Christian Romance Guidelines?

[MillyBecker]

Does anyone know, or does anyone know where I can find, a general "rule" list on what's acceptable and not in a Christian Romance? I need to know how far I can take romantic relationships--I know, I can't have graphic sex, but can intimate relationships be implied?

My WIP, could probably be considered a Christian romance, and I would love to try and sell it that way, but I need to know the rules.

Thanks!

[Susan Gable]

Becky, the most thorough explanation I've seen comes from Harlequin's Love Inspired stuff - and there is now Steeple Hill Love Inspired, Romantic Suspence, "chick Lit," all sorts of stuff.

Characters should not be engaging in sex (OFF SCREEN sex, no on-screen sex!) unless they are married. HEre's some other information that may help you out with the "rules." This came from Harlequin's website, other Christian publishers may vary, but please note that some of these are the CBA rules. (Christian Book Asssociation.)



"There should be no explicit sex in these stories, and a minimum of sensuality and sexual desire. Both humor and drama have a place in these books; foul language, swearing and scenes containing violence do not. Though the stories may take place in urban environments, hanging out in bar settings, drinking alcohol or becoming involved in sexual situations is not appropriate for Christian characters.

Although the faith element is an important part of these stories, the degree of religiousness can vary. We would prefer that specific Christian denominations not be named, e.g., we prefer "Good Shepherd Christian Church" to "Good Shepherd Baptist (or Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.) Church." Though the heroine can be conflicted about being "cool" or finding her place in the contemporary secular world while maintaining her Christian values, her behavior cannot stray from acceptable CBA norms. Because Steeple Hill Books sells to both CBA and ABA bookstores, we must adhere to CBA conventions. The stories may not include alcohol consumption by Christian characters, dancing, card playing, gambling or games of chance (including raffles), explicit scatological terms, hero and heroine remaining overnight together alone, Halloween celebrations or magic or the mention of intimate body parts. Lying is also problematical in the CBA market and characters who are Christian should not lie or deceive others. Possibly there could be exceptional circumstances (matters of life and death), but this has to be okayed by an editor. "


http://www.eharlequin.com/cms/learntowrite/ltwArticle.jhtml?pageID=040301wu01001

Hope that helps!

Susan G.

[reph]

Milly, farther down on the Water Cooler page are a Romance forum and a Religious forum where you might get additional information.

[Danger Jane]

Hmm.

Intimate relationships can be implied, sure. As long as they are within Christian parameters. In fact, it turns out those prudish church ladies have some of the best sex in the world. So yeah.

[Yeshanu]

I'd also direct you the Religious Writing and Romance forums, but you'll get the best answers from the publishers themselves. Write or email or check online for their writer's guidelines. And READ. If you want to write a Christain Romance, and you've never read one, then put down the pen and start reading first. Notice how the writers who have been published handle it. Then do likewise, especially for your first novel.

[MillyBecker]

I got this from the Harlequin Steeple Hill Women's Fiction.


There should be no explicit sex in these stories, and a minimum of sensuality and sexual desire. And unless it is part of the struggle the protagonists face, there should be no premarital sex or graphic violence.
Okay, so my question is this: My MC engages in premarital sex. It is not explicit--it pretty much begins and ends with them going off to the bedroom. As a result of this encounter, she gets pregnant. This is the conflict in the story. The boyfriend wants her to have an abortion, she refuses, they go their separate ways, she finds love with another man.

So in your opinion, would that fit that guideline? Or should I start my book past the point of "impact"?

[Danger Jane]

I think that fits. Although you might not be "allowed" to condone premarital sex. I'm not sure if this goes outside denominations.

[MadScientistMatt]

I think that would fit the guidelines. If it doesn't, there would be several sections of the Bible that they couldn't print either.

[Susan Gable]

I got this from the Harlequin Steeple Hill Women's Fiction.



Okay, so my question is this: My MC engages in premarital sex. It is not explicit--it pretty much begins and ends with them going off to the bedroom. As a result of this encounter, she gets pregnant. This is the conflict in the story. The boyfriend wants her to have an abortion, she refuses, they go their separate ways, she finds love with another man.

So in your opinion, would that fit that guideline? Or should I start my book past the point of "impact"?

I would say begin the story after "The deed is done" so to speak. The story is about how her faith is tested by this incident in her life, or how she comes to stronger faith because of this incident in her life. So there should be room for her "mistake" beforehand, but don't quote me on that. <G>

Don't forget that struggle of faith is what makes an Inspirational an Inspirtational. It's got to be a major part of the story.

Good luck!

Susan G.

[aspiringwriter]

Becky the story sounds very interesting. If you ever get it published, i'll sure read it.