Kelly Marstad ~ Today's Guest Blogger

A Mainstreamer’s Interpretation of the CBAs
By Kelly Marstad

Your hero is alone in the woods. He’s surrounded by miles upon miles of trees in every direction. He’s in a cabin and all he wants to do is chop wood. Why? Because I said so. He lifts his ax and takes a whack. After about an hour of this (yes, an hour, because our hero is a stud and can handle a LOT of physical activity without breaking a sweat, but no he isn’t super-human and therefore sweat will happen) when he gets flushed. A trickle of sweat runs from his temple, curls across his cheekbone and drips off the hard line of his jaw. Hero is over-warm.

He looks around and thinks, “I’m a Christian male who wouldn’t want to cause sin in the heart of my heroine so I must check to verify that there are only trees here.” He does it (ain’t he sweet, our heroic chivalrous man?) Nope, no women. Not even a nearby female bunny rabbit.
Hero lowers his ax, wipes he brow, and in one magnificent fluid motion whisks the hem of his shirt up and over his head, bearing his glistening, tight…. STOP READING!! Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!

You have just crept up to the very edge of the CBA guidelines. Put down the hem and back the heck away. You heard me author this is forbidden territory.

The author crosses her eyes at the manuscript and tries again. Author lowers Hero’s shirt because, um, be-cause (why am I lowering his shirt again? Oh, yeah), because Heroine’s SUV is tearing up the dirt road.

She’s in a total panic as she brings the vehicle to a stop and runs up to Hero. “There are terrorists after me and I have to hide. I couldn’t think of anywhere else to go and you’re so, so, heroic! I know I can count on your good morals to help save the day!” she exclaims. She’d love to throw herself in his arms, BUT WAIT his Christian Hero CBA guideline force-field is wrapped firmly about his body and flashing in “go-away-glow”.

Stymied, our heroine accepts his hospitality to go inside where she can’t easily be seen, in case they followed her! Clever, clever Hero.

But alas, the sun is going down and being alone, over night, in the midst of all these whispering trees would be a bad idea. Hero gives her water then kicks her out. “Sorry, Ms. Heroine, I must comply with my regulations. I cannot be here with you, alone overnight. Risk getting shot at, instead. My bad.”

Author is ready to toss the laptop now.

(Sigh) Am I the only one who has run up against the CBAs and lost? C’mon, I can’t be the only one. This is the point where you tell me the CBAs are in place for the benefit of the Christian mind, purity, morality… and this is where I tell you that while I agree, sometimes things go too far.

Now I’m not published in Inspirational fiction, yet. I’m very published in mainstream. Some of my perspectives are not exactly welcome in the Inspy genre. That’s okay, we’ll all adjust. I also know that the above scenarios are not standard. I got the first example (shirt) from a well-known Inspirational author who made it big. But here’s the thing: Every genre has its Mega-stars. Nora Roberts, Ted Dekker, folks these two could write a cross-word and it would sell. Ie., they get to break the rules.

I don’t. I’m a mainstream author who has to prove herself first. Prove that I have what it takes and prove that I have a common inspirational goal in mind for my writing. That my work is respectable and won’t create sinfulness.

Here is where I tell you that my husband in a pastoral candidate in seminary. Yep. I’m gonna grow up to be a pastor’s wife. I’m glad to be making the switch in genres—personal conflicts, moral dilemmas, yada, yada, yada. And clearly, I’m a tad on the snarky side with a whole lot of irreverence. Don’t you want me in your church? Heh. No, seriously, quit laughing.

How much is too much? How much do we squint before we lose the reality of our characters? I think that alone, it is perfectly understandable for Hero to remove his shirt. Saying that, I also think not every rise and hollow of his torso should be described. TRUST me, I can see it in my head (now, now, stop grimacing at me. You can, too). But I also think Hero isn’t heroic for sending Heroine on her merry way when she needs help.

As an adult, I am perfectly capable of being more afraid than aroused when terrorists are after me. AND I SWEAR I wouldn’t jump on said yummy Hero just because I’m alone with him. No, I promise. I’d even sleep on the couch if he didn’t give up his bed. Heck, I might even sleep on the couch if he did give up his bed… icky sweaty sheets, ya know. Being that I can do this, I see no reason why Heroine could not. Do you catch my drift?

So in breaking into the genre I have also learned that my interpretation of CBAs are about, oh, one hundred times more strict than those who’ve never written mainstream before. It lies in that proof thing I talked about.

I’ve heard that you take ’em right up to the door and then shut it. Yep, okay. How ’bout sexual tension? Because that part in the CBAs which says the Hero may not kiss the Heroine out of physical attraction but must be motivated by spiritual connection and then with as little description as possible? Ya know that part? I’m having issues with it.

I’m a totally normal woman. I guarantee you that if I’m going to kiss someone, at least part of it is motivated by physical attraction. And if some letch I wasn’t attracted to, no matter how spiritual he is, tried to kiss me, I’d have to deck the man. I’m just sayin’.

Right, fire away. Give me an opinion. Shoot me down or commiserate with me. Either way, I don’t get offended so let’s hear it. What do you really think?

http://www.kellymarstad.com/
http://www.kellymarstad.blogspot.com/
KellyMarstad@gmail.com

Kelly Marstad
Writing by Faith... One book at a time

Why Inspirational Fiction?
Kelly has written and been published in mainstream, however she is convicted to write in a way that pleases Him.

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” Ps. 40:3

Affiliations:
Kelly is an Active member of Midwest Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Professional Author’s Network, and American Christian Fiction Writers.

Experience:
With experience in the industry, Kelly knows how to brand, what to expect, how to respond professionally to all inquiries, and does not require hand-holding. She is a firm believer in open communication.