So I have to admit that today’s post was fully and completely inspired by one of my blogmates, Robin. Recently on her facebook page, she shared with us the difficulties of research and what she’s willing to go through in the name of it. My sympathies are with her, 100%. It’s a tough job. Here’s a sneak peek:
I imagine now you’re thinking that maybe she does something else entirely other than writing *grin*, but the truth is that the above is just a sampling of what we romance writers must go through in the name of research. Finding the hottest guys on the planet for inspiration for our hotter-than-them heroes. Because, if you’re going for broke, why not use the best examples possible?
But in all seriousness, we look at these guys as heroes. No matter what role they play, be it best friend turned romance, warrior, villain who falls in love… or even a villain who is just sexy as can be. They are heroes and the pictures above prove it. But what makes up a hero? What makes up the guys we write about?
Christopher Volger, writes that “…the word ‘hero’ is Greek, from the root that means ‘to protect and to serve.’ A hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own needs on behalf of others. At the root the idea of Hero is connected with self-sacrifice.”
Teresa Medeiros wrote a quick article talking about the things a romantic hero wouldn’t do:
“the one thing he will never be is a serial cheater who repeatedly betrays the woman he claims to love.
I’m not here to kick a man while he’s down. (Although hitting his SUV with a golf club always remains a viable option.) But once a romance hero meets his true love’s gaze for the first time across a crowded ballroom or at his kid’s kindergarten picnic, he only has eyes for her.
You won’t catch him hanging out down at the strip club with a wannabe porn star or a chick sporting a neo-Nazi tattoo. His unofficial last name is, after all, “Hero,” which implies a certain degree of core integrity. In fiction as in real life, whether you’re a sports star, a rock star or a politician, if you’ll lie to your wife, then you’ll lie to me.” (article here)
I love the phrase “his unofficial last name is Hero.” Ultimately, it’s a moniker that implies yes, integrity as Ms. Medeiros writes, but also a whole host of other things. But think what those things are depend on the type of hero you’re writing. Some heroes are dark, brooding and deeply tortured. (Think Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.) And others are funny, heart-warming and sweet. Some are charmers, like Leo DeCaprico’s Jack in Titanic. We could go on… and frankly, I love them all. As a viewer or reader, I think I’m partial to the tortured hero, though — since the Angel-esque characters always seem to stay with me. But as a writer, I have yet to write a dark, tortured and handsome guy.
So if I stop looking at pretty pictures of men, I guess this post is to open up the discussion here…what is a hero to you? What ones appeal to you most as a writer? What type of hero do you LOVE writing? And as a reader or movie/tv watcher, what do you enjoy reading? Who are some of your favorites?
4 comments
I saw Robins picture on Facebook and loved the post. I keep folders of hero’s but my stories are more about the physical attributes and more the internal. My kind of guy is one who will take time to pet a dog, make sure it has water and food. One that can laugh, really laugh and make you feel good. One that makes you feel safe and valued.
Looks fade with age but a true hero, in my opinion, is one you would choose to grow old with.
And, this research is part of the fun of writing romance.
I agree with the outward appearance (Greek God looking) Hero, but there is another part of him as well – hidden compassion. He does things for others without them knowing. He doesn’t need praise to alleviate his self esteem. He knows when you need a friend more than a male presence. (Hugs)Indigo
Jeannie! So glad you loe my “research” folder. I provide it as a public service – just me doing my part to give back to my community. : )
But, you’re right – it doesn’t end with the outward appearance. I use these guys as the starting point to add life, vitality to my guys. I picture their height, build, how they would move, walk, sit and then I combine that in my head with what drives them, what is their core, their spark? Once these two things come together in my head like a movie reel – then it really starts to fall in place for me.
And . . . it is great to sit and drool for a while. I add pics all the time – make sure you stop by for new inspiraton!
I love a discussion of heroes. The type I love best are the strong, silent types. You know, the ones who sit back and look like they’re brooding? (Think Aragorn in Lord of the Rings). But don’t mess with their people. These guys are protective and feel strong emotions.
Yep, that’s the kind of guy I like to write and read.
In real life, though, my hero is social and funny and I’m so lucky to be in love with him. Isn’t it weird that I like my guy, but I write something different? Uh oh. Is that my way of having it both ways? Shhh. Don’t tell my husband. lol