Fresh Fiction Blog | Kelly Irvin | The Secret To Writing True Romance

When I tell people I’m a novelist, the inevitable next question, is: “What do you write?” When I tell them I write romances, they invariably give me a puzzled, skeptical look. I’m a middle aged lady with a reputation for being reserved, not much of a talker, and definitely not a wild and crazy woman with a vast, exciting love life.

First, I want to admit I did sow some wild oats in my twenties, but I don’t look upon those years as something of which I am proud. However, I am proud of the recent anniversary I celebrated with my husband Tim. On February 14, we had been married twenty-eight years. Being married to the same man for almost three decades has given me a richness of experiences from which to draw my romances. I’ve discovered that the mystery and uncertainty, the flip-flopping of the stomach, the will-he-call, will-he-ask, will-we-live-happily-ever-after, are not nearly as fulfilling as knowing the answers and hearing them repeated year after year. We didn’t really have time for much for that. We married in 1988 three months after we met on a bus full of journalists headed from El Paso, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the Mexican Food Capital of the World contest. I think of that day every time I hear a Stevie Ray Vaughn song on the radio (since the bus driver only played his cassettes on that long drive.)

Romance is in the good-night kiss that happens every single night without fail. It’s in the funny cards on birthdays and the jokes about robbing the cradle (he’s four years younger than I am) that never get old. It’s in sharing a laugh over the latest video of our grandchildren. It’s in watching him cook dinner for me on Saturday night and the way he hovers as I take the first few bites and wants to know if I like it. Or am I just saying that to make him feel good.

He’s not kidding when he asks that question. I’ve encountered some serious health challenges in the last two years. One of the results is that I can’t smell anything and it’s affected my ability to taste my food. Tim tries valiantly to find foods that I can taste so he really wants to know. He is a supreme chef and it hurts his heart that I can’t enjoy his hard work.

He takes his wedding vows very seriously and there’s nothing more romantic in my book. After my back surgery, he moved furniture and set up a bed downstairs. He bought all the medical equipment I needed for my recovery. He got up in the middle of the night to give me my medications, turn me over in the bed, and help me to the bathroom. He helped me shower and washed my hair and cleaned up after me when I was sick and didn’t make it to the bathroom. That is true love.

Now he sits with me at the hospital while I have chemo. He goes to the doctor with me and takes care of the laundry and the cooking and the other chores I can no longer do.

He has said if I lose the ability to walk because I’ve been diagnosed with a debilitating degenerative disease called primary lateral sclerosis, he will carry me.

That is love that is true and romantic and lasting. I thank God for him every day.

All of this colors the stories I write. I look for that kind of love in my heroes. The Amish marry for life. They don’t believe in divorce. They seek spouses who share their faith and their commitment to a simple, but hard, lifestyle. When they take their vows, they know the person standing across from them will be there for the rest of their lives. That’s why Deborah is so determined that Phineas will learn to love himself so he can love her in THE BEEKEEPER’S SON. And Jesse is so torn over his decision to leave the Amish faith to become a pastor who wins the lost and makes disciples. He may lose the love of his life, Leila, if he chooses his faith. And, in AN AMISH MARKET, Will agonizes over his feelings for Isabella, because he’s had his heart broken before, and he’s afraid to love again. He knows he has to take a leap of faith with the woman God has chosen for him or live alone for the rest of his life.

Nothing is more joyful and exciting and fulfilling than romantic love between two faithful people who choose each other for a lifetime. It’s what makes these stories so special to write and, I hope, to read. So when people look surprised at my choice of genres, I simply smile and tell them still waters run deep. And so does true love.

Giveaway

What are the qualities of "true love" that you consider important? Tell us below and one person will win a copy of the AN AMISH MARKET that includes Kelly's story: Sweeter Than Honey.

About Kelly Irvin

Kelly Irvin is the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series. Her latest series, The Amish of Bee County, includes The Beekeeper's Son and The Bishop's Son, which released in September. Her novella, The Christmas Visitor, is included in the anthology, The Amish Christmas Gift, which debuted this month. Kelly is currently working on the third installment of The Amish of Bee County, which will release in the spring. It is entitled The Saddle Maker's Son.

The Kansas native is a member of ACFW, Sisters in Crime, and Alamo City Christian Writers. In addition to the ACFW annual conference, she has attended the Glorieta Writers Conference in Glorieta, New Mexico. She also serves as secretary of the ACFW San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.

Amish of Bee County

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About AN AMISH MARKET

All the color and variety of a quaint Amish shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your favorite authors. Feel free to come in and browse!

Love Birds by Amy Clipston

While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?

A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller

Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?

Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin

Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.

Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman

Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.

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Comments

To me, true love is the husband who still takes your hand in public after 36 years of marriage, holds you when your world falls apart, finds joy with you spending time on the road with grandchildren driving for days to show them the wonder of our country with infinite patience at the moments that always arise at some point of the trip. Best of all, he's there to snuggle or and/read when we retire each night.
(Sharon Mitchell 3:42am February 26, 2016)

I love Amish stories, I would love to read this one.
(Wilma Frana 9:01am February 26, 2016)

the qualities of "true love" that I consider important? Honesty
and communication are at the top of my list!
(Deanna Stevens 10:51am February 26, 2016)

I think I am a lot like Kelly. True love is not the fireworks and bells when you kiss or get intimate. True Love is that look, that gesture, that gentle touch, that little thing he/she did just for me. Two years ago I broke my wrist and I found the depths of my husband's love it was my right wrist and I am right handed - very right handed. Bless his heart - he really loves me. Five weeks he had to do just about everything for me - did you ever realize it takes two hand to go out and have a steak dinner! The trials of true love.
(Connie Lynch 11:01am February 26, 2016)

true love is honesty and being there for each other no matter what.
(Patricia Wagner 11:08am February 26, 2016)

I think honestly and loyalty are very important in true love, along with respect
for one another.
(Lily Shah 11:15am February 26, 2016)

I think faithfulness, a good sense of humor and
communication are important. My husband has had to hold
my hand when I was in a coma for 2 days and has changed
my bandages over 300 times,yes I counted and got him a
nice steak dinner to celebrate the end of that. Your Tim
is a real keeper Kelly.
(Maryann Skaritka 11:44am February 26, 2016)

To me, it is the husband who determined he was married for life when we had those early years of disagreements getting to know each other. The husband who helped me when diagnosed with RA and trying to get stable on meds - like Kelly,washing my hair. Helping me out of the bathtub. Helping find the specialists I needed when the doctor/surgeon had done the best his knowledge could do. Praying when we didn't know before the surgery if they would find cancer or something else. Those are what romantic love is, showing the Lord's love and grace. Oh that I will have an opportunity to show him more as the years continue - as I know I haven't been nearly as loving as he has!
(Jeanie Dannheim 2:10pm February 26, 2016)

A husband is one who loves you with actions and not just
words. Treasure those little moments as you will miss him
when he is gone. For his prayer card, I found a picture of a
rose he had planted and I had it in my files. I will tell my
daughter, I want the one she took of us walking and holding
hands on my prayer card. I never minded going to the doctors
with him as he did not mind taking me to mine. I have liked
the Amish books. One I have is Amish recipes and I thought
they would be different, but same that we cook and bake as
most religions and cultures.
(Leona Olson 5:08pm February 26, 2016)

Am addition to my remarks. I met him in El Paso, he was at
Fort Bliss and I was at Hotel Dieu for nursing school.
(Leona Olson 5:11pm February 26, 2016)

True love is finding your soul mate. One to love you
through whatever life throws at you. Not just the good
times, but the bad times too. Romance can mean different
things to each of us.
Praying for you Kelly. I enjoyed reading about how Tim has
taken care of you. That's true love!
Love your books!! Thanks for the chance to win. God Bless.
(Donna Taylor 5:35pm February 26, 2016)

True love is tender, patient and kind. It's helping when
you are ill and being fair when you disagree. My husband
is assisting with the care-taking needs of my parents. Now
that's love.
(Sonja Nishimoto 6:20pm February 26, 2016)

True love first begins with God as the center of your home. We gave
ourselves, marriage, home & family to Him years ago. Through many
good times & many trials we didn't foresee, God has kept us together by
His grace. It's not always been easy accepting feelings & opinions that
differ, but we have to believe in our marriage and one another & in the end
work out the differences. Raising a handicapped child with explosive
Behaviors, can throw many rash feelings into the mix, and a couple could
turn against one another while struggling for answers. Thankfully God
allows one to be strong while the other is weak and we support one another
while seeking answers from the God that controls our hearts and homes.
This is just one example of how we've survived this thing called true love.
We love one another unconditionally. Thanks for this opportunity. God
bless.
(Linda Critcher 6:20pm February 26, 2016)

Kelly, your question and your readers' responses are wonderful. I don't think that I could add anything new. The qualities listed reflect my blessed journey with my Husband Bob. June 14th will be our 47th anniversary.
(Joanne Hicks 6:50pm February 26, 2016)

Your sweet story brought tears to my eyes. It sounded just like my late husband, Steve. He was the kindest, most gentle man! I remember when I had gallbladder surgery. I was so sick when I got home. He put me on the couch, made himself a pallet on the floor right in front of the couch in case I needed him, and took care of me. I could go on and on about the great memories I have of his love and devotion to me during our 25 years of marriage. I thank God for my precious memories!
[email protected]
Susan in NC
(Susan Fletcher 7:27pm February 26, 2016)

True love is honesty, caring and respect. My husband is that
and a whole lot more. I'd be lost without him.
(Karen Gervais 9:53am February 27, 2016)

True love is knowing that as long as both of us have breath,
we will be there to care for each other
True love is not having to doubt why he is late getting home.
True love is realizing that only God could have chosen my
perfect mate and that my husband feels the same way.
True love is being proud to be known as his wife. Not because
of wealth or prestige but because he is a truly fine man.l fo
True love is never regretting marrying this man 47 years years
ago and praying that we will have many more years together.
(Connie Saunders 3:09pm February 27, 2016)

True love is wanting to be together and helping each other
through the good and bad times.
(Melissa Basnight 3:56pm February 27, 2016)

All the commenters above have said what true love is including yourself . I can't say or add anymore than what has already been said . I do believe we all have some wonderful husbands including my own . He is taking care of me right now . I just got home Friday from having gall bladder surgery , and he has been right here to help with all my needs . Kelly , you will be in my prayers . May God Bless You .
(Joan Thrasher 11:59am February 28, 2016)

Honesty, communication, compatibility are all important aspects of true love. Also consideration and generosity in giving your time, attention, or help to your love.
(Cynthia Powers 5:15pm February 28, 2016)

Honesty and loyalty. If he lies or cheats once, he will lie and cheat 100
times so I have to have that. Which, by the way, I do!
(Vicki Hancock 6:11pm February 28, 2016)

For me true love is sacrifice and service. Of course,
there are many more to add to that, but my love language is
acts of service and it speaks volumes.
(Terrill Rosado 9:51pm February 28, 2016)

I used to live close to an Amis settlement in Minnesota. I love the Amish and their ways. I love any book about the Amish.
(Mary Baker 11:40pm February 28, 2016)

I wouyld love to be entered in the contest. Mary Baker
(Mary Baker 11:42pm February 28, 2016)

I have read a few Amish stories, I enjoy the diversity and looking at things in a different way than how i was raised.
(Darci Paice 12:28pm February 29, 2016)

I am so sorry you have been fighting such terrible health problems. You are
so lucky to have a truly special man to help you through the days and nights.
For me it is important to have someone who is honorable and has a sense of
humor. It helps a lot when you have the same interests. We will have been
married 44 years in June, and I couldn't have picked a much better soul mate.
It is so important that a couple love and understand each other. It makes the
rough spots in life easier to get through, and makes the good times so much
better.
(Patricia Barraclough 12:43pm February 29, 2016)

I think faithfulness and understanding are 2 of the most
important qualities of true love.
(Sue Farrell 9:30am February 29, 2016)

I would love to win one of your contests.
(Robin Pearson 9:43am February 29, 2016)

Wow. With a husband like that you have to write romance. He is
such an inspiration.
(Kelly Erickson 10:28am February 29, 2016)

An important component to true love is honesty-openness with your thoughts, your feelings and your beliefs.
(Sharon Karas 11:53am February 29, 2016)

Important values are loyalty, love, understanding and a
wicked good sense of humor.
(Mary McCoy 5:05pm February 29, 2016)

The qualities of true love that I consider important are
honesty and compassion.
(Jamie Stein 10:09am March 1, 2016)

Trust. Without trust one cannot experience true love.
(Amy Morgan 3:24pm March 2, 2016)

True love is when someone loves you no matter what. They accept both the good and the bad. And this person doesn't care what kind of mood you are in, they just love you for you.
(Catherine White 3:46pm March 2, 2016)

That was so well written! I have a husband like yours. On
Aug 7 we will have been married 45 years, & I too have
lots of medical problems. I have had 3 back surgeries
that appear to be failures, I have recently been
diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had it removed, then had
to be isolated from everyone while My radiation pill wore
off. We are done with that finally! Now we are on a
holding pattern. Jake helps me walk, he lifts my legs
when I go to bed, he empties my bedside commode, does all
of the cooking, on top of babysitting our 3 grand
children. We are two very lucky ladies!LOL Can't wait to
read your novels.
(Teresa Miller 4:58pm March 2, 2016)

True love is respecting each other.
Marilyn
(Marilyn Collins 8:24pm March 2, 2016)

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

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Fresh Fiction Blog
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Kelly Irvin | The Secret To Writing True Romance

AVAILABLE

Giveaway

About Kelly Irvin

Amish of Bee County

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

About AN AMISH MARKET

Buy AN AMISH MARKET: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR

Amish of Bee County

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Kelly Irvin | The Secret To Writing True Romance

AVAILABLE

Giveaway

About Kelly Irvin

Amish of Bee County

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

About AN AMISH MARKET

Buy AN AMISH MARKET: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR

Amish of Bee County

Comments

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SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors