Developing a fictional hero feels like it should be the perfect job, but you soon discover it's impossible to please everyone, all the time. The advice 'write about what you know' comes into play here, as falling in love with the central character makes everything flow so much more easily. Finding yourself wondering about where he'd like to spend the weekend, or considering his seductive little bedroom tricks makes work a total pleasure. Some writers like blonde, blue eyed Nordic types but personally, I'd find it tricky to write about a guy like that. My weakness is for tall, dark men like my OH. Marrying the perfect man must be the ultimate in taking your work home with you, and means that inspiration is never far away. I write Modern Romance/Presents Extra for Harlequin Mills & Boon, and its lines have such a spread of character types and writing voices that there's a hero for every taste. The one thing they all have in common is that they're an affordable luxury.
And they never, never leave wet towels on the bathroom floor!
What do you look for in a fictional hero?
You can catch up with Christina Hollis on her website, http://www.christinahollis.com and on Twitter as @christinabooks.
8 comments:
Morning Christina! I like my men dark too, but closer to my height so we can meet each other's eyes more easily ;-) Also pragmatic, because in my opinion at least one person in the relationship should have their feet firmly on the ground, even if the other is away with the fairies! Elanor xXx
Thank you for your post, Christina.
My ideal hero, in fiction and real life, is considerate, smart, resourceful, and high-minded. He can and does think outside the box. He's able to deal with a wide range of situations, even the most challenging ones.
What makes him even more special is---well, it's hard for me to explain. A sense of dreaminess about him, an air of the ethereal. Something that gives me a sign that there's a great deal more to him than meets the eye, and that makes me want to discover it.
My ideal hero is NOT at the top of the social ladder. Rich, powerful men leave me cold. It's hard to find men of modest means in today's romance fiction; but I keep looking.
As for his appearance---well, I'm not picky. I'd go for the Elephant Man if he loved me and treated me right! But if you want to know what I consider handsome, it'd be easier for me to point out examples in pictures than to describe them in words.
I hope that as the romance genre evolves, we'll see more diversity in heroes. And heroines!
Love your comment about being away with the fairies, Elanor! You're right - one member of a couple has to keep an eye on the practicalities, even if it's only remembering to put the handbrake on!
Thanks for your very thoughtful post, Mary Anne. You're right to look for something beyond appearance. It's a lesson to us all - looks fade and change, riches can vanish over night, but a loving heart can be nurtured forever.
Hi Christina,
I also look for a tall, dark hero...maybe a teensy bit brooding?
And he should be sensitive and caring as well.
Hi ya. It's a cliche but my hero is like my dad (but not in looks lol). Strong, takes care of everyone, reliable, looks after you, you can count on him, knows what you need before you need it but stays out of the way while you try and try to sort it and will always be there when you need a hand even tho you think you dont lol. But looks - yes TALL DARK AND HANDSOME :)
Nice post I am looking forward to reading your book !
Take care
Desere
Definitely love the hero that is tall, dark, muscular, with a deep husky voice, but oh so gentle. He has to care and have a heart too. My hubby is a very caring guy who is Italian. The curly dark brown hair, mustache, brown eyes, and real handsome! Can't tell I am partial, huh? Ha,ha! Your book sounds wonderful!
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