Freaky Friday
November 7, 2008 | Romance heroes,writing craft
The longer I write erotic romance, the more I’m convinced that it is all about the characters. Even the most compelling conflicts are character based. The tenderest romances are character based. And of course, the hottest sex scenes are character driven. Because it’s not about who’s doing what to whom–it’s about caring, otherwise why would we keep turning pages?
Like all writers, I was a passionate reader first and still am. Recently, I’ve read two different favorite authors. One I adore for her contemporary fiction, the other for her historical romances. Both of them write engaging women. The kind of heroines who you admire and would want for a friend. There heroes are, naturally enough, heroic–the very essences of feminine fantasy, but not nearly so real as their heroines.
These talented writers are quick to show the heroine’s honor and bravery, but their men lack a feminine side. Maybe this is just me, admittedly I do like the heroes best, especially when they’re well done. And I am a greedy, want it all kind of reader.
This brings me to my question–do we want real men in a romance?
Speaking just for myself, yes. But, it’s a qualified yes. I want real men the same way I want real women in stories. I want them to be believable, but a bit better than real life, a bit more consistent, and a bit quicker to do the right thing.
How much realism do you want in your romance?
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