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Guest Post: The Perfect Kiss, by Julie Lessman
The perfect kiss? Mmm … that’s a little bit like asking about somebody’s favorite food, isn’t it? I mean, come on—some people like their chili flamin’ hot and others like it mild and sweet.
Which means that the “perfect kiss” to some might be a nose nuzzle, while to somebody else—like moi—it’s a liplock that not only curls your toes, but your tummy as well.
Come on, you know what I’m talking about—like Rhett laying one on Scarlett before he swoops her up the stairs in Gone With the Wind? Or George Peppard in a liplock with Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, in the rain no less, with a cat between them. Or how ‘bout that kiss in The Notebook when Ryan Gosling kisses Rachel McAdams in the rainstorm, then carries her inside and pushes her to the wall?
Whew! Trust me, as a “wall-pusher” from way back, the perfect kiss to me is when a hero makes no bones about staking his claim, disarming the heroine with a powerful and possessive attraction that pushes her back to the wall—literally!
But for me, the real secret to a great kiss are the emotions surging around it like a romantic riptide that rolls in and out. Sure, you have to get the actions right, taking the reader through the step-by-steps of a kiss as if they’re watching a movie, like I blogged about in my Seeker blog, Keeping It “Reel” … or a “Novel” Approach to Putting a Movie in Your Readers’ Mind. But it’s those waves of emotions before and after the “kiss” that sweep the reader through a tsunami of feelings that will hopefully leave them breathless and gasping for more.
One of my favorite things to do with a kiss—which, in fact, is why the two examples below are what I consider my “perfect kisses”—is to use powerful emotions to frame a powerful kiss. For instance, my favorite love scene that I’ve ever written is from A Hope Undaunted and takes the reader through the ebb and flow of several strong emotions before and after “the kiss” (or “kisses” as in the first example below). In this example, the actual kiss portion of the scene begins with caring and concern on the hero’s part, then swells to shock, attraction, passion, more shock, anger, revenge and finally retribution and regret for both hero and heroine.
Deep breath …
Okay, I’m sorry, but for me as a CDQ (caffeinated drama queen), the more emotion the better, and I think 
for the reader, the more emotion, the better the kiss! Which is why the second example below, also from A Hope Undaunted, is my second favorite kiss because it has all the elements I like in a love scene—tenderness, passion, humor—unleashing a groundswell of emotions from the hero’s malaise to his jealousy, attraction, longing, shock, gratitude, desire, embarrassment and humor.
In my writer’s workbook, Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Inspirational and Sweet Markets, I quote the lyrics from Herman Hupfeld’s fabulous song, As Time Goes By, which claims that “a kiss is just a kiss, and a sigh is just a sigh.”
For the purpose of today’s blog, I am respectfully disagreeing with Mr. Hupfeld because one of the little tricks I’ve learned is that “a kiss is NOT just a kiss”—it’s a series of roller-coaster emotions that carry the reader to the Shores of Sigh on a tidal wave of feelings.
Ready to see what I’m talking about? Here are my first and second favorite kissing scenes that I’ve ever written. Why? Because when it comes to emotions, both are SO multi-dimensional! But, don’t take my word for it—YOU be the judge. Tell me in the comment section below which of the two kissing scenes YOU prefer and why, and I’ll enter you for a chance to win a signed copy of any of my books, including the paperback version of Romance-ology 101.
And remember … a few drops of Tabasco doesn’t make the chili bad … only a little spicier!
Julie’s 1st and 2nd Favorite Kissing Scenes
Thanks, Carla, for hosting me on your blog!
How to Contact Julie
I love to hear from reader friends, so if they like, they can contact me through my website, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest.
Also, I have a cool blog feature on my website called JOURNAL JOTS, which is a very laid-back journal to my reader friends that will give your readers an idea as to my relaxed style of writing.
Or readers can check out my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books on the EXCERPTS tab of my website.
Of course, I can be found daily at THE SEEKERS, a group blog of 13 published authors that inspires, encourages, teaches, and informs aspiring writers on the road to publication and beyond.
Tags: A Light in the Window, Dare to Love Again, inspirational fiction, Julie Lessman, kissing, romance, Romance-ology, writing romance
Guest Post: Romance Can’t Be Dead, by Melody Carlson
I know that many (not just singles) get frustrated when it comes to love and romance. And I’m aware that some (not just women) have completely given up on finding their ‘special someone.’ But I hope only a small minority (like my fictional character Emma Burcelli) are so disillusioned with love that they’ve concluded that romance is dead. Because, really, that would be just plain sad. I mean, if love makes the world go ‘round—where would we all be?
Yet as Valentine’s Day approaches, with all its frenzied focus on hearts and flowers and undying love, I can understand how it might make a lonely heart feel even worse. Why wouldn’t it? It’s totally understandable how someone trapped on the wrong side of love might secretly despise those smirking cupids, frilly valentines, and gigantic boxes of chocolates. Okay, that’s crazy—I mean who doesn’t like chocolate?
But celebrating a holiday (overblown with commercialism) that’s totally devoted to romance…well, I’m sure it’s enough to make some folks want to hurl…something… maybe a bag of those chalky conversational hearts. Anyway, I get this. In fact, that was the very inspiration for my Valentine’s novella (Once Upon a Winter’s Heart). Because not everyone is in love with the love holiday. For a lot of people, Valentine’s Day is downright disheartening.
So now it’s tempting to get all serious. I could climb on my soapbox and point my finger at our warped contemporary culture for the way it’s distorted our perceptions of love and romance and commitment. I could yammer on about how chivalry is dead. How texting ‘love u babe’ doesn’t cut it. How women are too critical of men. Or how men are too obsessed with football. I could really complain about the way media 
has twisted and exploited love and romance so that the younger generation is totally clueless. I could go on and on—and legitimately so.
But, really, I’d rather just focus on romance…and why (despite our current culture) we cannot allow it to die. Not in our own lives or in the world at large. Because here’s what I believe: anyone can be a romantic. Anyone!
So maybe you’re wondering—what is a romantic? In my opinion a romantic is one who holds onto ideals—thinking the best of others and hoping for brighter days for all. A romantic is someone who believes in miracles—whether it’s the miracle of true love, a newborn baby, or a generous and merciful God.
I think a true romantic is one who knows how to enjoy and share the everyday sweetness in life, simple things like hot cocoa or spring violets or a rose-colored sunset. A romantic is resilient and open to new possibilities…a romantic doesn’t give up. Most of all, I think a romantic is someone who loves whole-heartedly—whether it’s your crush, or your cat, or your spouse of fifty years. And that is why I believe we must keep romance alive and well—no matter where you are in your life. The good news is that, whether or not you’re involved in a romantic relationship, you can still be a romantic. Viva romance!
About Once Upon a Winter’s Heart
Emma Burcelli concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather, the last true romantic, suddenly passes away. To help her devastated grandmother, Emma works in the family bookstore, which, according to her grandfather’s wishes, must be decked out for Valentine’s Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma discovers that hanging hearts is more fun when Dean Martin, chocolates and a handsome guy are involved.
Order Once Upon a Winter’s Heart: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.carlalaureano.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/4-M-Carlson-Oct-10.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Melody Carlson is one of the most prolific novelists of our time. With more than 200 books published and sales topping 6.5 million, she’s won numerous honors and awards, including Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement award. She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of 35 years.
Learn more about Melody at her website or on Facebook. [/author_info] [/author]
Tags: guest blog, guest post, inspiration, Melody Carlson, Once Upon a Winter's Heart, romance, Valentine's Day
Five Writing Blogs You Should Be Reading
Last week, Positive Writer posted their list of the Top 25 Writing Blogs. After I finished filling up my blog reader with new discoveries, I thought, Wait. Some of my favorites didn’t get mentioned! How could this be?
So here are my unofficial additions to this list: the top five blogs that everyone should be reading…
Don’t let the title of this blog fool you. It may be written by a group of mystery, suspense, and thriller authors, but this blog is a treasure trove for writers of any genre and at any skill level. Particularly worthwhile is James Scott Bell’s Sunday column, but I’ve yet to find a post by any of the contributors from which I couldn’t glean something new. There’s no doubt why it’s one of Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers
I’ll confess, I’ve actually not read any of Janice Hardy’s books, but there’s no doubt that this author knows her stuff. In fact, this is my go to blog when I’ve got massive word count to cut at the end of a first draft (which is, well, pretty much always)– her editing and proofreading advice is second to none.
Jody Hedlund is a wonderfully talented historical romance writing in the inspy market, and her blog is a reliable source of useful and easy to digest information. Posts range from craft topics to industry insights to inspiration,
Another Writer’s Digest Top 100 pick, and for good reason. The sheer variety of the blogs, primarily written by WordServe Literary’s Clients, makes for consistently interesting reading: inspirational topics mixed with craft, social media, and industry advice.
Okay, so maybe this one won’t make you a better writer. In fact, don’t go to this site if you’ve got anything better to do–I’ve unintentionally sucked friends on deadline into its irresistable vortex of awesomeness and I’m still waiting for them to emerge. But really, it’s comforting to know that somewhere in the blue yonder, an editor is having a worse day than you.
Bonus: The Tumblr that started it all, Life in Publishing… not often updated, but worth the six hours you’ll spend combing through old posts, assuming you’re not easily offended by language.
What writing blogs are you reading? Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know below in the comments!
Tags: advice, bloggers, inspiration, top writing blogs, writing blogs
Interview with Author Cara Putman
I’d like to welcome today author, speaker, and multi-tasker extraordinaire, Cara Putman! I was first met Cara through a program she co-taught at my very first ACFW conference and since then have come to know her as an amazingly prolific (and busy!) author. I’m thrilled to have her here today to discuss her latest release, Shadowed by Grace.
Carla: Welcome, Cara! Shadowed by Grace, involves a part of World War II history with which most people are not familiar: that of the Allies’ Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program. Can you give us a little background on that division?
Cara: The Monuments Men had a unique role in saving Western Civilization. Since WWII was the first war with wide-spread aerial bombardment, European and American art experts quickly realized they needed a strategy to try to save the grand cathedrals and other buildings as well as the art they contained. Then they realized art was disappearing into Nazi Germany and knew they’d need a strategy for reclaiming the lost art, too. I found the work of these soldiers who weren’t really soldiers fascinating. The more research I did, the more fascinated I became. Such a small group of men who did so much good in a very non-traditional role.
Carla: How did you come about the idea for this story? Were you specifically looking for lesser-known facts of World War II?
Cara: I have deep respect and admiration for the men and women of the Greatest Generation, and I love telling their stories. Because of that, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas that will spark into a book. In the summer of 2010, I stumbled across a nonfiction book, Monuments Men, and was introduced to this small band of soldiers. Their stories captured me…and the art added a unique twist to the story. It became a story that burned in my heart to tell.
Shadowed by Grace focuses on some of the endeavors the Monuments Men undertook in Italy. I knew little of the Italian front and discovered a diary that gave voice to the Italian experience. That added with what I was learning about the efforts of the Monuments Men to save priceless monuments and paintings convinced me this was a story I wanted to write. Then I discovered the heroine and her search, and it became part of me. I love this story and am thrilled by the early reactions I’m hearing.
Carla: Part of what makes this story so unique is the fact that the heroine is a photojournalist (actually one of my own areas of interest!) Not only was photojournalism a new discipline at the time, but few women were allowed to see the front lines. What kind of challenges did that pose for you while writing the book?
Cara: I wanted to create a unique job that a woman could have on or near the front lines. If she could be an artist in her own right, all the better. That made war photojournalist the perfect role for Rachel. I found it fascinating to research the women who filled those jobs. Everything from their dress to how they worked in the field had to be explored. Once I found a couple key books, it made it easier. But I didn’t know much about war correspondents until I started writing this book. It’s a good thing I love history and getting the details right.
Carla: The war correspondent details, with all the associated challenges for a woman in that position, was one of my favorite parts of the book. What can we expect from you next?
Cara: My next project is a Christmas WWII novella collection with Tricia Goyer and Sarah Sundin entitled Treetops Glisten. I love Tricia and Sarah and their WWII novels, so it was a joy to work with them on this collection. We got on the phone and started brainstorming a collection of stories that would fit with the type of WWII novels we each write. “Should be near a big city but have a small town feel.” “Probably located in the Midwest.” “Needs war industry and a university.” I started laughing as I listened, because they were describing Lafayette, Indiana, where I live.
It was fun to work in collaboration on everything from where they would live, to family timelines, to sibling order, etc. Writing is so often solitary, but writing this collection allowed us to step outside of that. Sarah came out in September to do some on-site research. Tricia will be here in February, so it will be fun to take her to the candy shop my heroine works at, drive her by the Turner home, and more.
Carla: Okay, on to the lightning round . . . What three items are essential to your writing process?
Cara: My laptop, good research books, and almonds.
Carla: Favorite activity for procrastinating when you should be writing?
Cara: Facebook and other online media. Publishers expect writers to have an online presence, but I love the interaction!
Carla: Most hated chore?
Cara: Laundry – it never ends!
Carla: What is currently on your desk?
Cara: Textbook for a new class I’ll teach this winter, textbooks for the classes I’ll take, and information for blog tours for Shadowed by Grace!
Did I mention she was busy? Thanks again for joining us today, Cara… and readers, don’t forget to scroll down for details on Shadowed by Grace and another great opportunity to enter my Winter Warm-Up Giveaway! ***Contest is now closed***
About Cara
Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. An award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way, she is active in women’s ministry at her church and is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:
Connect with Cara: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads
About Shadowed by Grace
Rachel Justice is desperate to save her dying mother. She doesn’t want to leave her, but she accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy and photograph war images. No one knows her photography is a cover and that Rachel is really seeking to find the father she never knew, hopeful to get some help with her failing mother. Dedicated to her mission, Rachel is focused on completing it. Soon, though, she finds her priorities and plans changing when she is assigned to Lt. Scott Lindstrom, on mission as a Monument Man. Their meeting will have far-reaching consequences. Will this derail her plans? Will she ever find her father? Is her faith enough to carry her through?
Read the first chapter here!
Purchase Shadowed by Grace: Christianbook.com | Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Tags: Cara Putman, historical fiction, Shadowed by Grace, WWII
