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Today on Cocky Confessions we have S. C. Mitchell’s hero from Son of Thunder. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Jord Thorson, and I am a professor of ancient mythology at the University of Minnesota. I am a Norse god, the son of the god, Thor, and the goddess, Sif. I was born over 400 years ago, as the Norse gods were going mythical, so I don’t appear in any of the old Norse legends. I met Meghan Larson one stormy night, when she called me to the museum she works at to identify an ancient artifact, which turned out to be my father’s belt of power.
Tell us something no one would believe about you? Large or small. Well, of course, most mortals don’t believe I’m a god, and I don’t normally tell people that anyway. But, even my closest friends don’t know that I went to help the Greek gods during the fall of Mount Olympus. You see, we were staying out of the war at that point, but I just couldn’t stand by and do nothing.

What’s one thing Meghan can do to totally turn you on? Forgive me if I’m smiling broadly, but there was this time… Well, we were somewhat trapped under Utgard Keep in Jotunheim, training an army of slaves to rise up against the giants. We’d been working very hard and, though exhausted, went to clean up at the bathing lake. There was this little, secluded bay we had all to ourselves. To this day, anytime we go swimming, well…

Enjoy water fun, huh… *Raises eyebrow* Do you rely on your physical prowess or your intelligence to attract a lover? Actually, I spent a lot of the time we were together trying to keep Meghan from falling in love with me. It was the only way I could protect her. Those damn prophecies make life hard.

Forbidden love is the hottest. Is there something you’ve done that could have landed you in prison? Let me count the ways. Car theft, kidnapping (not really, but the police were after me for that)… Oh yeah, there was also that little incident at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where I shot lightning through the front doors, shattering glass everywhere, so Meghan and I could escape. I suppose I could also have gone to jail for collapsing the roof of the Minneapolis Metrodome, but seriously, that was not my fault.

And adrenaline junkie…hey but what god isn’t! LOL Who’s your best buddy? What do you guys do when bromancing? Without a doubt, Heimdall, the Guardian of the Rainbow Bridge. Heimie and I go way back, well, he goes back a lot farther than me. One of the oldest gods in Asgaard, the guy sees and knows everything. As a young god, there is no better place to be than sitting, drinking mead and talking with Heimdall.

I enjoy tipping back brewskis with my girl buddies on occasion,too. So why do you have a day job when you’re a Norse god? It can get a bit boring hanging around Asgaard, so a few decades ago I came down to Midgaard and got a doctorate in ancient history. I now teach classes in ancient mythology at the University of Minnesota.

How does a god/professor stay fit? Hunting giants and dark elves is a great way to keep in shape. They’re always trying to sneak into Midgaard to cause trouble. You humans have no idea how vigilant the Norse gods have been over the past centuries.

Let me just say thank you for the entire human race. If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be? My sister, Thrud, assigned a Valkerie named Valerie Hola to look out for me when I was younger. She kind of hung around even after I grew up, and I could never get rid of her. I tended to treat her pretty badly, and I don’t think I really appreciated all the things Val did for me until it was too late.

I sense your sadness and regret, so I’ll ask something on the lighter side. What’s your most comfy article of clothing? Now days, it’s probably Megingjörð, my dad’s old belt of power. It makes me a lot stronger, but it does tend to be a bit talkative. Like right now, you can’t hear it, but he’s chattering away at me in my head.

It’d be nice to have one of those, with a mute mode of course. My brain is too chatty already. Tell readers the most interesting place you’ve taken your lover? Meghan loved Alfheim, the city of the high elves. There’s this perfect beauty about the city, like everything is always in its right place. And it’s always spring there. The air is the sweetest, freshest you’ve ever breathed.

Clean air and always in bloom, sounds amazing. On a serious note, what worries you the most? Well, the Heavenly War is far from over. Loki, Set, and the Titans continue to recruit from the other pantheons, and now that Asgaard has entered the war, we have to keep constantly on guard.

Do you have a war horse or other method of travel that is special to you? I have a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle I love to ride. I can drive it even in bad weather because of my weather control powers. I just project a dome of heated air to shield me from falling rain or snow, and melt any ice from the roadways. I also have a chariot pulled by two goats that can fly. It’s faster, but not as much fun as my Harley, and the goats tend to bite.

There’s a ton of bikers who’d love to have those type of special options. It’s been great having you Jord! I wish Meghan and you Godspeed and that the war will end soon.

Blurb: Son of Thunder

The man looked like a god. Then again, he was one. . .

Jord Thorson was a god– the son of Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. In his search to find his missing father, Jord seeks out the mortal, Meghan Larson, who is in possession of his only clue–Megingjörð, Thor’s magical belt of power.

But when the belt decides to take matters into its own hands, locking itself around Meghan’s waist, Jord and Meghan are plunged into the middle of a massive conflict that rages across the heavens.

Giants, magical artifacts, and a golden city in the clouds weren’t exactly what Meghan Larson expected when that amazing belt arrived at her museum. Now Megingjörð is stuck around her waist and talking to her in her head. She’s got to be dreaming, but with the wonders around her and hunky Jord Thorson at her side, Meghan’s not sure she wants to wake up.

Son of Thunder (February 2013)

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Son-Thunder-Heavenly-Series-ebook/dp/B00BJ64GPY

Print: http://www.amazon.com/Son-Thunder-S-C-Mitchell/dp/1619352818/

Excerpt:

Suddenly, every other window in the room shattered. Meghan could make out a half dozen more giants pulling themselves into the room. In the gloom behind, she heard dozens of guttural voices. Jord grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the doorway.

“More are coming,” he said. “We have to get out of here.”

Meghan shook off his grip.

“Back off, Fabio. No one messes with my museum . . . even when I’m dreaming.”

She picked up a heavy oak worktable and lobbed it at the closest giant. Her heart thundered. She could feel the adrenaline pumping through her system. She’d take them all on. Dream-Meghan was a kick-ass superhero.

The dreamy-eyed professor stepped suddenly in front of her, his warm hands clutching her arms. Would a kiss be out of line? This was, after all, her dream. She leaned in, but Jord shook her.

“Meghan, this is no dream. You’re awake and very much in danger. You need to come with me, right now.”

Bio: Hidden strengths, adventurous hearts.

S.C. Mitchell grew up an avid reader of comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature. He’s been writing stories for over thirty years. In 2010 he left his job as a computer desktop support specialist to pursue his passion for writing full time. He is a member of the Romance Writers of America as well as the Wisconsin chapter.

As a writer of paranormal and sci-fi romance, fantasy, and science fiction, Steve crafts unique and wondrous worlds where his characters explore, romp, and fall in love. Whether traveling through dark, demon filled dimensions, the edge of wild space, or ancient mythological heavens, his heroes and heroines, guided by their adventurous hearts, discover hidden strengths on their pathway to enduring love.

When he’s not writing, Steve enjoys gardening, reading, and computer gaming.

Links:

Blog: http://scmitchell.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSCMitchell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSMitchell

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007D0Z1MW

Thanks to Steve for allowing Jord in the hot seat today and if you’d like to test your hero’s metal, message me on FB or e-mail me through the contact link on the website. Thanks for dropping by! DJ

Romance Weekly will return next Tuesday as many authors in the hop are at the national Romance Writers of America conference.

Do you ever have trouble getting into your hero’s head? Or have you ever read something and thought, “a guy wouldn’t say that.” Today I’m posting on writing in the the male prospective.

Since most romance authors are female, they need to aware of the differences between women and men’s thought patterns and communication when writing. It’s important to learn some “guy code.”

Writing in a masculine point of view should read far differently than writing from a feminine state of mind. “Deborah Tannen, linguistics professor and author of You Just Don’t Understand, believes men and women differ in the focus, or driving force, behind their communication. According to Tannen, men converse with a focus on achieving social status and avoiding failure, while women focus on achieving personal connection and avoiding social isolation. Men want to report, women want rapport.”

Consider description, inner thoughts and dialog when in your hero’s head. I write contemporary romance, so my examples in this post are in that genre. Historical, period and maybe even fantasy authors need to remain true to words of their genre, and in some cases, formality. In any case, a reader should be able to tell they are in a male point of view through inner thoughts and dialog alone.

Descriptions: Men describe things simply or relate them to an object with which they are familiar. A guy may say a woman’s eyes are brown, however if he compares them to his favorite whiskey or something personal to him, not only does this paint a better picture, it gives insight into the man.

My husband is a motorhead. Nine out of ten times, he’ll describe something using vehicle terminology. He’d probably describe a woman’s eyes as Petty blue, a unique shade legendary NASCAR driver, Richard Petty painted his car. Make your hero’s descriptions relate to him, and his lifestyle, when possible.

Inner thoughts: Last year, our local RWA chapter held a workshop with a male panel for our authors to ask questions. I remember one of the guys saying “We’re really not that deep.” However, writing guys exactly true to form may leave romance readers wanting. It’s a delicate balance to remain true to the gender and yet give your audience enough to keep them wanting more. Psyche and personality should help dictate your hero’s sensitivity rating. Employment is also a consideration. An artist or writer is probably going to be more introspective than a say a mechanic or soldier, if only because of the nature of their work.

Dialog: Listen to how men talk. Most are direct, to the point and speak in shorter sentences. Their main goal in communication is give information, solve problems and show expertise.

Unless a man is a designer or into clothes, he probably wouldn’t say, “I love you in that Gucci dress.” He might say, “You look hot in that dress.” Or he may digress into saying which body part be believes is the hottest.

Amping up a hero’s dialog doesn’t always have to be in your face. My husband remembers when his best friend fell for the girlfriend he ended up marrying. He didn’t say he was in love with her, he said, “That girl just tears me up.”

Except in tender moments with a lover or child, men tend to talk around emotion. When guys converse casually amongst themselves, it can be joking, competitive and colorful. Sarcasm can be a way to beat around the bush or say what you really think and hope it won’t being taken seriously.

If a guy notices his buddy has gotten new athletic shoes, he might say, “You’re going to kick a$$ on the court in those new Air Jordans.” If it’s a competitive relationship, he’d more likely say, “Even in those new Jordans, I doubt you’ll kick my a$$ on the court.”

I like using witty dialog as a mild conflict between my hero and heroine from time to time. In the beginning of a relationship it can be flirty. In a spat, sarcasm can be a vivid tool to show emotion.

Research: Listen to men when they are among other guys. Social, economic background and career usually dictate formality and words choice. For instance, a doctor will speak differently than a welder.

Read books written by men in a similar genre in which you write. Though the book may not be romance, you’ll get a feel for inner thoughts and the dialog. I read several biographical and non-fiction military novels before I attempted writing about a SEAL not only to get a military mindset but to gain insight for style of communication.

Action movies contain a great deal of male dialog. Even though you may not care for those types of flicks, they can be a wealth of information. For a youthful and comical perception of men watch Guy Code on MTV2.

Now go out there and hunt your next alpha or beta!