried not to stare at the patch and
disengaged from his handshake.
He reached up and adjusted the black oval.
"Won’t you sit down and tell me why you’re here?"
She moved to a chair and perched on its edge.
Luke sat behind the desk. A small, half-finished
woodcarving lay in front of him. He swept the
shavings into a trash basket and dropped the wooden
piece and pocketknife into a drawer. Leaning back in
his chair, he cracked his knuckles twice and gazed at
her.
Rachel started to speak, but a grandfather clock
nearby struck the hour, making speech impossible.
Luke cocked his head until the chimes stopped.
"I’m sorry I’m late," Rachel said when silence
again reigned, "but my plane was delayed by the
storm, and I couldn’t get a phone connection. Has your
uncle retired already?"
Something like shutters closed over Luke’s face.
And he sat up straight, alert, similar to a tiger ready to
pounce. "You might say so. You claim he was
expecting you?"
Rachel’s empty stomach knotted. What was going
on? First, the housekeeper, now this nephew. Not the
welcome she hoped for. She shook off her uneasiness—
everything could be cleared up in two seconds. "Mr.
Barrett offered me a summer position caring for a
child. Would you like to see the note?"
Luke’s brow rose, and he reached a wide palm
across the desktop. "Definitely."
Rachel opened her handbag. As she searched for
the paper, his rapt attention reminded her of her
stepfather Lester’s interrogations. A lipstick plopped
out onto the floor, and she bent to retrieve it. Finally,
she found the missive and passed it to Luke.
He unfolded it and read it.
Relax. Never again would she fear Lester Black
and his stifling control. When he discovered she’d left
for a summer job states away, he might become
furious, but he could do nothing about it. She was in
the midst of a new beginning, like her brother Ron
surely enjoyed in his earlier move to Charleston. A
pain crossed her heart. But she couldn’t think about
Ron. Not yet.
She studied the man before her. Thank God there
was nothing else about him remindful of her
stepfather. A calm strength emanated from Luke
Barrett evocative of Ron and his Drug Enforcement
Administration associates, who kept in top physical
condition.
Luke glanced up at her.
She squirmed and blinked. He’d caught her
staring at him.
An uneasy silence settled in the air as he
reexamined the note. A frown creased his brow.
Rachel’s travel weariness returned, and a dull pain
began to throb behind her eye. She inspected the room
to avoid gazing at him. A padlocked gun case on the
left displayed an assortment of rifles, pistols, and
revolvers. She scanned titles in the bookcase behind
Luke. Her jumbled mind made out "Marines" etched
on a manual. A Bible sat in a corner with some framed
pictures. Two of them featured a dark-headed little
girl. Her charge, perhaps? Some of Rachel’s tension
evaporated.
She stole a glance again at Luke still bent over the
letter. A muscle worked in his jaw. Obviously, he did
not know about his uncle’s job offer to her. Mr.
Barrett’s gentle face the day she talked with him in
Dean Wood’s office floated across her mind, and her
confidence recharged.
Luke dropped the letter on the desk and sat
forward. "Where did you get this, Miss York?" His
challenging demeanor startled her.
She stood and swallowed. "From your uncle, of course.
He can explain everything.
"Uncle Charles died two weeks ago."
***
Here is a picture I used for inspiration for my hero as I wrote Summer of Deception.
Luke Barrett, before he lost an eye in the war.
By the way, my second novel, In a Pirate's Debt, is actually a prequel to Summer. I went back to Luke's ancestor, the first owner of Barrett Hall, a former pirate, who took the kings' pardon.
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. 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
As promised, here is the first chapter of Summer of Deception,
my contemporary romantic suspense novel. Can you see the pointers illustrated for first chapters we've already shared in Parts 1 and 2? Click here for Part 2 http://bit.ly/2GG5ygy
Here are the pointers we covered in Parts 1-2:
1) Introduce the Protagonist
2) Ground the reader in a setting
3) Introduce main plot
4) Introduce conflict and/or problem
5) End chapter with a bang that will force reader to turn the page.
Amazon link to Summer: http://amzn.to/2f0y2SB
Here's the pitch to introduce the story:
Summer of Deception is the story of a young woman who determines to unearth the truth about her brother's reported death by taking a position at an historic Charleston tea plantation, only to realize the truth may destroy her new found love and could even cost her life.
Chapter One
Rachel York gasped when the taxi headlights
pierced the stormy night and illuminated Barrett Hall in all its southern grandeur. Her travel fatigue faded, and she leaned forward, energized, as the cab crunched its way up the tree-lined shell drive to the entrance. At the gate, she exited the auto with her umbrella extended, and the taxi driver placed
her large bag and tote at her side. Rachel thanked him,
paid him, and hurried up the front walk, pulling her valise
behind her. The vehicle disappeared down the drive,
and darkness closed in as she made her way up the
front steps.
On the wide porch, she propped her umbrella
beside her suitcase, took a deep breath, and tried to
ignore a shiver of disquiet that traveled up her spine.
She would discover the truth about Ron. This summer job
in Charleston was her first step.
The rain pounding against the slate roof stopped
as quickly as it began. The moon angled out from
behind a cloud, and Rachel glanced around the
plantation’s wide portico with its six imposing
columns and rocking chairs bathed in shadows. The
brass horse-head knocker adorning the entrance added
to its aura.
She held her wristwatch to the moonlight and
grimaced. Ten o’clock. She’d arrived five hours late
and with her cell phone dead. How early did the
elderly Mr. Barrett retire? Did he think she would
change her mind about his job offer? No way. It was an
answer to prayer.
Rachel breathed in the moist air. The sweet smell
of gardenias delighted her. Swinging her thick hair
behind her shoulders, she lifted the knocker and let it
go. The sound broke the quietness like a pistol shot.
A sharp bark from behind startled Rachel’s
already antsy nerves. She whirled around. A gray
German shepherd the size of a calf stood on the steps.
She grabbed her umbrella and pointed it at the beast as
if it were a sword.
"Gabriel, what are you growling about?" A tall
man stepped into view from a path beside the house,
shaking rain from his cowboy hat. The moonlight
revealed his strong build and rich tan. He wore an eye
patch and an olive green T-shirt etched with the word
Marines.
When he caught sight of Rachel, he commanded
the dog in a strong low voice, "Come, Gabriel." The
animal obeyed, and he snapped a leash on its collar.
"Sorry if this big mutt frightened you. He’s not
ferocious, but we don’t broadcast it. And the umbrella
wouldn’t suffice for your defense if he wanted to
attack—which he doesn’t." The man chuckled, a
pleasant sound in the shadows.
Was he a farmhand or some kind of security
patrolling the grounds? Rachel breathed easier and
lowered her umbrella. She opened her lips to speak,
but the porch flooded with light and the door opened.
Rachel turned.
A gray-haired woman in a wilted apron stood in
the partial opening. She glared at Rachel with
narrowed blue eyes that rounded as she spied the
luggage.
"I’m Rachel York. Mr. Barrett’s expecting me.
Sorry I’m so late."
"Mr. Barrett, eh? He didn't tell me he was
’specting nobody, ’specially for overnight." She
frowned and pursed her lips. "And I'm the
housekeeper. What did you say your name was?"
“Rachel York." Not expecting me? And not just for
overnight—but the whole summer.
The woman opened the door wider, and her eyes
fell on the man in the shadows. "Oh, there you are."
Rachel glanced back at the man and dog.
He spoke to the housekeeper. "Mrs. Busby, show
our guest to the game room in about two minutes."
"Yes, sir."
Obviously not a farm employee. Or a guard.
Rachel pulled her luggage into an elegant entrance hall
lit by a grand chandelier. A delightful fragrance wafted
up from roses on a side table. She propped her suitcase
upright and dropped her carry-on beside it. Glancing
around, she tilted her chin and smiled. What a place to
have a job for three months. Even a nanny job. Just who
was the striking man?
The housekeeper disappeared down the hall, and
Rachel tried to still a flutter in her stomach. How could
her arrival be a surprise to the help?
The woman soon returned and gestured for Rachel to
follow. They turned past a curving staircase and down
two steps into an enclosed patio dotted with plants and
white wicker furniture. Rachel’s metal-capped heels clicked
across polished brick. The house appeared to be exactly the kind of historic residence she expected a southern plantation
owner like elderly Charles Barrett to own. That day in
the college office, Dean Woods described it perfectly as
a Gone with the Wind setting. Her future employer
laughed and nodded at them both.
The woman gave a brief knock at a door and
opened it. She motioned for Rachel to enter and came
in beside her.
Rachel inhaled the delightful woodsy scent of
cedar chips and turned at the sound of the masculine
voice she recognized from the porch.
"Hello, again." The man and the dog stood in front
of an unlit fireplace at the far side of the room. He
wore a towel around his neck and Levis tucked into
army boots. The German shepherd wagged its tail and
started to move forward. But its master spoke a
command. "Sit, Gabriel."
The dog obeyed.
Rachel found it difficult to breathe as the man
glanced from her hair to the stilettos peeking beneath
her jeans. She resisted the urge to smooth her curls or
straighten the blazer.
He cast aside the towel and strode toward Rachel
and the housekeeper. His boots clunked on the
hardwood floor.
Mrs. Busby spoke with a stiff voice. "Mr. Barrett,
shall I place her luggage in your room, sir? Or a guest
room?"
Blood rushed to Rachel’s face. In his room? "No—
this is not the person I’m here to see."
The housekeeper turned to her. "You said Mr.
Barrett expected you, Miss York."
"I would like to speak with Mr. Charles Barrett, if
you please. He should be expecting me."
The housekeeper’s mouth fell open, but the man
waved her out the door. She left without a word.
He turned to Rachel, a corner of his mouth
quirked up. "You mean my uncle invited you here to
spend the night? That’d be a first."
Speechless, Rachel stared at him, her cheeks hot
enough to fry an egg. Raindrops glistened on his short
black hair, and brown stubble darkened his chiseled
face. The hint of a mustache floated above thin lips
now stretched into a grin. Surely she was the victim of
a joke—and by a most handsome man, even with the
patch across his left eye.
He propped on the edge of the desk, folded his
powerful arms, and met her burning glance. "Sorry,
let’s start over. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an
honest-to-goodness flush like the one lighting your
face."
Some apology.
"I’m Luke Barrett." A smile showed even white
teeth, and he leaned forward and extended his hand.
The low, rich timbre of his voice vibrated through
Rachel, and the scent of spicy aftershave tickled her
nose. She took a needed breath and shook hands.
Luke's calloused palm swallowed hers, and their gazes
met. A tiny shock coursed through her.
"Rachel York,‛ she said, surprised at the tightness
in her throat. She tried not to stare at the patch and
disengaged from his handshake.
He reached up and adjusted the black oval.
"Won’t you sit down and tell me why you’re here?"
She moved to a chair and perched on its edge.
Luke sat behind the desk. A small, half-finished
woodcarving lay in front of him. He swept the
shavings into a trash basket and dropped the wooden
piece and pocketknife into a drawer. Leaning back in
his chair, he cracked his knuckles twice and gazed at
her.
Rachel started to speak, but a grandfather clock
nearby struck the hour, making speech impossible.
Luke cocked his head until the chimes stopped.
"I’m sorry I’m late," Rachel said when silence
again reigned, "but my plane was delayed by the
storm, and I couldn’t get a phone connection. Has your
uncle retired already?"
Something like shutters closed over Luke’s face.
And he sat up straight, alert, similar to a tiger ready to
pounce. "You might say so. You claim he was
expecting you?"
Rachel’s empty stomach knotted. What was going
on? First, the housekeeper, now this nephew. Not the
welcome she hoped for. She shook off her uneasiness—
everything could be cleared up in two seconds. "Mr.
Barrett offered me a summer position caring for a
child. Would you like to see the note?"
Luke’s brow rose, and he reached a wide palm
across the desktop. "Definitely."
Rachel opened her handbag. As she searched for
the paper, his rapt attention reminded her of her
stepfather Lester’s interrogations. A lipstick plopped
out onto the floor, and she bent to retrieve it. Finally,
she found the missive and passed it to Luke.
He unfolded it and read it.
Relax. Never again would she fear Lester Black
and his stifling control. When he discovered she’d left
for a summer job states away, he might become
furious, but he could do nothing about it. She was in
the midst of a new beginning, like her brother Ron
surely enjoyed in his earlier move to Charleston. A
pain crossed her heart. But she couldn’t think about
Ron. Not yet.
She studied the man before her. Thank God there
was nothing else about him remindful of her
stepfather. A calm strength emanated from Luke
Barrett evocative of Ron and his Drug Enforcement
Administration associates, who kept in top physical
condition.
Luke glanced up at her.
She squirmed and blinked. He’d caught her
staring at him.
An uneasy silence settled in the air as he
reexamined the note. A frown creased his brow.
Rachel’s travel weariness returned, and a dull pain
began to throb behind her eye. She inspected the room
to avoid gazing at him. A padlocked gun case on the
left displayed an assortment of rifles, pistols, and
revolvers. She scanned titles in the bookcase behind
Luke. Her jumbled mind made out "Marines" etched
on a manual. A Bible sat in a corner with some framed
pictures. Two of them featured a dark-headed little
girl. Her charge, perhaps? Some of Rachel’s tension
evaporated.
She stole a glance again at Luke still bent over the
letter. A muscle worked in his jaw. Obviously, he did
not know about his uncle’s job offer to her. Mr.
Barrett’s gentle face the day she talked with him in
Dean Wood’s office floated across her mind, and her
confidence recharged.
Luke dropped the letter on the desk and sat
forward. "Where did you get this, Miss York?" His
challenging demeanor startled her.
She stood and swallowed. "From your uncle, of course.
He can explain everything.
"Uncle Charles died two weeks ago."
***
Here is a picture I used for inspiration for my hero as I wrote Summer of Deception.
Luke Barrett, before he lost an eye in the war.
By the way, my second novel, In a Pirate's Debt, is actually a prequel to Summer. I went back to Luke's ancestor, the first owner of Barrett Hall, a former pirate, who took the kings' pardon.
Thanks for stopping by. How did you like this first chapter? Did I miss any of the listed pointers that should be in a first chapter? If this series on first chapters has helped you, please share on your social media by clicking on the small icons below.
Blessings,
Elva
Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI
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