It's the Sabbath: Do You Know Where Your Characters Are?by Nanette Carey Eat, Drink, and Be Merry! We find our characters at restaurants, picnics, taverns/bars, parties and other celebrations. Why not in a church, synagogue or temple? For the historical novels . . . Did you know that during the medieval era (and on) those working in fields, shops, and at home stopped to recite the Angelus when the church bells tolled at noon? Peasant and royalty attended worship services on a weekly if not daily basis. There was such a rich tradition of celebrating feasts and holy days. Those celebrations can make wonderful scenes where secrets and intrigue unfold, lovers meet or get better acquainted. America was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Christians carried the Bible to shore, reading it daily and living the Word. Jews brought with them sacred scrolls, cherishing them and adhering to their precepts. Authenticity would lend itself to Christians attending Sunday services, saying grace before meals, and Jews lighting the Sabbath candles or reciting the Kaddish. In many current novels the only time characters darken the doorway of a house of worship is when a marriage or funeral occurs. If a writer is striving for authenticity, then characters would be found worshipping with greater regularity. Today, many still attend religious services, pray, celebrate holy days and discuss religious beliefs. These spiritual activities can cause conflict for our characters, depict differences or commonality, and deepen their respect for one another. It could show more clearly their strengths or weaknesses, backgrounds and heritage. Their religious association is an important part of their "biography", and what makes them tick. In America, we have a rich tapestry of religious diversity. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus work and live side by side with Christians and Jews. It would seem odd not to have a Muslim character pray toward Mecca, or a devout Hindu not refer to nirvana. It should be perfectly natural to include rituals and traditions in a novel. Yet . . . a romance novel is no place to preach, air personal theology, or prejudices. Do be gentle and respectful. Don't stereotype! Not all monks were involved in the Inquisition, not all Jews were "money-changers", not all followers of Muhammad were inclined toward terrorism. Do your research. Season your story with what's natural for your characters. Make sure it's pertinent to your story-line, moves it forward, or reveals something to or about your character. Including a religious/spiritual aspect in a novel isn't for every novelist. If you're not comfortable with this inclusion, don't do it. But if it's right for your characters, then perhaps readers will meet them on their knees praying, or in the front-row pew. Nanette Carey is a member of Hudson Valley RWA. This article originally appeared in the June 1997 issue of A Word About Romance. GDRWA thanks the Hudson Valley chapter for allowing us to reprint it.
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