Angela Ruth Strong | Stories to Entertain Your Inner Child

April 25, 2014

"Kid appeal" is a term primarily used in the children's market for books that kids can't get enough of. There's a kind of magic that makes them memorable.

I'd like to suggest the same thing happens in the adult market. It's the reason I have a manuscript being held for consideration with a publisher who isn't crazy about my writing. She said the story offers "a fresh and engaging idea... though the writing is not as strong as I would like." Ouch, right? I've obviously got some work to do. But hey, my kid appeal is influential enough that this editor just might take a risk on me anyway.

I'd say it was kid appeal that made Nora Roberts and Debbie Macomber stand out back when they were published alongside all the other Harlequin authors. Nora Roberts had a character who joked about naming her unborn child "Butch," and Debbie Macomber had her character cry in the neighbor's arms because she couldn't bake cookies. These are the books I can't forget, and neither could their millions of fans.

They are the reason I have my personal trainer in LIGHTEN UP gain weight and bust a seam in her pants when cosmic bowling under black lights—causing her white underwear to glow like neon, and the reason my rafting guide takes his dog on his jet ski with him in LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO, and why my single mom comes home to find her lawn littered with a herd of plastic pink flamingoes in (my summer release) SHAKE IT UP. And you might have guessed it...why I just sold my first middle grade novel WATER FIGHT PROFESSIONAL about a kid who would rather make money throwing water balloons than mowing lawns.

I admit, not all writers should write about glowing underwear, but this kind of creativity can be added to any kind of novel. For example, THE FAMILIAR STRANGER by Christina Berry is an award-winning tear-jerker about infidelity that includes a random character nicknamed "Bulldog." I love it. It's unexpected, charming, engaging, delightful.

This August I get to teach an online class through American Christian Fiction Writers on the subject of kid appeal. And as much as I'd love you to read my books, I'd also love my ideas to inspire your imagination. If you've ever wanted to write, don't let the reality of being a grown up stand in your way. Let your inner kid out to play and make some memorable moments of your own.

What's one thing you did even though everyone said it went against the rules? or what's your favorite atypical romance character? One commenter will win a copy of LIGHTEN UP

About LIGHTEN UP

Bethany Light is the daughter of a minister who can’t forgive her father for running off with the church secretary. She goes to her own pastor for counsel, never expecting to fall in love with him. To make matters worse, she’s personal training his fiancé in preparation for the big day and somehow ends up in their wedding.

Refusing to make the same mistake her dad made, Bethany tries to focus on fixing her family rather than face her own issues. How could a household that used to have it all together have fallen so far from grace? And how can she keep from following in her father’s footsteps when it feels so right?

Comments

8 comments posted.

Re: Angela Ruth Strong | Stories to Entertain Your Inner Child

I went on rides at a festival, and even coaxed my Dad to go
on one with me. I played on a baseball team when I was in
my 20's, all for the good of the company I worked for. Our
team did quite well, too!! I got my first trophy!! I
married someone who owned a motorcycle, and we would take
leisurely rides - sometimes to freak out my Parents!! Your
books sound like a real hoot, and I'm going to have to look
them up!! I could use a little cheering up about now, and
your books will be just the ticket!! Thank you for your
great posting today, and for bringing your books to my
attention!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:06am April 25, 2014)

What a lovely post today which was just what I needed to
brighten my day. An atypical romance character is the brainy
character whose personality is fascinating and warm.
(Sharon Berger 10:35am April 25, 2014)

i love books that is unexpected love someone that society
doesnt look at as beautiful like the book from kimberly
truesdale the wrong woman i love story like that
(Denise Smith 11:26am April 25, 2014)

I coached my 3 daughter's softball teams. I had 22 teams over the years. It was mostly the dad's coaching, not the mom's but I didn't care. It was always funny how the male coaches would treat me. They assumed I didn't have a clue!
(Sue Galuska 12:04pm April 25, 2014)

I love seeing a variety of characters and personalities come to life in stories... to see them go on a journey to find a HEA, especially the atypical characters. Thanks for sharing... it was wonderful to learn about you and your books!
(Colleen Conklin 1:45pm April 25, 2014)

When I got my first car, my father preached to me to never give rides to friends anywhere. I went against his wishes and carted many friends around everywhere, including to jobs out-of-town. This ended up coming back to bite me in the behind when I was forced off the road by a semi truck rounding a sharp curve and into my lane head-on. I was forced off the road and went off the shoulder down an embankment. This caused one passenger a head injury laceration, and my car frame to be all bent which totalled my car. None of the girls paid me that night toward gas which they owed me for the week, upon getting their paychecks. The girl with the injury sued my insurance almost 7 yrs. later (which was the allowable time frame many years ago) and received a lot of money for a small scar covered by her hair. So, I should have listened to my father, as he was right as to why I shouldn't drive friends around when I'm a teenager.
(Linda Luinstra 5:18pm April 25, 2014)

Favorite atypical romance character - virginal male, especially in Regencies.
(Michelle Fidler 5:19pm April 25, 2014)

I wish I could say I broke the rules but I was always so good and never did.
(Denise Austin 8:33pm April 25, 2014)

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