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Home » Archives for Tamela Hancock Murray » Page 7

Tamela Hancock Murray

Five Reasons to Read Christian Romance Novels to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 9, 2023
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Since Valentine’s Day is near, we have plenty of time to read romance novels before the big hearts, flowers, and candy day arrives! Here are some excellent reasons to read terrific Christian romance novels before and after February 14:

  1. Christian romance novels emphasize the couple’s relationship with the Lord. Many secular stories never reveal the characters’ spiritual lives. Readers can reach the end without knowing whether they’ve read about Christians or New Agers. Christian romance novels allow characters to express their faith naturally and organically. The characters experience faith to such a large extent that if the author deleted the character’s spirituality, the character wouldn’t exist.
  2. Christian romance novels emphasize relationships over chemistry. While readers want great stories featuring attractive couples, the narrative doesn’t linger on physical attributes. By virtue of this tone, readers can enjoy the couple’s developing relationship that will be the basis of a lifetime commitment rather than fleeting erotic curiosity.
  3. Christian romance novels honor the Lord. The reader knows the author shares their worldview, celebrating His Majesty’s place as Ruler and Creator of the World. While the couple must overcome internal and external conflicts before the romance can proceed, the reader won’t encounter approval of evil or attempts to debunk Christianity.
  4. Christian romance novels show the basis of lifetime relationships. By the end of the story, the reader understands the couple is committed to each other through shared faith and values. The reader knows the couple plans to respect the Lord through commitment.
  5. Christian romance novels demonstrate how to live and love as a Christian. Enough said.

Happy reading, and happy Valentine’s Day!

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Category: Genre, The Writing Life

The Cuts of Success

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 1, 2023
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Finally! Your dream of becoming a published author has come true! You’ve worked hard, probably years, to reach this point. You want to share your excitement with anyone who’ll listen. Most people should be happy for you, but sometimes responses can be unexpected: “Oh. I’ve never heard of that (magazine/publisher/imprint).”  “That’s nice that you write children’s books. I only buy Caldecott …

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Category: The Writing Life

I Am a Writer

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 11, 2023
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My father always resolved never to make New Year’s resolutions. Admirable indeed, although few possess his fortitude! What are your goals for 2023? I remember when I first started writing articles and books for publication. Rejections abounded, and this was at a time of plentiful magazines and regional newspapers publishing unknown authors. Winning a contract from a traditional book publisher has …

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Category: The Writing Life

​My Christmas Prayer for You

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 15, 2022
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This will be my last blog before Christmas Day. The Christmas season is a lovely time to bless and remember our blog community and to let you know how much your thoughtful comments have brought insight and pleasure over the years. Thank you for being part of our community. I pray that as we move through Advent that you and your loved ones are blessed as we all await in glorious anticipation to …

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Category: Personal

Three Fun Links

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 7, 2022
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Since we’re all busy preparing for Christmas, I thought you might enjoy a brief respite. Here is a fun link that is also useful to writers. What year was the word you want to use officially born, as in, first used in print? What words were born during your birth year? Have fun exploring! Time Traveler by Merriam-Webster: Words from 2021 I love Christmas hymns. My favorites are too numerous to list …

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Category: Personal

Thankful to the Lord, Today and Every Day

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 23, 2022
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From the Book of Common Prayer 1979 of the Episcopal Church, USA   A Litany of Thanksgiving Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us. For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea, We thank you, Lord. For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, We thank you, Lord. For our daily food and …

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Category: Personal

You Might Not Like My Edits

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 10, 2022
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Just for fun, here’s an edited (see how I did that!) version of a conversation I had with one of my adult daughters after she sent me a short document she wanted me to check. Daughter: Have you finished yet? Me: I’m fiddling with it. Daughter: Oh no! Don’t do that. I just want you to look at it. Me: But … Daughter: I knew you were going to over-edit it. When I was in elementary school, I would …

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Category: Editing

Line Editing

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 2, 2022
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Today’s post is the second installment of definitions about different types of editing. If line editing, that means someone “fixing” the craft. Sometimes I receive submissions from authors who need more practice in craft. That’s okay! Even the most experienced authors can improve. However, once we’ve agreed to work together, you’ll know that I believe you have mastered craft and that your work is …

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Category: Editing

Developmental and Copy Editing

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 20, 2022
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Last week, I shared a few thoughts on how I edit manuscripts very little, if at all. But rest assured, when you work with me, you are not alone. Using definitions of different types of editing offered by Steve Laube, I’ll explain my process over the next two blog posts. If developmental editing, that means someone “fixing” the story. Like most writers, I call this “brainstorming” with authors. …

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Category: Editing

A Few Edited Words

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 12, 2022
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Sometimes writers will ask me if, as a literary agent, I edit manuscripts before submitting them to publishers. I choose not to touch a manuscript for several reasons: (1) I love your writing, so I don’t think you need my edits. (2)  I worked for many years as a professional writer but not as a professional editor. (3)  Since I have worked as a professional writer, I understand the emotions behind …

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Category: Agents, Editing, Grammar, The Writing Life, Writing Craft
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