Inspiration and the Absolut Hunk

I didn't watch the original airings of Sex and the City, but I've caught this show in reruns and I love it. I especially love Smith Jerrod - or in reality actor/model Jason Lewis. He has to be one of the hottest men on the planet.

He's also the inspiration for my latest hero, Lord Godwin Kempe. When you read about Godwin, think Jason. It will give you a happy, smiling face.

For your Sexy Saturday viewing pleasure, I share with you my inspiration for my latest hero. Enjoy...



From his Sex in the City days...

Close up...

A more recent image of hotness...

I Love Warriors...

I've had my nose to the grindstone for the last two months as I work feverishly to complete my manuscript, Seeking Truth. Ya know what I figured out. I love warriors. Every single hero I've ever written has been a warrior in some way, shape, or form.

What is it about warriors? Why do I love them so? Danged if I know. They are the most contrary characters I've ever written. They won't obey. Obedience is only given to the King or their immediate superior in the work environment. They don't obey me, and God knows they NEVER obey my heroines. My heroines bitch and moan at me because I write such contrary males, completely ignoring the fact that the warriors tax my patience too.

Eaduin, are you listening? Diarmid? All the rest of you guys? Yeah, I'm talking to YOU.

No, they aren't listening. They are out slaying bad guys and grinning fiercely while they do it. The worst part is...they're sexy in their disobedience. I always end up forgiving them their bad behavior. Crap that I'd never accept from a "real" man, I cherish in my warrior heroes. I must have a masochistic side.

The good news? The power of the pen (or the keyboard), and I've got it. They can torment me all they like, but the torment goes both ways. Back to the salt mines...er...the keyboard. Let's see if I can bring my hunky men to full mistiness. Mistiness is usually the best I can do because they rarely cry...they're warriors, right? We'll see about that!

Am I being unfaithful?

I still love Diarmid Redwolf. Really. He is the hottest cop I've ever written. I love his humor (dry and macabre) and his sexy bod. But he has Mikaela. Diar has his happily ever after.

I feel like I should let him go. Why? I'm writing a new hero.

Lord Eaduin Kempe is my new hero and I'm falling for the guy. He's tortured and feels like he doesn't deserve love and happiness, but he does. Not only that but he is a very intense and passionate lover. Plus he looks damn good in chain mail armor!

Am I being unfaithful? I don't know and I wonder if every romance author has this reaction as she transitions from one book to the next. Do you ever feel like you are cheating on a lover when you start writing a new hero and he captures your imagination?

Why I love Alpha Males!

What is it that draws romance readers and writers alike to the Alpha Hero?
Let me throw a few words your way...

Intensity... Passion... Honor... Chivalry...


All this and more is what I love about an Alpha male, whether I'm reading a romance or writing one. An Alpha male will die for the heroine and not bat an eyelash at the sacrifice.

But you may argue, he's a control freak. He's bossy. He always has to win. Uh huh. Until the irrestistable force (hero) meets the immovable object - of his affections (the heroine).

Another argument I've heard.... He's the representation of the paternalistic society oppressing women. Yup - until he meets the heroine. Romance is about feminine empowerment because the heroine is the one in control of the relationship.

Is that what really draws us? Naw, we like alpha males cause they're hot. When they want a woman, they chase her down like prey and there's an inherent excitement in a man being that fascinated. And no, I'm not talking "real world" stalkers. They are scummy bastards that deserve to be jailed as soon as possible. I'm talking about the fantasy - which is what romance is after all. When an alpha male wants, he chases. When he falls in love, he's brought to his knees.

What a heady power trip for any heroine, reader, or writer. Time to start writing now... I'm stoked!

Plot Cliches Part Deux - Heroes too stupid to live…

I’m all about equal rights or in this case equal stupidity. Today let us visit heroes who should be removed from the gene pool, preferably by drowning.

Things I’d do if I were a hero too stupid to live…

1. Order the heroine around instead of talking to her as if she possesses a brain capable of cognitive functioning.
2. Assume any male she has a conversation with, or hugs, is her lover, when it is more likely he is her brother (or father).
3. Kidnap the heroine to have her all to myself for no apparent reason (other than as a plot device).
4. View the heroine as a whore because she is sexually active, but praise past lovers as vibrant sensual women.
5. Refuse to tell the heroine I think she’s hot, even though I get a hard on every time she’s in the same room with me.
6. Keep some deep dark secret from the heroine because a.) I want to protect her. b.) I don’t think she’d understand.

That’s just a few to get you started. Feel free to list your pet peeves for heroes in the comment section. Tomorrow, the evil bitch other woman’s “To Do” list…