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When it comes to handsome heroes, I’ll have to agree with Ana’s and Francine’s earlier posts: handsome is as handsome does. It’s not just the look of the hero, it’s his actions, his manners, his personality and sometimes even his psychological motivation that draws me, as the writer, to him. I tend to use movie or TV characters or actors as inspiration for my heroes physical characteristics, although I might take a combination of traits from a variety of different people (say, George Clooney’s chin or Matt Damon’s eyes). But, I don’t care how good looking a person is; if their personality is antithetical to their looks, I’d never use them! I remember how I used to think Sean Connery was gorgeous; then I heard that he thinks women deserve to be beaten—you can bet I’ve changed my mind about him (same goes for Mel Gibson, although for a variety of different reasons)!
Just like as in real life, I don’t have one particular type of man that I’m attracted to, as a writer, I don’t have a singular type of hero that attracts me either. Think about your crushes—the whole point of them is to be unattainable or completely different from the type of person that usually turns you on. That’s what makes them fun. The same goes for me as a writer. While features may be exaggerated, the heroes I write about are going to be different from one another. Some might be blond or dark-haired, iron-pumped or ordinary, rugged or suave. I don’t like reading books that always have the same type of hero, the same type of heroine and the same plot, with only the names changed. Therefore, I certainly don’t want to write that way!
Yes, Jennifer. You hit the nail right on the head. Brad Pitt may be eye candy, but I also admire his politics and his ability to be a father in a star-obsessed world. Mel Gibson--yikes and yuck.
ReplyDeleteI've read about hanging posters of movie stars to remind how describe a WIP hero or heroine, but I've never done it.
I try not to make all my heroes look like Colin Firth LOL.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I get a picture in my mind's eye of what my hero looks like. Occasionally I might then see someone on TV or in a magazine, and think 'Yes, that's how I imagine Kyle, or Jack - or whoever.' But my imagined view of them always comes first.
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThe reason I love historicals is that authors can show both sides of a hero's true self: warrior instincts and, protective nature via extremes of violence or desire! This is something that cannot happen within a contemporary without it being a tad improper and suggestive of unlawful brutality and sexual content for purposes of sensationalised impact! ;)
I'm reading a book at the mo with a hero that has the rugged look and although women aplenty for dating, he's becoming more and more interested in a Miss Prickly who has past issues to contend with and not a good impression of men because of it. It's a darn good contemporary story and worth reading: Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft.
And, if you're up for the unusual (caring if aloof mannered and reckless) hero, try The Silver Locket by Margaret James. It's a World War I based novel. Lovely story!
best
F
Ooh, Francine, thanks for the recommendations--they both sound great!
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