One of the questions I'm often asked is, "Is so-and-so character patterned after someone in real life?"
The answer is, yes and no. We're not supposed to write about real people. Even if we did try to reproduce the character of a close friend or family member it's impossible to truly know anyone's deepest thoughts and feelings. Which is not to say we don't steal a quirk here or a personality trait there.
A little bit of myself goes into every character I write. Imagining how I would react in a given situation is how I, as a writer, access my character's emotions. It doesn't mean that my characters think or feel exactly like me. Having said that, Sienna, the heroine of HER GREAT EXPECTATIONS, and I, do have a terrible secret in common. I'll get to that later.
First I'll give you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the other characters and incidents in the book.
Jack, the hero, has a pretty great laidback Aussie lifestyle but he's in denial about his tragic past and ignoring his pain. Sienna, the well-meaning new GP in town, tries to 'fix' him, which only ends up revealing the cracks in her façade of perfection.
Sienna the perfectionist. What can I say? The only things I'm a perfectionist about are writing and cooking. But I know I'll never achieve perfection. Not even close. Sienna has to learn that not only can she not achieve perfection it isn't even desirable.
Jack, who looks a lot like a young George Clooney, arose partly as a foil to Sienna, partly out of my fascination with Men's Sheds which I believe are unique to Australia. http://www.mensheds.com.au/ Men's Sheds tackle men's health issues such as isolation and depression by getting men together to build and fix things. Jack starts a Shed to help his father but guess who ends up getting the most out of it?
Sienna's teenage son, Oliver, resembles my youngest son in that they're both tall with blond curly hair. Oliver's lip piercing was an issue in the book. My son once had a lip piercing but I forced myself not to say anything and he let it grow over. I got to voice my dismay in Sienna's horrified reaction. Sienna's poignant emotions at watching her 'baby' becoming a man reflect my own bittersweet feelings of love, loss and the passage of time at seeing my son growing up. In the book Sienna wants Oliver to become a doctor but Oliver rebels against the family tradition. Recently my son announced out of the blue he wants to become a doctor! This is simply a bizarre coincidence.
Sienna's teenage son, Oliver, resembles my youngest son in that they're both tall with blond curly hair. Oliver's lip piercing was an issue in the book. My son once had a lip piercing but I forced myself not to say anything and he let it grow over. I got to voice my dismay in Sienna's horrified reaction. Sienna's poignant emotions at watching her 'baby' becoming a man reflect my own bittersweet feelings of love, loss and the passage of time at seeing my son growing up. In the book Sienna wants Oliver to become a doctor but Oliver rebels against the family tradition. Recently my son announced out of the blue he wants to become a doctor! This is simply a bizarre coincidence.
What other 'real life' incidents occur in the book?
1) Jack's father has Type II diabetes. My late father-in-law also had diabetes and experienced a health crisis involving a trip to the hospital. The details, of course, are different.
2) The village of Summerside bears an eerie resemblance to the Australian seaside town where I live.
3) I have a Jack Russell terrier as does Jack's father. My dog, Toby, has starred in two books now.
4) Two of Jack's dinner party friends are patterned after friends of mine.
Finally, my true confession! The terrible thing that Sienna did in grade three, I did, too. For her, the incident helped shape her life. Me, I'm not that hard on myself, although I've never forgotten. And I never did it again. Maybe getting it off my chest here will rid me of the last bit of guilt. Nobody's perfect, right? :)
That's it. Not much of the story is modeled on real life when you look closely at it. So where do my characters come from? The same place story ideas come from. Out of my imagination. This is fiction, after all.
I just try to make the people and the story feel real.
I won't ask anyone else to confess past sins (unless you want to)! Instead, I'll pose the question, what’s your favorite type of hero--the sensitive New Age guy next door or the Alpha male; a wounded hero or the protector who takes charge? Something else?
Or you can take the opportunity to ask me anything about my writing life or my books.
Comment to win one of three (3) copies of HER GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
HER GREAT EXPECTATIONS is the first book in the Summerside Stories trilogy. The main stories stand alone but a subplot involving Jack's father and mother runs through the trilogy. Find out more at www.joankilby.com
58 comments:
Oh, a new series! I love series!
In fiction, I must admit to liking the protector Alpha-male as long as he isn't an Alph-hole. Thank you to Karina Bliss for coining that one in HERE COMES THE GROOM (I just read it yesterday) and if that is not a perfect way to describe the overbearing hero that can show up in romances sometimes I do not know what is!
Barbara, lol, Karina's term will go down in Superromance history. Definitely there is more than one kind of Alpha male and some of them just aren't hero material.
It's the middle of the night in Melbourne so I'm off to bed. Just wanted to check in and say hi to everyone. I'll get some shut eye and be back bright and early in the morning. While I'm away you may talk among yourselves. :)
Very interesting about Men's Sheds. How great is that? I am definitely a "wounded hero" kind of reader. Blame it on Jane Eyre!
So what about you, Joan? Do you have a favorite hero to create?
Peace and looking forward to your book, Julie
Great post, Joan! Now I have to buy the book because I must know the terrible 3rd grade secret. ;-)
I'm not a fan of alpha heroes. I think that's one of the reasons I like Superromance--it's easy to find the kind of hero I enjoy in our books.
I have a follow-up question about the writing life.
Say a writer lives in a ridiculously cold and snowy place, and she wants to set her next book in an Australian seaside town like yours. What type of bribe should she offer in order to score an invitation to spend several days/months in your guest room "researching" this setting?
OMG I soooooooooo can't wait to read this book. Was looking forward to it before but NOW I'm desperate to know what TERRIBLE thing you did. Anyway my favourite type of hero is definitely wounded but I also like it when new traits come out of him - such as protection - due the being introduced to the heroine!!
This book sounds great Joan! I really like series, I feel like you're getting a much more intimate look into the character's lives. I'll be watching for the next ones too. I don't know if I have a favorite type of hero...I like them all! :)
I like a variety of heroes so I read a variety of Harlequin lines. I like a manly hero but not an overbearing one. I don't mind troubled or wounded heroes. I like them to be kind, caring and they have to like kids and animals.
I have read quite a few of your books and have a few more in my TBR. I've never been disappointed by any of your books. This trilogy sounds like one I'd enjoy also.
Joan, this is the first time I've heard of Men's Sheds. What a FABULOUS idea! Love it.
I'm drawn to the wounded heroes. No idea why ;-)
Hi Joan,
Thanks for all the interesting background information. Your book sounds very intriguing. I like all kinds of heroes. I like wounded and protective heroes the most.
I like wounded heroes, treated someone horribly, and then are redeemed.
Question: Back-to-back-to-back trilogies are very popular lately. How long did it take you to write yours? Your 'The Wilde Men' trilogy had a month in between each book - which type of release do you prefer? All at once or time in between?
Marcie
Hi, Joan! Congratulations on the release of "HER GREAT EXPECTATIONS" and the beginning of your "Summerside Stories" trilogy. You have really given your characters and story line a personal touch. You are involved with your characters, and that very much makes me want to read your books. As a reader, I am the sum total of my life experiences, plus the all the books, stories, newspapers, comics, snippets and quotes, blog posts, articles & etc. which I have read. As a writer, you would be influenced by the same things, and then you would process them into your creative flow.
I enjoy Alpha males who are "all that & more", but still vulnerable to the one woman who steals their heart. I also enjoy Beta males who are more internal than external, but oh my, have they got a lot going on inside! The main characteristic that I look for in heroes, both real and fictional, is an inner core of compassion. Without the heart, and the soul, the physicality almost becomes an object separated from humanity.
Great post, Joan. I love seeing where you find yourself in your characters. I find myself doing that too. I don't deliberately pattern my characters after a person, but sometimes real life is truer than fiction, and I put something in the story that makes someone in my family say, "Hey, wait a minute, is that about your brother?" LOL. No. Not really. Maybe.
I think it's hard to seperate it sometimes. At Superromance we say we write realistic and deeply emotional. Sometimes who and what we are bleeds into our characters.
Can't wait to check this one out. I, too, am interested in that third grade secret.
Joan, I can't wait to read Her Great Expectations! And not just to find out your third grade secret, although that's intriguing. I love books where the hero or heroine is hiding a secret.
Your hero and heroine sound like interesting people, exactly the kind of people I enjoy reading about. I love the contrast between the laid-back guy and the perfectionist. It makes for lots of sparks.
I have to confess, though, to having a soft spot in my heart for alpha heroes. I can't resist watching them fall in love with an equally strong heroine and dealing with the problems all that alpha-ness creates.
Joan, I just love hearing how writers progress words and ideas into books. I am just a reader, with no writing ambitions but like to hear all the different ways you writers work it out. Looking forward to your book. No favorite hero type, love them all, but have to sound real!
Hi Joan. Your book sounds so good.
I must admit I am a big fan of an Alpha hero.
My favorite hero is the one who has always secretly loved the heroine
Alpha, gets my vote. But enough of that... Can't wait to read the book now to find out that terrible thing you did in 3rd grade
Remember, everyone, your comments enter you in a chance to win one of three copies of Joan's book HER GREAT EXPECTATIONS. We post the winners on Saturday!
In books, I'm an alpha or wounded hero fan. In real life not so much. :) I'm a big fan of heroes who can communicate - in real life and in fiction!
On another note, I'm really enjoying reading behind the scenes of the SuperRomances! They sound good when I hear a little bit about them, but then add in the extra from the author and I'm hooked. How mean (and clever!) to not tell us what the 3rd grade thing is!
I so want to know the terrible third grade secret....
Congratulations on your new book x
Joan, what a fun look behind the scenes of your story! I can't wait to read Her Great Expectations *g*
I'm afraid I'm fickle when it comes to heroes - I love them all!! Okay, so tortured heroes have a special place in my heart but there's plenty of room left for a beta hero or a take charge guy :-)
Hi, Joan! Congratulations on the release of "HER GREAT EXPECTATIONS". My favorite type of hero is the Alpha male.
Good morning from Down Under! It's coming up to 7 am here and I'm thrilled to see all the wonderful posts. I've actually been here since just after 6 am and started answering questions then lost my long post when my connection dipped out. So I might make several smaller posts.
First up, my favorite hero? The gamma hero, the outsider. He's a loner but deep down longing for connection, brilliant at what he does but mystified by matters of the heart - until the heroine shows him the path to true love. I also like alpha heroes with a heart and beta heroes with guts. Basically I like complex heroes with a variety of qualities. I also have a soft spot for the charmer. Blame it on those old Cary Grant movies.
Hi Joan,
I like reading about the sensitive but take charge heros. But then I love all types. Even bad boy turned good guy heros!
Your trilogy sounds interesting.
My connection dipped out again! This could take awhile. We've got heavy rain here, not as bad as Queensland but it's probably affecting the power.
Julie, I recently re-read Jane Eyre and was surprised at how modern and fresh the writing sounded. Fabulous hero and heroine!
Ellen, you can come and visit me anytime!
Rachel, great point about the heroine bringing out the hero's better qualities.
Cameron, the other two books in the trilogy are about Jack's sisters so all the main characters appear in all the books. Now that I think of it another small subplot runs through the trilogy.
Kaelee, manly but caring. That's my alpha with a heart. I hear you about TBR piles. Mine's toppling over.
msullivan, Men's Sheds are based on the premise that men don't get together and talk over coffee like women do. But give them some tools, a project and a place to hang out with other guys and things are looking up.
Tammy, I'm writing a new proposal for a wounded hero right now. Glad to see so many people like them.
Marcie, in both cases (Summerside and Wilde Men) I had to write all three books before any were published. That's partly why it's been so long between books for me. This trilogy took a year to write and I was hard at it the whole time. While writing the second and third books you're also revising and doing copy edits on the earlier ones. It's not for the faint-hearted! Scheduling decisions are made by the editors.
Virginia, you nailed it with the 'inner core of compassion.' When the heroine sees the hero's humanity is when she falls in love.
Liz, it's funny what surfaces from our subconscious and finds its way into our writing. I once described a flashy diamond ring a character wore as 'ostentatious' only to have my real-life family member point out that was 'her' ring. Oops! I actually thought I liked the ring. Maybe not.
Margaret, when I wrote the blog post I was going to tell the secret. All this intrigue has convinced me it's better to draw out the suspense. It seems to be a lesson I also have to relearn with every book I write.
Gloria, I'm glad to hear that as a reader you're also interested in the writing process. I wondered about that.
CrystalGB, thanks for stopping by. Alpha heroes are forever!
Jcp, ah, that's a great premise. In the second book in the trilogy, the heroine has always secretly loved the hero.
Hey, Ro. Thanks for reminding everyone to comment for a chance to win a copy of the book.
Carin, a girlfriend and I were just talking yesterday about how vital communication is for all relationships to grow and thrive.
I'm off to the gym now but I'll be back! I'm starting to sound like the Terminator, lol.
Joan, the trilogy sounds fabulous! Thanks for the insight into your writing process.
I like any sort of hero except full-on Alpholes, but I've gotta say the Beta with strength and courage when it counts is the man who does it for me.
Wonderful post, Joan! My family jokes about showing up in all my books, but they're good sports, too. Now, when something unusual or memorable happens, someone will look at me and say, "Are you taking notes?"
I tend to love the wounded alphas. Only one of my covers has truly captured that wounded alpha look, though. (His Brother's Secret) Must be a tough look to paint.
Looking forward to reading this series!!!
Deb
Looks like a young George Clooney? Say no more! I'm VERY interested!
Joan, this book sounds interesting and like one that I really want to read. Will have to check out Walmart (they do 25 to 35% off paperbacks) or use my B & N gift certificates for my new Nook. :)
I don't like alpha heroes very much and especially in comtemporary romance. Give me a beta or an alpah with strong beta tendancies (if there is such a thing) every time. That doesn't mean the hero has to be a softee. Having said that, some of the alphas in historicals are likeable and believeable. Guess its the time period where I might expect more alpha behavior so I accept it more readily. Interesting to see alphhole used here. I've seen FF use it on the ehar boards over the time that I've been reading the online reads :) Now to see if this comment will post with my name... Snookie/Papaya
Hmmm, I tried my google account and it didn't work, then I went back to anonymous and had to do it twice before it worked. I'm going to try posting this through google to see if works if I try it twice, if not, I'll be anonymous again...
OK this is too weird, this time when I went to google it went to it the very first time...AND I didn't do anything different. Good luck to the webhosts in trying to figure out how these posts decide to post!!!
It is so interesting how you incorporate real i=life people and situations into your books.
I like most heroes, as long as they aren't abusive.
I, too, am curious about this terrible secret!
I like the sound of the gamma hero mentioned above. But definitely I like my heroes wounded and protective as well. A man hardwired to protect but so wounded it nearly kills him to be with the heroine cos she stirs feelings? Sigh...
I do like the alpha hero, but I'm also a fan of the wounded/tortured hero who feels he doesn't deserve love.
Hi Joan! Her Great Expectations sounds wonderful. I can't wait to read it. Oh and I love the cover too. I have a thing for beach covers ;)
I like how you described the gamma, alpha and beta heroes that you like. I also like complex types rather than sticking to just alpha or beta. It's how different aspects of their personalities come together, so to speak :)
I pretty much like any hero, even an overbearing alpha one as long as there's a heroine who isn't going to let him get away with it.
Joan, you are such a vixen! Now I have to read this book to find out what you did in Grade 3!!! In answer to your question about heroes, I really like a misunderstood wounded hero - you know, the type who seems like a hardheaded alpha-hole (to use Karina Bliss's fabulous term!) but is actually a wounded soul who needs to open himself up to compassion. I also quite like a lazy, shallow hero who finds himself stirred to heroism by fascination and unexpected connect with the heroine. This is great when used in historicals - I'm thinking of some of Georgette Heyers books here. Right. I am off to Do Things after weeks on deadline. Hurrah hurrah, I have a life again!!! Woot!
I like all types of heroes.
Susanwilson44, now I'm getting worried that this third grade secret is going to be an anticlimax! But it really was terrible to me when it happened. Imagine how a good little girl, teacher's pet, top of the class (god, I must have been awful) feels when she's done something wrong. And gets caught out.
Hi Beth, I guess I'm fickle, too. I don't like to stick to one hero type when I write.
Emma, I don't think I've ever written a straight alpha but it's interesting to hear how many people like them.
Hi Nas, I like bad boys, too. Especially misunderstood bad boys who are really good boys inside.
Waitingforthecall, I hope you get that call soon!
Hi, Deb, lol on the 'taking notes' comment. I usually am taking notes, mentally, at least. Your hero in His Brother's Secret certainly does have the bad boy look. Must be that white T-shirt over bulging biceps.
Laney4, I actually described him as 'could be George Clooney's younger brother.' Clooney does it for me, every time. I think it's the combination of intelligence, charm and good looks.
Snookie, how do you like your Nook? I'm tossing up between which ereader to buy.
Gail, my sister's name is Gail. I once wrote a 'villain' character named Abigail but only for plot reasons so she could be known as both Abby and Gail. My sister took it the wrong way! I love my sister, I really do.
Chey, to me, if a character is abusive, he's no hero.
Bec, I like the sound of your hero!
Jane, you just described the hero in my new proposal. I hope my editor likes him, too.
Rula Sinara, I love swimming in the ocean so the beach is one of my favorite places.
Summer, I agree, an alpha hero needs an equally strong heroine to keep him off balance.
Hey, Sara. Congrats on finishing the book! Always such a relief. Have a great day Doing Things.
Thanks for sharing and I like the sound of the story. I would say the hero I like most is a protective hero. I love the feeling of security when a big strong guy wraps his arms around his girl and she gets that the world could be falling down but I know I'm safe because I am in his arms.
I'm looking forward to reading this book! I enjoyed your blog post--so interesting to read about the writing process. I like to read about a variety of heroes, but I have a soft spot for the alpha hero who finds the right woman he can be vulnerable with.
Laura, wow, your description of a protective hero gave me a melting feeling. What girl wouldn't love a guy like that?
Jan, I agree, vulnerability is key to any character but especially to an alpha hero.
Estella, all types of heroes can be great. It's all in the execution.
This is so tough since I like the bad boys like Damon on the Vampire Diaries but I also love Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. The most important thing in a hero I think is some sort of "real" factor like what you mentioned above. If a guy is too perfect it just doesn't work for me. I'm totally all about Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre too. :-) He's definitely the ultimate tortured hero.
XOXO~ RENEE
I like a sensitive boy-next-door type, but I vary in my likes according to the book I guess. I don't like any sign of conceit.
Coming in late. Sorry, have to confess I haven't read everyone's replies. I live in Brisbane (where the floods are in Australia). I'm lucky my family and house are safe but so many others aren't. Been glued to tv today to follow flood news while hubby been out helping fill sandbags, and have just popped online quickly as power may be cut later tonight.
I don't have a favourite, rather a least fave - alphas. Don't mind a few alpha tendencies, but it can't be the overriding trait.
And like everyone else terribly curious to find out the third grade secret!
I'm a fan of the wounded Hero. He's been through a lot and seems so deserving of a HEA. I love it when it's her love that inspires him to work on his problems.
Renee, I think it's great to like a variety of heroes. It means there will be more books for you to enjoy!
Gladys, I agree, no one likes someone who's conceited. In my experience SuperRomance heroes aren't like that.
Anita Joy, I'm so glad your family and house are safe. It's horrific what's going on up there. I've been watching the news on and off all day. My heart goes out to Queenslanders. It's amazing how upbeat people are in spite of the disaster and wonderful to see everyone pulling together. I hope the peak flood tomorrow leaves you still safe and dry.
Kirsten, another wounded hero fan. Yay!
Everyone, thank you for coming by for a chat and giving your opinions on heroes. It's been really interesting. I'll wait a day or so for any late posters and then do a random draw for the three winners.
Hi Joni, congrats on your latest book. Being an avid reader of all sorts of genres, and wildly interested in the psychology of people, I enjoyed reading where you get the material for your stories from. Human experiences come in endless configurations. I am sure you will have plenty of material to keep writing for time to come and for us readers to keep looking forward to new delicious stories from your quarters. Well done, keep up the terrific work! From Ellen (Australia)
I love series and would love to read your book! Thanks for the chance!
jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet
Hi Ellen! Thanks for stopping by. It's great to hear from you. Yes, human beings are endlessly fascinating.
Jackie, I really like writing series, too. I'm planning more stories set in Summerside. It's fun to build a community and have characters appear in later books going about their normal business.
Coming in late from Whistler, Joan to say how much I enjoyed your post. It's always fascinating to read about a writer's inspirations for a book.
All best,
Karina
www.karinabliss.com
Thanks, Karina! I hope you're enjoying Whistler and getting out on those cross country ski trails. Or just sitting in the ski lodge with a hot chocolate or a red wine is always nice, too.
I'm not a huge fan of alpha heroes - there are so many of them out there! I think I'm a little sick of them :) But, to be honest, I've never been all that big on them in the first place. I think that's part of why I read so many SuperRomances; I've got a better chance of finding a hero I like.
(Also, I'm very proud of myself for making it to the comment. My brain wanted to stop and daydream when you mentioned young George Clooney.)
I love the fact that you took so many real life facts into your book! Good luck with your new book!
Lynz, I know that Clooney daydream feeling. And that's a particularly hot pic of him.
Claudia, thanks. I forgot to mention a really big real life detail. The airplane crash the hero was in was based on a true account I read in the newspaper. Not the people involved but the cause of the crash and how it happened. It was a terrible thing.
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