Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn’t you like to know more about your favorite authors? Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all….. About our writing of course! Every week we’ll answer questions and after you’ve enjoyed the blog on this site we’ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride!
If you found me via Leslie Hachtel’s wonderful blog, or you’re just starting your Romance Weekly journey here, welcome. Some probing questions and fun answers lie ahead as you make the rounds.
Kim Handysides poses to this week’s questions and they’re more focused on the female authors, but I’m up to the challenge (with a few changes):
1. What’s your ideal: alpha or beta and why?
Looking at the heroes I write, I wouldn’t classify them as alphas or betas. Personally I think I fall somewhere in between. There are times I’ve had to rely on my inner alpha, and he can rise up to the occasion when needed, but for the most part I’m probably more beta. So my ideal mate would be a confident woman, secure in her own strengths who complements my own strengths and weaknesses (which is exactly who I found ♥)
2. Do you have a male buddy or mate you use for confirmation or inspiration when crafting your heroes?
I’m changing this one to female of course, and the answer is yes. My wife has been indispensable in helping me craft strong, confident heroines for my stories.
3. What does any hero have to do to win your heart?
Again, changing the gender on this one. The heroine who wins my heart in any story is above all else smart. I once entered an early version of one of my stories in a writing contest, and one of the judges told me my heroine was TSTL, (I had to look it up: Too stupid to live) and that judge was right on target. I reworked that story like no one’s business, making Meghan as smart as she was strong, and Son of Thunder is now a finalist in the Write Touch Reader’s Award contest.
I like a heroine that’s sassy, sexy and strong as well, but for my tastes, the most attractive part of the female body is the brain.
I hear you out there. Yes, I have spies all over the interwebs. You’re wondering what the other authors of Romance Weekly answered. Start (or continue) the tour by visiting the wonderful Meggan Connors http://megganconnors.wordpress.com/blog
A Writer's Haven 
Always love reading answers from a different perspective. Thanks!
Thank you for stopping by Lenora. ♥
So sweet to model your heroines after your wife. If I modeled my heroes after my hubby, they’d be boring.
You’ve got to get that hubby of yours reading your books. Jut tell him they’re ‘instruction manuals’
Intelligence is probably the reason my favourite heroes are more beta than alpha. I love a thinking man!
Smart heroes and smart heroines make for a sexy read.
Great answers Steven. You picked up the gauntlet and excelled. Love the brain part – hope you enjoyed a Wonderful Anniversary!
Thanks Kim. ♥
Great post and I’m so pleased that you write smart women in your books! Fascinating hearing this from another perspective!
Thank you Tessa. I will do my best to bring the group my perspective.
TSTL is such a great acronym. Congrats on becoming a finalist!
Thanks Elizabeth. I’m very excited about the contest.
Happy Anniversary!
Thank you Rhenna. ♥
Congrats on making the finals on the contest. I love that you base your characters on your wife. I believe, as you said the most attractive part of a person is their brain.
Smart is sexy!
The brain is the sexiest part of a man, too. The other bits don’t hurt, but smart if sexy. Congrats, you deserve it
Thank you Sarah. ♥
Great answers to this, nice to hear from a different perspective 🙂
Thank you. ♥
As always, S.C. I loved your blog!!! I find I learn so much from you on these Tuesday blogs 🙂 Thank you for being so candid with us and giving us a new perspective in romance writing!!!
Thanks JJ. I just gotta be me. 🙂