Husband Audition's

Angela Ruth Strong

When I was writing Husband Auditions, I had recently read a book about dysfunctional relationships, and it listed seven different heart issues. One of them was laziness, which is said to be the most frustrating for a woman to have to deal with, and it seems to be common in the younger generations.

I wanted to explore the idea of a lazy but likable hero and what it would take for him to have to grow. 

I gave Meri the heart issue of fear because the fear of being alone could trap her in a relationship with a man who was just going to sponge off her. I believe many women choose bad love over no love at all, and I want to encourage them to invite their significant other into the light rather than join him in the dark.

As far-fetched as the list that Meri inherited sounds, and as silly as the advice may seem, I was inspired by an actual magazine article that has floated around online in recent years. The title was 129 Ways to Get a Husband. It was published in McCall’s magazine in the 1950s. Some of the suggestions were quite outlandish, such as standing on a street corner with a lasso. I imagined what would happen if a modern-day woman tried them out.

When I created an original list for my book, I went to my reader group on Facebook for ideas. We had such a great time with all of them, and I can’t wait for my readers to see which of their ideas made it into the story.

Some of the ideas that made the list include:

• Move to a state with more men than women. We recommend Nevada.
• Make friends with beautiful women. They usually have a cast of unwanted suitors.
• Why stop with a hat, when you could carry a hatbox? Be both charming and intriguing.
• Only let him see you cry if he has the power to cheer you up. Otherwise, you’re wasting your tears.
• There’s nothing more romantic than a view. Ask a Ferris wheel operator to leave you at the top of the ride for longer than usual.

I think the book is unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement with a zany but relatable cast of characters while having an unbeatable chemistry among the characters. I hope you will feel I have created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating and that the book will resonate with you.

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009, then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Strong’s books have since earned Top Pick honors in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky recently filmed on location in Montana and will air soon. She also writes articles for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at Write That Book. Besides writing, Strong teaches exercise classes, works for an airline, and enjoys Harley rides with her husband and camping with her three kids. Learn more about Angela Strong at www.angelaruthstrong.com, or find her on Facebook (Angela Ruth Strong Fan Page), Instagram (@ang_strong), and Twitter (@AngelaRStrong).