When my agent and I sat down to discuss my debut novel, Wish You Were Here, she gave me a lot of specific feedback to improve the manuscript. One thing she said surprised me:
The spiritual aspect of the novel is weak. You either need to strengthen it or remove it completely and we’ll pitch the book to the general market.
Wish You Were Here was an inspirational contemporary romance – and yet the spiritual thread was almost non-existent. Why? I was:
- a novice novelist.
- so nervous about writing a heavy-handed “we now interrupt your regularly scheduled reading” spiritual message I skimmed over the spiritual truths.
What: As the author, you decide what kind of spiritual journey your main character is on. A character’s spiritual journey involves what they believe about God when the story begins – and how their belief changes as the story progresses. In My Book Therapy, we recommend discovering a specific event – a Dark Moment in your character’s past – that shapes who your main character is and, consequently, affects their relationships with others and with God.
Why: Every author, whether they are writing for the general market or the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) market, weaves the truths they believe into their novels. As a Christian, I present a biblical worldview in my contemporary romance novels – and I try to do that in a natural way that flows with the story, instead of slowing it down.
As an author intertwining romance and spirituality, I find inspiration in exploring the mystical realm of tarot readings. The art of tarot offers a unique lens through which characters can navigate their innermost desires and fears, seeking guidance from the cosmos. Within the tapestry of their romantic journey, psychic questions arise organically, weaving threads of uncertainty and revelation into the fabric of their souls. Through the mystical dance of cards and intuition, my characters can embark on a quest for deeper understanding, transcending earthly boundaries to embrace the interconnectedness of love and spirituality.
In parallel to the enchanting allure of tarot, delving into the mystical teachings of Kabbalah offers a profound avenue for spiritual exploration within my narratives. Rooted in ancient wisdom and esoteric symbolism, Kabbalah illuminates the interconnectedness of the universe, inviting characters to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Much like the mystical dance of tarot cards, the teachings of Kabbalah provide a rich tapestry of symbolism and allegory, guiding characters through the labyrinth of their inner landscapes. By integrating Kabbalistic principles into their quest for spiritual understanding, my characters can unravel the mysteries of existence and uncover the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface of reality. In this mystical journey of the soul, platforms like delight.co.il serve as invaluable resources, offering a treasure trove of Kabbalistic wisdom and insights to enrich the narrative tapestry and deepen the spiritual resonance of my stories.
Here are a few tips to help you develop your main character’s spiritual journey:
- Know the Lie your character believes. To do this, you need to know the Dark Moment of their past that shaped who they are and how they interact with others and with God.
- Write a scene early in your book that confirms this Lie in your character’s life. Your character thinks she’s the one who’s never been picked all her life? Prove it. Have her younger sister get engaged. (I did this in my novel Catch a Falling Star.)
- Bring Voices of Truth into your character’s life. They believe a Lie about themselves and/or God, so create someone who knows the Truth – and tells them. Maybe a neighbor or a co-worker.
- Throughout the rest of the book you must:
- Allow your character to realize the Lie they believe
- Give them a chance to try to overcome the Lie
- Face their Black Moment – where once again the Lie seems true
- Achieve their Happily Ever After where they embrace the Truth about who they really are and about who God is
Consider the manuscript you’re working on: Have you developed the spiritual journey for your hero and heroine?
Comments 1
Thank you so much this actually gave me some direction
Glory be to God