Between the Covers with:
Gail Martin

       Inspirational author, Gail Gaymer Martin is on a roll. Since publishing her first two romances with Barbour's Heartsong Presents line, she's gone on to write two novellas for them and to sell three more books to Steeple Hill's Love Inspired line and a traditional romance to Silhouette. An adjunct English instructor for the Detroit College of Business, she's a contributing editor and columnist for The Christian Communicator and is vice president of the Faith, Hope and Love chapter of RWA.

  When did you start writing for pleasure/for publication?

       In the third grade, my teacher wrote on my report card, "Gail is a good writer." As a pre-teen, I wrote Nancy Drew-type mysteries then romances where the heroine always died tragically--I had a lot to learn. When I began teaching and obtained my Master's Degree in counseling, I wrote professional articles and humorous skits for the teachers and at my church. When I was ready to retire from education, I submitted four Christmas worship services to my first publisher. I now have 14 worship resource books in publication.

  How did your early nonfiction writing lead to romance fiction?

       I love fiction and after finding success in nonfiction, I decided to try novel writing. Since I'm a romantic at heart; romances seemed the way to go.

  How difficult was it to break into the Inspirational market?

       Since I had already established myself with the Christian publishing houses, I began writing inspirationals in mid 1995. They were terrible then, but I studied and listened to editors, writers and critique partners. I sold my first novel SEASONS in June 1998 with a two week span between submission and acceptance.

  You've written for both traditional inspirational markets and H/S (Love Inspired) - what's the main difference between them?

       Barbour is ultraconservative. They look for a strong spiritual message which incorporates church attendance, Bible reading, verse quoting and a salvation message. They will not publish graphic sex, cursing, violence, the use of alcohol, divorced h/h, dancing except in historicals. Steeple Hill looks for a faith message woven into the fabric of the story, more subtle in presentation, yet as strong as Barbour's. They will include a champagne wedding toast dancing and divorced characters if vital to the plot, though they prefer to avoid them.

  You've recently sold to Silhouette Romance-any change in approach with these stories?

       Though Romance is a "sweet" line without graphic sexual content, a number of approaches will be different. First, secular audiences expect a strong sensual tension which incorporates physical attraction--inspirationals focus more on attributes of kindness, gentleness or patience. A heroine in a nightgown or a divorced heroine is usually a no-no in inspirationals. Secular allows more physical passion. Writing an inspirational is difficult, finding the right balance between romance and spiritual message. I will enjoy the opportunity to focus on the romance.

  What message do you try to give with your books?

       My focus is probably more based on how faith affects my life personally. When life seems to fall apart, a strong faith reminds me that I am not alone. Problems like death, separation, divorce, fear, depression are not as big when I have hope and strength through my faith in God. My belief also directs my action, values and morals, and those are evident in my writing. If one person who feels that life is hopeless or feels that no one understands, picks up my novel and finds strength and comfort in the message, that is my purpose.

   Can writers of inspirational romance also write romances with sexual content?

       If you mean explicit sexual content, no. I have known writers who have been dropped from a line because of selling a novel with explicit sexual content. A Christian publisher must reinforce the Biblical belief that intercourse and intimacy is part of marriage. An occasional scene between a husband and wife might be found but it stops at the bedroom door. This is not to say that inspirational romances do not have passion and show desire, but the couple's values stop them at the point of intimacy.

  What is the most important element in an inspirational romance?

       The romance, always. The spiritual elements are part of the conflict that keeps the h/h apart. The difference between inspirational and secular romance is tying conflicts--trust, forgiveness, acceptance or greed, into a biblical awareness.

  How do you find time to write?

       I write from morning to night when I can. I am married to a man who is supportive, proud, loving and a hard worker. He has always done what he can to give me writing time--and is also my proofreader and knows the genre well enough to edit as well. I have a housekeeper who comes in to clean. So other than my teaching or singing, or "social activities," I write.

  Do you actively promote your books?

       By word of mouth, through my web site (which I've revamped and obtained a domain: www.gailmartin.com) and through mailings and newsletters. I do book signings, speaking engagements, teach workshops and I love writing--so I talk about it where ever I go. I've sold novels to strangers at motels, restaurants, and in stores. The Heartsong novels are a Christian book club so I've bought my own copies to sell. Steeple Hill and Romance are side by side in secular bookstores. I've always said, "If you don't blow your own horn, someone will run over you." I hope that I toot with some sort of humbleness since the talent is God's gift --I'm just using it.

  What advice would you have for someone interested in the inspirational market?

       I believe a writer should be a true Christian. The faith elements are from the heart. Next, as with all genre, read the novels published by the houses you might like to submit to. Those actively seeking are Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents (52 novels a year and 48 novellas), Steeple Hill Love inspired (32 novels a year) and Tyndale House-Heartquest (limited publications).

  What's ahead?

        I feel I need to establish myself with my present houses. My dreams is certainly to breakout of category and write more women's fiction or mainstream. I'm grateful and amazed that I've gotten this far!

Read Gail's newsletter article, Life is Just a Bowl of "Berries".