This week: Three words to describe my current hero

Thanks to Jamie Denise for this week’s interesting author questions, and if you arrived here via, Victoria Barbour we appreciate you continuing the hop.

When writing your novel, do you know how it’s going to end before you write, or do you write from start to finish?

Not usually. I’m a pantser progressing to a combo plotter/pantser because mega rewrites are a bitch. Still, I’m pretty open with plotting. I know the main conflict and the romantic conflict, but like working my way to the resolution. Plotting an entire novel feels contrived for me and robs my fun of surprises even if it means some rewriting.

How do the people you know impact your writing? Are you influenced by friends and family for your characters?

I realized after a couple of books there’s always a disconnect between the heroine and her mother. This is directly linked to my past, but was subconscious, as I never think, I’m going to write a character like a relative, friend or co-worker. I might pick a trait or two, but not much more.

As I said in another post, I worked in a male dominated company for years where sarcasm was the main form of communication. I really miss the snappy dialog and usually incorporate some into my writing.

Describe the hero in your current WIP in three words.

Heath Lancaster: Tight End, Tactical and Southern. For those unfamiliar with American Football the tight end is on offense and blocks as well as receives passes. They are flexible players with speed and agility. Because they block, they usually have a lot of muscle on the hoof with little fat because they have to be fast. And if you are a football fan you might know there’s a famous tight end with the same first name as my hero. 😉

Check out Brenda Margriet‘s blog next on the hop to see if she knows how her novel will end before she begins to write.

Romance Weekly is celebrating our upcoming six month anniversary with a big giveaway. Grand price is a Kindle Fire, plus free books and more! Click on the ad for a chance to enter and win!

This week: Our authors’ favorite type of hero …

Thanks to the awesome Kim Handysides for this week’s interesting author questions, and if you arrived here via Women’s fiction author, Tessa Gray, thanks for continuing the hop.

What’s your ideal: alpha or beta and why? A mixture. I don’t believe a guy is totally one or the other. I’m pretty passive until someone jerks my chain. On the other side of the coin, I have a friend who is a take charge individual, however, when someone confronts her, she has trouble standing up for herself. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. How a man handles those is what makes him a hero or an a$$.

As for my type of hero, I’ll said I like the strong silent type who doesn’t try to impress, but is secure in his own skin. A man of few words, but means what he says and can back it up.

Do you have a male buddy or mate you use for confirmation or inspiration when crafting your heroes? 

I worked in a male dominated company for over twenty years and learned to decipher the male psyche, but when I get stumped, I ask my nineteen year old son.

What does any hero have to do to win your heart? Loyalty and honesty are at the top of my list and if you have a body like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, that’s icing on the cake.

Romance Weekly is celebrating our upcoming six month anniversary with a big giveaway. Grand price is a Kindle Fire, plus free books and more! Click on the ad for a chance to enter and win!

Check out Elizabeth Janette http://www.elizabethjanette.com/ blog next on the hop to see what type of hero is her favorite.