Shannon here: Amy R. Anguish shares the inspiration for her latest Contemporary Romance, Faith and Hope, plus a chance to win a copy. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: August 3rd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Amy:
Not Smooth Sailing
One of the first times I spent any time with the man who is now my husband, I literally looked at him and said, “I’d never marry a guy like you.” Needless to say, we both got to know each other more through the years, and I realized along the way that I would marry someone like him after all. And now we’ve been together for fifteen years.
But as you can see, we didn’t start out easily. Even after we had decided to date and get to know each other more, you can see from my post earlier this week that our first date wasn’t the smoothest, either. Our first kiss was perfect, but almost didn’t happen because of a lack of communication several days before. Our engagement happened because he wanted to end a fight we were having. Relationships are never easy, but we definitely had a few rough starts.
When I read books or watch movies where the characters meet, are instantly in love, and married by the last chapter, it’s sweet but unrealistic to me. For someone who didn’t have things work out that way, I can’t imagine a practically bumpless road. Instead, the stories I write are full of hills, bumps, potholes, and even a few stop signs. After all, if the characters can work through those things, their relationship is going to be the strongest in the world.
In my book, An Unexpected Legacy, my characters meet at a smoothie shop, but she wasn’t at all sure about him. After all, he came across almost too smooth, was too handsome, and was surrounded by several other girls who all wanted his attention. Why would he give any mind to a girl who was intentionally hiding behind a paperback romance?
In my newest book, Faith & Hope, Hope meets Joe at the camp they’re going to be working at together this summer. He’s rather childish, but also fun and handsome and friendly. Her sister Faith describes him as a little brother, though. And Hope just got out of a bad relationship and isn’t interested in a new one. Not even with Joe. She thinks.
If what my husband and I have is love at first sight, then our eyes are even worse than we thought (we both wear glasses/contacts). But isn’t that the way real life is? Everyone gets only one shot at a first impression. And often, we blow it. I want my characters to be that realistic. They need to grow into the affection and admiration that comes with a relationship that lasts.
About Amy: Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that
are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good. Learn more and connect:
About the Book – Faith and Hope:
Two sisters. One summer. Multiple problems.
Younger sister Hope has lost her job, her car, and her boyfriend all in one day. Her well-laid plans for life have gone sideways, as has her hope in God.
Older sister Faith is finally getting her dream-come-true after years of struggles and prayers. But when her mom talks her into letting Hope move in for the summer, will the stress turn her dream into a nightmare? Is her faith in God strong enough to handle everything?
For two sisters who haven’t gotten along in years, this summer together could be a disaster … or it could lead them to a closer relationship with each other and God.
Question for Readers: What about you? Did you and your spouse fall in love instantly? Did you have some preconceived notions to overcome? If you’re single, as a reader, do you prefer characters who fall in love right away or who have to slowly realize that there could be something there behind the person they thought was too full of himself or too childish or too something else?
Come back July 30th for Stacy Monson!
I love a story where they fall in love slowly more like in real life.
Me, too!
depends on the book
I think this could be said about any aspect of a story, don’t you?
Thanks for stopping by.
As a new girl in a small town, my friends gave me the impression that this tall, overly polite boy had a wild side that I should watch out for. As we got to know each other, I never saw that at all. I think I was his chance for a “do-over” and I got to see who he really was, way down deep. He actually fell for me first, and wrote sweet notes to help convince me. Not love at first sight for me, but the persuading he did was certainly a joy!
That sounds amazingly romantic.
I have a winner! bn100 won the drawing. I appreciate Amy for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.