Books-n-Kisses is very happy to let Ava Riley take over the blog today. Please read Ava’s post and don’t forget to leave a comment to enter her giveaway…. Take it away Ava.
First let me start out by saying a big Thank You to Kelly for inviting me to spend some time with her and her wonderful followers. It is truly an honor!
As I contemplated what exactly I could talk about with you all a million (and then one) things ran through my feeble little mind. I’ve been on blogs that have asked why I got into writing, how I got into writing, am I like any of my characters, etc. etc. Those are nice little tidbits to have about Lil’ ‘ole me, but not really all that interesting or fun.
So, here is the one millionth and one thing I thought of (ok, I didn’t really think of that many *grins*). When we pick up a book to read, before we even open the cover or turn on the e-reader, we want to like/fall in love with the characters. As an author, it’s my job to make you fall in love with them. For me, as a woman, I want to read about the independent, yet love hungry woman who can take care of herself, but really wants the gentle touch of a man. The mental badass (or physical) woman who isn’t afraid to tell the man she loves what she wants, when she wants it. She isn’t domineering when it comes to her man, but she takes what she wants, especially in the bedroom. In A Lifetime to Find Love, Tessa is just this type of person. Independent, hardworking, not afraid to take charge of a situation. In Sacred Surrender, Madison comes into her own and owns the power that lies within her. These are women that I want to surround myself with. And let’s not forget what we want out of our men: Strong in body and mind, gentle when it comes to their women and definitely takes charge in the bedroom (and even in the kitchen). I love a man who wakes with me in the morning and cooks me breakfast. Both Cade and Rowan not only know how to treat their women, but are man enough to allow their women to see the softer side of the manliness.
Characters don’t always have to have flaws (honestly we see that every day in our lives). We want to get away from reality and that’s why we escape into the wonderful world of reading. Sure we want the drama, but more than anything we want the “clear the table with the swipe of a hand and push me down on top of it, spreading my legs and burying yourself deep within me,” kind of escape. And honestly, if I don’t absolutely LOVE the characters, I’d rather kick them in the balls and move on.
So, when I set out to write a book/story, I’m more concerned with the personality, wants, desires, and strengths of my characters than I am with the location or the weather. All the rest falls into place after I’m totally convinced that I want to hang with the women or want to screw the hell of the guys.
Again, thank you to Kelly for allowing me to visit today. It is also a privilege to giveaway a copy of A Lifetime to Find Love and Sacred Surrender (in pdf format) to one reader. It’s simple, just leave a comment about what makes you fall in love with a character and Kelly will choose a winner. Good luck all and thanks again!
Happy Reading!
Ava Riley
Giveaway Rules:
Please answer Ava’s Question: What makes you fall in love with a character ?
Please leave your email!!! No Email, No Entry
Giveaway will end on Sept 16th
Winner will be announced Sept 19th.
Want to learn more about Ava?
Check out her website HERE
What makes me fall in love with a character? Well I usually fall for one who is real. By that I mean you could actually meet this person on the street. I like a character who has confidence, but can be a bit shy in some situations. I usually fall for the underdog.
Thanks for an awesome giveaway! I fall in love with characters with really strong personalities. I don't like characters that are wishy-washy or don't really stand out; they become forgettable.
What makes me fall in love with a character is the supernatural aspect. Superhuman strength, magic powers and of course when they are super sexy! 🙂
I love when the characters have strong personalities.
I'll fall in love with a character if they're believable, if I can feel what they are feeling, if I want to hang out with them, and if they can take me out of my own head for awhile.
What a fun post to read! For me a characters flaws make them feel real to me, everyone has flaws. But I really get suckered into a character that is confident, or tough on the outside but really has a good heart. This has me thinking of some of my favorite characters, and they are not all necessarily good characters, but have some good in them. Life is full of grey.
eyesofblueice (at) gmail (dot) com
i love a character that is strong yet sincere. i do not like pansy or really don't whiney characters that do stupid stuff on purpose… 😐 i love my characters to have a flaws just like any other normal person and i love being able to connect with the character. Having them have some sexuality in their life is always a plus in my book as well. 😉
Terri M
oklahomamommy0306@gmail.com (forgot my email…)
I fall in love with a character most of the time, based on the way he treats the other character(s) and based on his loyalty, his strength, his actions. Thanks for the giveaway. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com
I think I fall in love with characters for many different reasons. But mostly I want to be able to see that they are real and have an inner strength. That to me is admirable and I love it 🙂
natashahouse13ATyahooDOTcom
I tend to fall in love with characters with hidden inner demons, or the strong silent men type. Especially when the story makes them out to be just sorta mean before it is explained away.
iarvd@yahoo.com
I love a strong alpha male, great sexual tension and a headstrong female. Yum! Your books look so good and just discovered this amazing blog from twitter!! romancewriter121@yahoo.com
All your posts are so good. It's nice to see everyone's views on characters. Thank you all for your posts.
O love a character with a smart and sharp tongue and good sense of humor.
tatiana_lwg(at) yahoo.com
I love strong characters that have an independent nature about them. They don't take anything from anyone (don't take any "prisoners"). I also love that they have to work at making their love connection work. Nothing comes easy.
Tatiana, those are some of my favs too 🙂
Lynn – I agree…work in a love connection is necessary 🙂