My Problem with Alpha Heroes by Alison Henderson

My problem isn’t that I don’t like alpha heroes. I love them—when somebody else writes them. The problem arises when I try to write one myself.

Why should that be a problem, you ask. There’s room in our genre for all types of heroes: alpha, beta, and everything in between. Writers are free to create whatever character best fits each individual story.

So why do I struggle? Because some stories, like the one I’m working on now, scream out for an alpha hero. Dominic “Nick” Rosetti, my hero in Boiling Point, is a former Detroit police detective who left the force after his partner died in a shootout. When the pair cornered an armed drug dealer in a blind alley, Nick hesitated a second too long, and the gunman fired first, killing Nick’s partner. With his confidence gutted by guilt, he moved to Chicago and became a P.I.

I have to write Nick as a tough guy, because he is. He carries a lot of emotional baggage he prefers to keep to himself. He’s used to taking charge without wasting time on explanation. He’s a man of few words. Yet I keep having to stop myself from writing him dialogue that sounds more like Nick Charles from The Thin Man movies than Nick Rosetti.

I think it’s because I love witty banter. Writing dialogue is my favorite part of any story. When my characters really get going, the air is thick with provocative statements and sharp retorts. I can’t seem to help myself. I’ve always been more attracted to intelligent wise guys than sullen tough guys. That’s how I ended up with OG. (Not to suggest he isn’t tough, but his wit attracted me first.) Most of the men I’ve met in real life who would fit the current fictional definition of alpha males are self-centered, arrogant jerks and not attractive to me at all.

That’s because fictional alpha heroes are just that—fictional—and because we write romance, they are creations of fantasy. Some authors are brilliant at bringing those fabulously unrealistic men to life. Sadly, although I love reading about them, I don’t seem to be much good at translating that sort of fantasy to the page. My heroes all end up being men I would actually enjoy spending time with. Hence, my struggle to bring proper balance to the character of Nick Rosetti.

Since passing the half-way point in the first draft of Boiling Point, I think I’m finally getting a handle on him. However, I’m afraid some of my favorite bits of his dialogue will end up on the chopping block when I go back to revise. Sigh. The sacrifices we authors make for our characters…

Alison

www.alisonhenderson.com

Rebel Without A Cause: Whatever Was I Thinking? by Margo Hoornstra

Think Rebel Without A Cause. To quote Wikipedia, "The story of a rebellious teenager who arrives at a new high school, meets a girl, disobeys his parents, and defies the local school bullies." What kind of images come to mind? The smoldering hot and handsome bad boy, of course. Sexy and daring, maybe with a chip on his shoulder. An edge of anti-social behavior about him. (Delinquent is such a strong word.) Whether with motorcycle or without, definitely swoon worthy. Though I never have seen the movie, I can certainly relate.

However, after this summer, I'm thinking a little different kind of rebel, thanks to a dog named Buddy.

Let me explain. A few years ago, my youngest son rescued a little dog. Abandoned as a puppy, Buddy is one of the most loving and gentle dogs I've ever met. A pacifist by nature, when he's out and about on his leash, Buddy avoids conflict and confrontation at all costs. But give him the opportunity to meet new dog friends and play, and Buddy's all over it, with gusto.

Fast forward to last month. It's Summertime in northern Michigan, and we're camping at a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ with the kids and grandkids. Jellystone, where they're big on kids and activities complete with a real live (in costume, of course) Yogi Bear. A bear so popular, the times for his appearance are posted in advance so eager fans can stop by for a hug or high five. Maybe even a picture. Often, this bear would travel around the park is a golf cart, with his handler beside him since Yogi doesn't drive, perpetual smile in place, waving and nodding. Having a good time.

Fast forward again to the day before we leave. I'm coming out of the bathhouse just as Yogi and his escort drive by. Though it's early afternoon, no one else is around. All of a sudden, I'm inspired.

"Hey, Yogi. Can you make a personal appearance?"

His lady driver answers for him. "Sure!"

"Great! My grandkids will love this." So proud, I quickly lead them down the lane to our spot. Only one of my grandsons is there, and my son, and Buddy...

Yogi and company pulls up and stops. Undaunted, I make my best ta da gesture!

Still smiling, Yogi leaps from the cart. Unfortunately, at seeing the newcomer Buddy does some leaping of his own.  Keeping his distance, but barking like a man, er dog, possessed. Poor Yogi freezes, mid wave, as Buddy's tirade continues. Okay, so if you leave out hot, handsome and sexy, we had our own Rebel Without A Cause going on right then and there. Rebellion? You bet. Anti-social? I would say so. Chip on his shoulder? That barking behavior had to come from somewhere. Although now that I think about it, Buddy seemed to be as startled as Yogi.

Not to worry, though. All would be well. We were finally able to convince Buddy (Yogi too) that it was okay. No one was going to get hurt. We even managed to get a picture. Buddy wasn't invited. ;-)

Enjoy these last days of Summer, Everyone! Fall will be here before you know it.

My days to blog at the Roses of Prose are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and my stories, please visit my WEBSITE

ALPHA MALE HEROES WHO MAKE OUR HEARTS SWOON!

Interview Assignment 1776: Doctor Jonathan Corbett: Historical Romance: Winds of Betrayal Series…new release, Ruse of Love...continued.

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, KOBO

Two weeks I've worked on this assignment. Two weeks of research, upon research, upon research. I want everyone to understand the commitment I have to this job. I have drudged around the middle of South Carolina back in the back country in the time of no electricity, internet, and no insect repellent! For what you might ask. To give you the best interviews with not one but three...three alpha male heroes from a historical romance series. 

Alpha Male heroes by my definition hold to an extremely high standard. First and foremost, they are a hero first. Examples of heroism include but are not limited to such actions as leading an unit of rag-tagged soldiers against a superior army case in point Battle of Sarotoga, 1777; going behind enemy lines to secure the woman you love's safety; protecting your love in the face of one of the deadliest renegades of the Revolutionary war. Bravery, honor, and duty exudes from their being along with raw masculinity. 

THE PROMISE

Be still my heart...alpha male heroes are men most women can only dream of; men who are loyal to a fault...case in point...Jonathan Corbett's (Ruse of Love) refusal to leave Rebekah. Ah, the stubborn woman refusing help she so desperately needs, but our hero is stubborn as hell, too. There again an alpha hero expels confidence...oh, our hero is quite cocky...never questioning their decisions. Take Jake Pennington (The Promise) disobeying orders to save Cathryn. Remember Jake places himself in peril to protect what he loves, rising against extreme odds; another quality our hero—he never fails. Then you have Sumner Meador coming up in Another Night Falls...oh, I can't tell you what he must face because the book hasn't been released...yet...it's coming...October. Know though, as with most alpha male heroes, he is steadfast in his love for the woman that captures his heart.

Which bears the point...alpha heroes do not give their hearts lightly. Alpha heroes fight the attraction, but  in the end they can't deny their love—a love that will last for eternity. 

But there is a problem that most alpha male heroes have in common...they don't like to be interviewed. 

Girls...I tried. I did. I followed these men around for two weeks. The best I can do is give you an excerpt from the Ruse of Love. My advice...read. I know of three great books: Ruse of Love, The Promise and coming soon Another Night Falls. If you love alpha heroes you won't be disappointed!

Excerpt: RUSE OF LOVE by Jerri Hines, Book Two of Winds of Betrayal Series

EXCERPT

She didn't need to hear anymore. She spun on her heels, castigating herself as an absolute idiot. Rory was after her! Oh, what a fool she had been! She backed up, knocking into the table in the hall. The vase came crashing down. Trembling uncontrollably, she edged down the wall. Hearing hurried footsteps, fear encompassed her when she saw two men running up the staircase. Rory’s men! She panicked.

Bolting in the opposite direction, she headed for the back stairs. Her hope of slipping down the stairs undetected dissipated hearing the rumblings behind her. Rebekah quickened her pace, rapidly taking each step until she hit the first floor. She hit the back door running, struck by an impelling urge to get as far from the inn as possible.

Fleeing through the rainstormed night, she tried to peer through the pouring rain. She had gone some distance when she gasped for breath. Leaning against a brick building, she hadn’t a clue where she had run. Clasping her side against the pain, she blinked away the water streaming down her face, not knowing whether it was the rain or tears.

Suddenly a hand grasped her shoulder…

“Rebekah!” Jonathan fought the wind. Doubting she could hear him, he ignored the pelleting rain and rushed forward, grabbing her arm. In one swift motion, he swirled her around to face him.

Instantly, a look of sheer terror swept across her face. Slowly, recognition flooded her. She gripped tightly to his arm. “Oh, Jonathan!”

The next moment she collapsed into his arms. He wasted no time, but carried her down the street into the waiting carriage. A large black man quickly opened the carriage door for Jonathan. “Is she…?”

“She’s fine. She has only just fainted…”

“Jasper, Dr. Corbett, Jasper,” the old man said and closed the carriage’s door, but not before Jonathan heard the servant utter, “Thank the good Lord.”

Jonathan wrapped a blanket around Rebekah while he felt the wheels of the carriage move beneath him. He drew her into his arms and instinctually, she nestled into him. He stroked her head. As much as she claimed she had changed, she still inspired love and loyalty into those around her.

The wind picked up, shaking the carriage; the rain pounded harder. He was drenched and soaked. Strange—warmth spread through him he hadn’t felt in years.

“Jasper.” Jonathan set Rebekah down in the middle of her bedroom. A young blackie girl followed, frantically crying that her mistress was dead. No, Rebekah wasn’t dead, he thought. She had wakened and she wasn’t happy. “Jasper, shut the door and keep everyone else out.”

“Oh, Mistress Esther won’t like that none,” Rebekah’s maid uttered. “No sir.”

Jonathan shot her a look that silenced the girl. Rebekah pushed back from Jonathan, stumbling. Reaching out, he caught her arm. “Be careful,” he said in a harsh voice, his patience lost.

“Leave,” she answered his behavior. “You have done your duty.”

“Duty?” Jonathan’s voice rose. “Duty? You call looking for you in the midst of a torrential storm duty? Where was your head, Rebekah?”

“You would not understand,” she said. Her eyes flamed at him, but her hand reached down for her midriff; her hand trembled.

Immediately, he swept her back into his arms and carried her to the side of her bed. He motioned for the maid to step forward. “Get her dry clothes! She is to be put to bed.”

“Sully,” Rebekah said. “It is fine. I need only to get out of these wet clothes.”

Sully nodded, but fear shone in her eyes at Jonathan. She skirted to the wardrobe and withdrew a nightgown. Turning, she waited for Jonathan to leave, but he made no movement.

“If you don’t get her out of these wet clothes, I will.”

The young maid looked at Rebekah inquiringly, reluctant to begin undressing her mistress in front of a man.

“It is fine, Sully,” Rebekah said as she slung off her cloak. “Obviously, Dr. Corbett feels it is his duty.”

“I do.” Jonathan walked to the door. “I will be right outside. This is not over, Rebekah.”

He slammed the door behind him, shaking the wall. He found Jasper in the hall with a set of dry clothes for him. “Mistress Esther left these for you. You can change in the room down the corridor. I’ll take your boots to dry. It was some of Mistress Esther’s husband’s. Master Ian’s would be too small. She sent word to the others that Rebekah’s been found. I’ll stay here and make sure no one enters.”

“And Mistress Esther?” Jonathan asked.

“Said you can deal with Miss Rebekah.”

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