They were going to kiss. I just didn’t know when or under what circumstances. Most importantly, I wasn’t sure how to write a passionate scene in the historical mystery I was crafting for Tyndale House, a well-known publisher of Christian fiction.
My new book, “All That Is Secret,” is my first foray into fiction. For decades, I worked in newspapers as a reporter, then taught reporting, and eventually transitioned to writing nonfiction books. None of this involved writing about romance.
In “All That Is Secret,” my main character is a young female theologian, inspired by Sherlock Holmes. She leaves her underpaid teaching job in Chicago and her basic living conditions to return to Colorado. There, she assists a young pastor in solving her estranged father’s murder.
Right from the start, sparks flew, and I didn’t anticipate it. I don’t use a strict outline. I prefer a spontaneous writing approach, so I followed my clever heroine’s journey, often holding my breath. Charging ahead, she ends up in a fast car with an attractive young man, pondering things she’d never considered before, like why this young pastor is so handsome and smells so good.
Writing chaste romance was a delightful challenge. With my three-book deal from Tyndale, I knew they expected clean reads—no sex, no cursing, maybe a kiss or two at most. The task was keeping it exciting without crossing certain lines. Early reviews praised “All That Is Secret” as “thrilling,” “engrossing,” and “fast-paced.” Was my story really that engaging? I certainly hoped so.
The restraint added intensity to the romance. When the kiss finally happened, its impact was all the greater for the wait.
Just like with profanity, traditional expressions of frustration and anger were avoided. Instead, I relied on what the Bible says about the power of words. Verses like Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Peter 3:10 guided me in creating dialogue that was meaningful and clean. This approach forced me to delve deeper into my characters’ emotions and motivations, making their exchanges more genuine and impactful.
Readers appreciated my protagonist’s raw, heartfelt reactions during conflicts, achieved without uttering a single curse word. This challenge made portraying human emotions in their truest forms even more rewarding.
Writing clean Christian fiction lets readers experience real-life struggles and joys without the need for hesitation or second thoughts. Rather than avoiding reality, this genre offers a refreshing escape and a sense of peace. As poet Mary Oliver said, “Light is an invitation to happiness,” and clean fiction provides that light.
Patricia Raybon is an award-winning author known for works like “My First White Friend,” and “I Told the Mountain to Move.” Her latest book, “All That Is Secret,” is a historical mystery set in 1923. The protagonist, Professor Annalee Spain, returns to Denver to solve her father’s murder. With the help of two allies, she navigates the dangerous terrain of a city influenced by the KKK, uncovering deep secrets and encountering challenges that test her resolve.
For more about Patricia and her books, visit her website or find her on social media. “All That Is Secret” is available now. If you enjoy Christian fiction, this book will offer you a compelling blend of mystery, historical context, and clean, heartfelt romance.
Do you enjoy reading Christian Fiction? What are your thoughts on its clean nature? Discuss below!
