Guest Post & Giveaway with Casey Dawes {CALIFORNIA SUNSET}
What makes a hero? Once upon a time, heroes could be strong silent types, given to mad storms on the moors (think Healthcliff). They were civilized for Regency Historicals, but still didn’t have to be overly sensitive. In the 70s we had sheiks and pirates, all having their way with hapless maidens. It was the [...]
Once upon a time, heroes could be strong silent types, given to mad storms on the moors (think Healthcliff). They were civilized for Regency Historicals, but still didn’t have to be overly sensitive. In the 70s we had sheiks and pirates, all having their way with hapless maidens. It was the age of the alpha male.
Then the sensitive new-age guy came along. Now, I happen to love a sensitive new-age guy. In fact I’m married to one. But as a hero, he lacks a little in the swash-buckling arena.
But in the hands of a skillful writer, someone like Susan Wiggs, you don’t notice the lack of a sword so much. Heroes are capable of being decisive and rescuing fair young maidens (swoon!), while still having a sensitive side that makes it possible to live with them, if only between the covers of a book.
But alpha male or sensitive new-age guy, there’s one thing a hero cannot be.
An asshole. (Can I say that on this blog?)
I became painfully aware of this fact while working on my second book in the California Romance series, California Wine. One of my critique partners said, “He can’t be your hero. He’s an asshole.”
She was right. Rip. Tear. Throw huge chunks of the novel away.
I’m happy to say that John, the hero of California Sunset, which was released on August 6, doesn’t fall into that category. In fact all of my beta readers want to know where to find him. And ever since I wrote the line, “Her eyes drifted down to the curve of his butt cradled by tight blue jeans,” my husband has been searching for those jeans, bless his heart. I’ve gently let him know that he doesn’t have much of a butt, but he keeps looking (for jeans…not his butt).
Ahem. We were talking about heroes.
What am I looking for in a hero?
- Looks don’t hurt. Rent Dangerous Beauty. Rufus Sewell plays the hero IN TIGHTS. Sigh. And did you catch the Olympians during the opening ceremonies? Makes me want to take up a sport!
- The right occupation: cowboys, foresters, fishermen, military types on one hand; doctors, small business owners, winemakers, writer types, Olympic athletes on the other. (If you read California Sunset, you’ll understand why I’m not enamored with business tycoons.)
- Communication ability: Okay, they don’t have to have it from the get go, but at some point they need to be able to spill their guts. Really.
- Good in bed. Do I need to say more?
- Ability to learn from their mistakes. I don’t need a hero who ignores the truth, even when the other characters and the universe are beating him over the head trying to make him see reason.
- An income. A job…or even a good-sized trust fund. Someone trying to “find themselves” just doesn’t do it.
How about you? What does it take to make a hero for you?
Leave a comment below and one lucky person will get not one, but two e-books! The group will include my novel, California Sunset, plus one of the recently released books from my critique group: The Wanting Heart, Curse of the Wolf or Smitten Image.
“There he was. Long and lanky, with broad shoulders and slim hips. Thick dark brown hair brushed the top of his collar. All he needed was the Stetson. Rippling muscles strained against his pale blue shirt as he carried an enormous stack of books to the front of the store. I haven’t seen him before. He must be new. I would have noticed. Her eyes drifted down to the curve of his butt cradled by tight blue jeans. Definitely would have noticed.
She strolled forward, keeping her eye on the blue-shirted man. If she worked her way to the front before he did, she could glimpse his face. Would it be as wonderful as the rest of him?”
Giveaway Details:
- Answer Casey’s question above. Hint: It’s bold!
- Leave your broken up email addy with your response (goballygook (at) provider (dot) com)
- Winner will be randomly selected and notified.
Tanya
Congrats on the newest release! Thanks for a fun post and giveaway!
You pretty much nailed all the important points
I think that I’d just have to add a good sense of humor or snark.
Hi Casey!
All the points you highlighted are what makes a hero to me, but I would have to add: confidence. Thanks for the giveaway!
yadkny (at) hotmail (dot) com
Oh, you’re right erinf1! A sense of humor is a must. And playfulness. A secret? My husband and I sometimes have fun with the stuffed bears we have all over the house! Very attractive trait in a man.
And yes, Yadira, confidence is important. Without it, we wind up taking care of them. Not sexy at all!
Just read you post on Novel Reflections. I love your sense of humor.
I often wonder if now that I am older and the men of my generation are pretty much assless if I don’t appreciate a fine looking but in a pair of fitted jeans even more. After all, I may be old but I am neither blind nor dead.
You can’t lose with a man with a fine looking butt and an armful of books.
Amen to that, Lynn!
I saw the words ‘men’s butts’ & ran over lol
I am attracted by a man’s confidence in himself, though minus the ego, his eyes, knows what he wants, even more…when he goes after it
, nice physic…he doesn’t have to be a talker…quiet is good…that means more time for kissing….yes…he must be demonstrative…showing what he wants
Great idea, Casey! Thanks!
What makes a hero for me? Is someone who is very caring, very protective unselfish, works hard to support and protect the ones he loves. Someone who will do anything for you.
hi casey!
my requirements are the same as yours too. add loyal to the mix, and it’s perfect
smile_1773 at yahoo dot com
We’ve got some great heroes, ladies! Don’t forget if you want to be entered in the contest, you need to leave your broken up email address.
Nice list. I’d say caring, protective, smart, and funny.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Great guestpost, also very important in a real man: to admit he was wrong, and I was right (as always
). And he needs to be able to ask for directions, and not keep driving round and round as the GPS device does not work right.
auriansbooks at gmail dot com
You do know why it took the wise men so long to get to Bethlehem, don’t you Aurian? No one would ask directions! LOL! Yep, men do believe in the infallibility of their toys. Nice additions to the list.
I like your additions, too, bn100!
Congratulations, Aurian, you’ve won the prize of a copy of California Sunset and Curse of the Wolf!