Claire Thompson writes about a different kind of hero, not necessarily the romantic ideal. What’s your ideal hero?
Think Romance Novel Hero and what comes to mind? A big, strong, sexy guy with a roguish twinkle in his brilliant blue (or dangerous glint in his brooding dark –
you pick) eyes. He’s strong, sexy, well-endowed, and confident, even to the point of swagger. He’s an alpha through and through. No one ever took his lunch money or made fun of his skinny legs. He never lived in a crappy basement apartment with roaches and dirty dishes in the sink. He doesn’t stutter and he’s never at a loss for words. He always knows what to do when he finally gets the heroine (or, in m/m novels, the other hero) naked and at his mercy.
We romance readers really like Mr. Alpha Perfect Man. We like to close our eyes and imagine he is sweeping us off our feet, carrying us away in strong arms, only to set us down on fine sheets in his chateau/mansion/secluded house by the sea and make perfect, endless love to us until we swoon with satisfaction and fall into a deep sleep, safe in his warm embrace…
So how come I never seem to write those guys?
I think it’s because I came at romance through the side door. I just sort of slipped in. My earlier background is rough and tumble dirty books that expose the dark, raw side of life. And yet I love to write romance. It makes me happy to create that “awww” moment for readers, when a tear comes to their eye, and they close the book with a happy sigh.
Maybe a broader question is what makes a romance? Need only alphas apply? In real life, there aren’t too many alphas out there. Most guys you meet are as fucked up and miserable as you are. But it’s the potential for happiness that makes a romance possible.
Maybe that’s why my heroes, and I use the term very loosely, are usually just regular guys. Not necessarily that good looking, often extremely confused, sometimes really fucked up, always flawed. Eric, the Dom in Golden Boy, appeared to the world at large as the always-in control Über-Dom. Yet he took Johnny too far, too fast, in the BDSM scene, and nearly cost himself Johnny’s love in the process. Certainly he damaged his trust. I had to write a whole second book for Eric to put things to right.
Jack in Handyman was so shut down and clueless, he’d managed to get through forty-four years of his life before daring to admit to
himself he might, maybe, just possibly, be gay.
In Wicked Hearts, Reese, one of my “heroes”, is a cocky, arrogant, manipulating, screwed up asshole (sorry, no way to clean this one up, folks). The focus of his attentions, Jeff, is an introverted, stuttering geek with the social skills of a potted plant.
So what makes these characters compelling? Why would you, the romance reader, want to be bothered with all-too-real-life jerks and losers, when Fabian awaits just a novel away, ready to sweep you into his strong arms and clutch you to his muscular chest?
I think the key is watching the change. Watching how love can transform even the most miserable wretch into someone worth rooting for; someone worth caring for. Helping these men to grow and transform when loves comes into their lives is what the writing journey is all about. Which isn’t to say they suddenly become rich, or younger, or better looking, or even smarter. They might remain conflicted, confused, even scared to death at how much love, or rather, love lost, has the potential to devastate them, now that they’re learning how to feel.
But they try. Love gives them courage they wouldn’t otherwise have. Love, by its very definition, makes them more lovable. Love provides the door that opens to a greater happiness and peace, because suddenly, maybe for the first time, they see themselves reflected in the eyes and hearts of the men who love them. They are permitted to see the best of themselves. And that, dear readers, is definitely worth reading about.
I have never liked the too good to be real heroes. I never meet any of them! They generally go along with wishy-washy heroines. Love definitely conquers all-even Alpha heroes!
It’s interesting you say that, Marcy. Because you think of romance readers as wanting complete escape from reality. But I think what they really want is a reshaping of reality, to where the regular guy, the confused, fucked up guy, somehow manages to pull through in the end, and find the love (s)he seeks. That’s more satisfying than watching Mr. Perfect sweep someone off their feet!
I loved Golden Boy and Golden Man. I have read those several times and it’s because both characters grow and learn so much from each other. I learn something knew each time I read them.
Thanks, Jamie, I’m still half in love with those two myself!
Miss Thompson,
The flaws of your characters and the tortuous road to their redemption are what set your stories apart.
Please do not be tempted to “cookie-cut” characters for us.
The joy of your stories is in the wondering “how are these wildly different people going to find and grow in love.”
Thank you for that joy.
And thank you for that wonderful comment! I’m working hard now on A Test of Love, book 2 of my Knights series. I just this moment started falling in love with the boys, so I know I’m finally on the right track…!
Great blog! I love watching love grow. I don’t think a hero has to be perfect. The flaws are what make him interesting. 🙂
Thanks, Brea!
I love your stories. And I really love the typical Alpha hero, however I am never missing him in any of your books. He is there, just in a different sense. Give him some time and he will show himself. You always keep me guessing as to which way the stories will go!
Amy, that’s a good point about which way they will go. Half the time I don’t know myself until they knock me over the head with it!
Claire’s characters are real. There is a sense that the flaws and emotions they exhibit are real. They do not have the fake unrealistic personas that are the basis for what 99% of romance authors produce let alone BDSM m/m romance. Her heroes are real to me. They are people I can relate to and yes, they are alpha … truly alpha, strong and vulnerable, willing to change, pursuing honesty and happiness in their relationships instead of the unrealistic fairytale.
Bravo Claire! Keep on keeping it real!
Thanks, Michael, for your kind words! High praise indeed.
“In real life, there aren’t too many alphas out there. Most guys you meet are as fucked up and miserable as you are. But it’s the potential for happiness that makes a romance possible.”
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Well said. Actually, perfectly said. While I enjoy alphas as much as any reader, there’s only so much perfection one can take. I like reading about real people who fall in love and overcome all the obstacles. That is much more interesting. Great blog!
Thanks, LadyM! I sure am having fun on my day off from work today! I hope it’s ok that I reply to each comment. I’m just so tickled pink to know you have read and enjoyed it. (Plus, I’ll admit it, I like looking at all these sexy guys on Wave’s site each time I drop back by!) 😉
I’m more of a fan of regular guys. I don’t want them to be too jerky or completely backwards but I don’t want the uber-confidenent totally in control everything works out for me guy either. I generally like a touch of realism. I can relate to those characters better, they are more like me (obviously in m/m they have parts I don’t have LOL) it’s just sometimes hard to believe that anyone THAT perfect isn’t a closet axe murderer or something. I like when they are a bit unsure and not sure of their own worth but falling in love makes them realize they are just as valuable as anyone else. As you said, the journey for them is more interesting than for Mr. Perfect.
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Great post.
“it’s just sometimes hard to believe that anyone THAT perfect isn’t a closet axe murderer or something.”
That made me laugh out loud! You are so right! Beware perfection, because it doesn’t exist!
Hi Claire–I find all of your “heros” believable. I think that’s whay I love your stories so much. The characters are believability and the stories ring true. Always a winning combination. Loved “Finding Chandler”; looking forward to number 2 in the series.
Thanks Vanessa! I think you’re going to like book 2 – it’s got suspense and intrigue. I’m having fun with it! Been at it since 4:30 this morning – my muse is singing!
Glad to know Book 2 is going well. Your work ethic amazes me! At 4:30 am I was turning over and praying my wakeup alarm wouldn’t go off any time soon. 🙂 Be well and Happy Holidays!
grin! It’s called TERROR! I hope to release this in a few weeks. I better get the darn thing DONE!
Hey Claire,
I absolutely adore characters male/female that I can identify with. Let’s be realistic..NO ONE IS PERFECT! I want my heroes to be within reach…I love Alpha males don’t get me wrong but I always enjoy a book more when the characters are ones that I can imagine running across in my real life. I want the confusion, angst, and a spectrum of emotions in the characters. You do a wonderful job of creating these relatable characters…each of them become dear to the reader’s heart.
Thank you, Anna. I have finally figured out over the years, if I am not in love with my characters, my readers won’t be either.
Hi Claire ..
You could not have said this any better, I love your ordinary guys.
They give the stories that extra edge that feel like anything is possible even for me…
Another thing I love about your guys is that you use mature characters quite alot and that work for me- probably I am at that age where I am over twinks and need to see that love doesn’t stop because I am ageing….
Good job on this post…
E.H>
I feel the same way. That’s why the guys in The Knights of Pelham Bay are mostly older guys – guys who have been around the block a time or three and *think* they know it all…!
Claire,
Wonderful Blog!!! The biggest reason I find myself tripping over my fingers to get to your latest story IS because you do give me what I’m looking for in a story.
I read fiction because it isn’t real life. I want to get lost in your characters world and get out of this one for a bit. Your characters have the flaws many of us have, enough that it makes them believable. No one is perfect, why would they be in a book? Flaws are necessary to make them who they are.
Add spice and alpha men! Bingo you have a hot story that pulls me in. I don’t want to read about mr. perfect, I want to read about mr. oh shit did i screw up again? no, cause i’m perfect…till proven wrong…type guys. You touch areas in the m/m world many can’t. YAY!!! Keep up the great work.
Thank you, Michele. What a great comment. I absolutely love the process of fleshing out these guys. As an author yourself, you know how hard that can be sometimes. As one of my beta readers is fond of saying, in regard to my many many many drafts before I get it right…the third time’s the charm – or the fifth, or the tenth…!
Tortured Heroes make the best books to read simply because the partner (hero/heroine) always brings out the hurt in them and makes life so much easier to live. I really find myself taken with stories that you can relate to. Any book that has your name on it as author – I would never hesitate to purchase and enjoy! You truly have a gift from God and have made my life so much happier with your heroes. You are solid auto-buy author for me. I am thrilled to have found you Claire.
Thank you!
Okay, I am blushing beet red here! Thank you, Debbie. I hope I can continue to live up to your expectations. One lucky thing is I love writing with a passion. I have no plans to stop, ever. I am just so happy and grateful there are folks who want to read what I write! Thanks again.
Nice article. I like to see a bit of variety in my romance heroes. Like you say, there aren’t that many alphas around – just like there aren’t as many wolves as there are caribou. 😀
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Of course a story with two alphas trying to make a relationship work can be lots of fun, with all the jostling for position – metaphorically and otherwise! 😉 But there are lots fo combinations that are equally as fun.
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Another reason I think not to have alpha type hero guys all the way is that those types of guys don’t get to be be funny! Not often anyway. A broody alpha can’t be making cheeky wisecracks the whole time, it undermines his perceived authority and his broodiness. Where his beta hero partner can and readers and Alpha love him for it – though Alpha will probably pretend to be exasperated. 😉
You are funny! You know, Switch is about two Doms struggling for position. I had a lot of fun with just the dynamic you describe…
So glad to read this! Flawed heros are the best. Those alpha male guys are such a turn off to me.
Glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to write, and it is an honor for Jessewave to have me as her guest!
Like your post, Claire, and I love the ‘awww’ moment too – it’s what makes reading worthwhile. 🙂
Thanks, Tina! Those are the best.
Hi, Claire.
Love your works and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cover of Golden Boy, Golden Man.
Thanks.
Thanks, Tracey. I love that cover too. EC finally gave me a decent cover for a change! grin…
Great blog, Claire! I love flawed heroes. Love torturing them too! HANDYMAN sounds interesting. I’m surprised I missed this one because I love a man in denial! *cackle*
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Have a wonderful holiday season!
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Shayla
Well Shayla, If you like a man in denial, Jack is your guy!
I enjoy flawed heroes, and yes, it makes them much more real. The true romance is when there’s an emotional bond between characters, how they deal and relate to each others feelings through experimentation or adventure.
I couldn’t have said it better myself! 🙂
Anyone who knows me and my reading/writing habits knows that I loathe the typical romance alpha heroes.
LOATHE. THEM.
OMG.
So, this post really resonates with me.
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“…you think of romance readers as wanting complete escape from reality. But I think what they really want is a reshaping of reality, to where the regular guy, the confused, fucked up guy, somehow manages to pull through in the end, and find the love (s)he seeks.”
THIS! Yes yes yes! That is EXACTLY it. That is precisely what I’m looking for. So much more interesting than watching someone who already has his (or her) shit together get yet another piece of the Pie of Life, dammit.
Damn straight! Let’s spread some of that Life Pie around!
Thanks for the great commentary!
Claire Thompson Rocks – she is forever challenging my comfort zones and making me enjoy it!
Theresa, you are FUN to challenge! Thanks for reading!
I absolutely loved Handyman. Jack is such great character – older, humble and down to earth. The emotional connection with Will was the hook for me, although the sex scenes were HOT. I also loved Sam’s and Donovan’s story in Islands of Temptation. I’m obviously a huge fan of the “gay for you” storyline and these two books are among the best I’ve ever read. As a reader, I love to get into the heads and hearts of our “heros.” Thanks Claire!
Thank you, Ellie! I am so glad you enjoyed those. Did you ever check out The Perfect Cover, another “gay for you” story that was a lot of fun to write!
I just purchased it but can already tell it’s right up my alley. I also downloaded a free copy of Finding Chandler. I hope he and Eric make an appearance in Ryan’s story.