Books-n-Kisses is so very, very excited to have my pal Joan Swan on the blog today to talk about her HOT hero in her debut novel FEVER. And really who doesn’t like a super hot hero? Will read on to find out how Joan builds just such a man….. Take it away Joan.
Building an unforgettable hero by Joan Swan
There is no formula, no right or wrong. These are some of the elements I put into play when I built Teague, my hero in FEVER. For those of you who haven’t read—or even heard the premise of—the book, here’s the elevator pitch:
FEVER is about a man with unusual powers whose been convicted of a murder he didn’t commit and imprisoned for life. He has lost the daughter he lived for, the career as a firefighter he loved and been denied an appeal. With no hope left, he plans an escape. But his plan goes wrong when the woman he kidnaps as leverage to get his daughter back turns out to be someone else. And this woman quickly clues into the abilities he tries to hide, creating a bond neither can afford while they’re on the run from both the cops and undercover operatives who want Teague silenced. This time, permanently.
Step One: Background
The base model of the hero. The before in the before-and-after picture.
Teague’s background prior to the warehouse fire was quite fulfilling. His life as a firefighter was the most defining element in his life. This is who he as a man, at his core, beneath the violent inmate façade he is forced to take on to stay alive in prison.
As a fireman, Teague was gregarious, confident and intelligent. He is loyal to the bone; his fellow firefighters, his wife and unborn daughter come first—even before himself. He’s dependable and steadfast. After working for a decade with fire, every type of emergency and tragedy, Teague has learned how to persevere under the worst circumstances—physically and emotionally. He has developed a myriad of skills in all areas of life encompassing everything from breaking into a car to saving a life.
Step Two: Torture
Ah, my favorite part. Let’s take this seemingly awesome dude, and put him to the test! A person’s true character comes out during times of stress.
Teague loses everything. He’s falsely convicted of murder and imprisoned for life. He loses the daughter he lived for, the career he loved and is denied all possibility of appeal.
This is where boys are separated from the men… or in our case, the good guys are separated from the bad. In the face of no hope, who does this man become? This is the key element of a hero (or heroine).
In hardship, a person’s deepest traits intensify and rise to the surface. For Teague, that was his loyalty to his daughter and his perseverance, his willingness to do anything to get back to her.
FEVER is, essentially, a story about that very journey and all Teague is willing to sacrifice to reach that goal.
Step Three: Strength of Character
But sacrifice alone isn’t enough, for a hero wouldn’t be very hero-like if he lost sight of all his values while pursuing his goal.
Throughout FEVER, Teague’s values are tested. He is constantly forced to choose between what he desires and what his conscience tells him is right—with Alyssa, with his accomplices, with the police, with other members of his team and ultimately, with his daughter. And each time an obstacle forces him to choose, his internal landscape shifts, pushing him to become the best version of himself, even when that may mean losing everything he wants. Everything he lives for.
Step Four: Surrender
This is the heart-melting moment for the reader, when the hero actually becomes the hero.
Surrender for a hero (in a romance) means giving up his own needs and wants in the best interest of someone he loves.
Because FEVER is a romantic suspense with paranormal elements, Teague must surrender on several levels. He must surrender to love: In the romance, he must choose between his freedom and his love for Alyssa. He must surrender to power: In the suspense, he must choose between his need for vengeance and his need to get his daughter back. He must surrender to fate: In the paranormal, he must choose between accepting his powers, using them for good and ignoring them, continue hurting others.
A true hero must surrender in the end because the journey has changed him. He is no longer the man he was when the story began and he cannot go back to wanting what he did then or acting the way he did then.
Step Five: Make them hot.
Yes, hot, as in attractive. J But men can be attractive in a variety of different ways, not just physically. Or they can have one or two standout physically attractive features that really do it for the heroine – which in turn, usually do it for the reader.
With Teague, I used several elements of all the above to make him hot.
Physically: His body is ripped. But not randomly, because it’s convenient for a romance. He’s ripped because 1) there’s not much else to do in prison but work out and 2) being ripped keeps other inmates at a distance, which in turn keeps him safe in the prison environment. Being ripped fits with his character….and, yes, it’s an added benefit for the romance.
Emotionally: Traits ingrained as a firefighter come out more and more as the story goes on—he’s protective, respectful, dependable. Traits he’s developed as a father show up now and then—he’s sensitive, gentle, thoughtful.
Temperamentally: Teague is an intriguing mix between the harsh prisoner and the strong fireman. He’s fierce when he needs to be, but has control over his emotions. He is patient but firm, understanding yet direct.
Other traits that don’t fit into these categories that make Teague attractive as a hero—confidence, intelligence, paternal instincts and, hell, he can cook!
How would you build the perfect hero?
Fever
By Joan Swan
Buy links: Amazon| Barnes & Noble | Booksamillion
Dr. Alyssa Foster will admit to a bad boy fetish…
But when she finds herself face to face with a convicted murderer with determination for freedom and an eye on her as his get out of jail free card, Alyssa knows she’s in deep trouble…. Not just because Teague Creek is a prisoner desperate for freedom, but because his every touch makes her desperate for more.
A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose…
Teague Creek has one shot at freedom, but his plan to escape with a hostage develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives who know of his strange abilities, he needs to avoid trouble, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever.
Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist and writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Her debut novel with Kensington Brava, FEVER, releases February 28, 2012. Her second novel, BLAZE, follows in October, 2012.
In her day job, she works as a sonographer for one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation and lives on the California central coast in beautiful wine country with her husband and two daughters.
Giveaway:
· A print copy of FEVER, US/Canada shipping.
Fill out Rafflecopter form below.
· All comments are eligible for tour grand prize of either a COLOR NOOK or KINDLE FIRE. Enter: http://joanswan.com/giveaways/blog-tour-ereader/
I'm not a writer but if he is intriguing and irresistible l think you would have. Good start. It wouldn't hurt if he was easy on the eyes too! Just saying.
He would be a strong, sexy alpha with a good heart.
I would start with Joan's recipe and add a dash of sensitivity. I love getting a glimpse into the more sensitive emotions, because if a hero is hard and strong all of the time, it wears a little thin and makes me wonder what the heroine sees in him. I like to see a gentler side, one that can make me believe he's worth taking a chance on.
I love the recipe above, but I would add passion and a dab of sensitivity!
rjs4444us at yahoo dot com
I just got this book a few days ago, can't wait to read it! It sounds soooo good! Great post, I really enjoyed stopping by and reading 🙂
I agree with Joan's recipe, just add in a sense of humor. Everybody needs to laugh. This book sounds awesome. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
My perfect hero would be strong emotionally as well as physically. He would be protective and territorial, romantic and sexy, adventurous with a sense of humor. And maybe a little nerdy.
lovey_20_81@hotmail.com
I like my perfect hero to be a tough, ripped alpha type character with a hidden soft, vulnerable side.
Easy on the eyes is always good, Maria!!
Nice mix, Crystal!
Yes, Margay! Definitely have to be able to see what the heroine sees and convince the reader he's worth risking her heart on!
Nice!!
Hey Nikki! Thanks so much! Hope you LOVE!!
Humor is HUGE!!! Nice addition!
Feel free to build the ideal hero for me anytime Joan. You have the elements I would look for. I really like the strength of character, which for me would emcompass both the physical and mental. I like heroes who are strong but can also be tender.
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
LOL, Yummy Tawnya…the nerdy part comes in handy when you need some computer intel or a complex alarm dearmed!
Hey Orchid, You're in for a treat with FEVER 🙂
Absolutely, Na. The strength of character has to encompass total character. 🙂
First let me state I can't write so you summed it up perfectly. My favorite thing is the torture of the hero. I find the more he is torn apart the more I like him :). I also love it when he is only sweet and kind to his mate and a real SOB to everyone else.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
I think he would have to be strong personality wise but able to bend or compromise when the time calls for it.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
Great list of what a hero needs, Joan! I'd agree that it isn't always or only what's physical that makes a hero appealing–he's got to have excellent character, to be strong, tough, but willing to admit wrong if absolutely necessary 😉 Someone hard working and with an inner core of compassion. Looking forward to Fever, Joan!
f dot chen at comcast dot net
Awesome post Joan. I was truly fascinated by how you created your hero. Your description of a hero is perfect but since I think you are looking for some different perspectives on the subject I will let you in on a few things I like….lol. My perfect hero would look like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (in all aspects. Hello, he is so ripped….lol), he would make the tough decisions when needed but be smart enough to know when to quit. He would have a softer side that only comes out when needed/wanted. He would be loyal and faithful to the one he loves and willing to fight for what he believes in. Teague has set a great example for future book hero's. May they all be as wonderful as he is.
skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com
Tall, dark, handsome, and funny!
~Krista
theangrypollo{ AT }yahoo{DOT }com
*ahem* I wouldn't even attempt to build a perfect hero. I leave that task to the talented authors. I prefer to read about them and let my mind fill in the blanks to my own specifications that way. 🙂 That said, Teague is the prefect mix of the perfect hero. He's got it all. And that cover … *fans self* Thanks so much for the post, Joan. I love that I glean a bit more insight into the process of writing Fever with each stop you make. What an extraordinary process.
I am not entering as I already have my own copy of this phenomenal book, but I wanted to wish everyone else the best of luck. You are in for an amazing read!
Kendra @ Reader's Edyn
I agree with Joan, but I would have to add I love heroes with a bit of snark, or at least some wit, but sometimes if the heroine is snarky and the hero isn't it can result in some fun banter:)
With building a hero you have to be aware of not only what you want, but what you need in the hero. I do agree with Joan's recipe but I would also add a very domination side (I just can't resist Alpha males, unless of course they are real. then I just want to hit them. haha). I would also make my hero willing to do anything for my heroine, as well as admit his love for her when the time calls for it. I'm all for hard, dominating men who only bend for that one woman!
charmed_sphere_mage69@hotmail.com
Nice formula – My ideal man has to have a sense of humor and snark. Now I'm not a fan of a lot of muscle. See like Triple H on wrestling, he's too bulky that it turns me off.
No need to enter me for Fever. Already read it (crossing her fingers for skyla11377 to get a copy)
Raonaid at gmail dot com
Agree totally….but I'd have to throw in a snarky sense of humor that walks the fine line of being cocky. There's something about that hot, irresistable, cocky, confident, no hold barred man that knows what he wants and gets it. Or knows what needs to be done and just does it. Oh, how I love dreaming and falling for these type of guys! LOL
Thanks darlin,
Sebrina_Cassity at yahoo dot com
Hi! Thnaks for this giveaway! My alpha hero would be handsome and strong, protective and sexy with a good sens of humour (as usual!)a bit troubled, dark and charming! 😛 Fever sounds super interesting!
proserpinecravedfor(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi Michelle, I like that combination!! When Alyssa and Teague are more in sync, I have Teague having to break his loner syndrome to take Alyssa's advice…it's fun to watch. 🙂
Thanks! I like that inner core of compassion – great way to phrase it!
🙂 Thanks Raquel! I love Dwayne as a hero, so I'm definitely following you!
LOL, Krista, well said!
Thanks doll! It's kind of a crazy process. I don't think about it until I actually explain it, then my head spins.
Hi Brenda! I LOOOOOVE snark and banter! LOVE it! Nice addition!
"I'm all for hard, dominating men who only bend for that one woman!"
Well said, Butterfly!!
Hi Rachel!! Thanks for coming by! I agree, I'd rather have the sleek muscle than the bulk muscle, though I do tend to like a big guy. 🙂
They are sexy as hell, aren't they?? *sigh*
Trouble, dark, sexy, charming and funny…that's complex. I LOVE it!
Can I combine all of these or maybe get a few alpha and I'll split these wonderful traits between them? This sounds like a great book.
Thanks,
musicalfrog at comcast.net
Great interview! I love how you break down your writing for the readers. I haven't read too many interviews by authors that do that. Thank you.
I am not entering the contest as I already am awaiting my copy, but just wanted to show some support!
My hero would be a bad boy who is hot and moody and wants it ALL his way BUT he would have a heart of gold, helping those around him and giving it all for the woman he loves (and she would be oh so fiesty to give him a run for his money!)
I love strong characters, ones with gut, feelings and lots of sexy; someone who listens to you and not just agreeing with you, who shares ideas thoughts and opinions and not the one whose only opinion that matters is his.
dsadler53 at yahoo dot ca
I so need to read this book. I fell in love with Teague when you first started talking about him. *sigh*
Marika Weber
maw1725@gmail.com
my hero would be alpha with a bit of a bad boy personality….somewhat playful…but would do anything for his woman.
I am so dying to read this book . Thanks so much for the giveaway and awesome post.
i forgot email is that is needed
babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com
I have not read Fever yet, nor have I had the chance to get it, but I have heard great things about it. I can not wait to read it.
My hero would have to be brave, determined to do whatever it took to save his heroine, and be able to show her that he loves her above all others. If there is heartache along the way, it will add to the bonds that can never be broken.
Elizabeth Gray
elizabethgr@sbcglobal.net
Great post. Looking forward to reading it soon.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
How would I build my hero?? In a lab, I suppose…LOL. The face of Simon Baker, the physique of Hugh Jackman or Chris Hemsworth. Add awkward charm, an easy-going temperment, a love for kids & animals & his mother, and a devilish sense of humor. YUM.
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Love the Hero guide. I love the alpha types that just won't give up. 😀 I have never read anything of yours, but just added Fever to my TBR list. Hope you have a wonderful day/night.
Thanks
asweet520@hotmail.com
Great post! He'd be handsome, alpha, smart, protective, and funny.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hey! I think I'm going to have to buy this book. I love your description of the handsome, tortured alpha male who can COOK! I am a reader, not a writer so I'm not sure I can say how to build a hero. I love to read them and when I find a good writer it is better than finding gold. So i guess my way to find that perfect man is to find a great writer. Thankfully, there is so much on the web to get access to tons of great, lesser-known writers that it is a great time to be a reader:)
I'm not a writer but if I were I'd start him off being a bad boy who has been hurt deeply before, so he guards his heart. He doesn't do long term relationships. He is an alpha of course. 🙂 He would help the heroine when she was in need and something about her grabs him by the gut and he wants to get to know her better. He's a charmer She likes him, but she's also afraid to get in too deep. So here comes the torture part. She runs from him and hides. He hunts for her and finds out she has some terrible past secrets. But he's still determined to find her. His strong character is that he doesn't care about her past. He finds her and finally surrenders to his feelings for her.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
Hi, Joan.
Your recipe works for me and a lot of commenters have made some nice additions. For my own personal slave – I mean man LOL! – he's need to be at his core, a strong Alpha, gentle and loving, sensitive and, therefore in touch with his emotions and not afraid of mine. That should do nicely for a start!
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com
Oh and by "my own man" I mean the hero, of course!
My perfect hero would have to be strong physically & mentally. He would also have a strong sense of self worth.He would have to be trustworthy and loyal with friends and family,I want a true alpha male that is ready to defend me.Oh he needs to have a smoking hot body too!!
melissalamb(at)musfiber(dot)com
Physically and mentally strong of course ,tortured with a twisted sense of humor.Lots of loyalty ,the do anything to be with and keep his mate safe characterisitic .Throw in a hot body prefferably in a kilt give him a sword and there he is .
flanagan@mebtel.net
He's have to have a sense of humor. No gloomy alpha heroes for me!
Joan, I love the way you broke down your creating the Hero in Fever. I love the whole formula. It fits what my hero would be like. He needs to be big, ripped, gorgeous, tender,loyal, protective and above all have a great sense of humor and honor. I can't wait to read Fever.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Great Interview – love it!! My perfect Hero would definitely be a mixture of tortured, hot but not perfect or pretty-maybe a scar or two.
a troubled past and has to be tough on the outside but gooey on this inside with his woman!!! lol
Thanks for the chance to win.
Mariann from bellesbookbag.blogspot.com
mariann76@comcast.net
I like my heroes to be emotionally tortured, kind of like a lost soul, with lots of inner conflict. On the surface he's a jerk but once he warms up to the heroine, she discovers a teddy bear heart. Protective and kindhearted. And of course, hot, tough, and all those manly characteristics.
good job with the interview!
Clare Chu
Ah, Victoria, we are kindrid souls — lovers of the tortured hero!!
Hi Patti! Alphas rock, don't they? *sigh* Thanks for coming by!
Hey Tina! I've discovered how much readers enjoy understanding the process and I think it helps readers enjoy the story on a deeper level. Thanks for coming by.
You nailed it Books! And that fiesty heroine is essential for an alpha hero just as a strong villain is necessary for a good story!
Very well said Diane!
Hi Harlie! Teague is quite the complex, multi-layered hero. 🙂 I do adore the man. Hope you enjoy Fever!
Hi Lindsey,
That playful element is a fun addition to the recipe. 🙂 Thanks for coming by. Good luck in the giveaway!
"If there is heartache along the way, it will add to the bonds that can never be broken."
Nicely said Elizabeth! So true – what doesn't kill them makes them stronger 🙂
Thanks for coming by Donna!
Oh, yummy Catherine!
Thanks for adding Fever, Ashley! Hope you love!
I too love the never give up guys! (And gals!) 🙂
Doesn't get much better 🙂
You know that perfect hero when you read him, Mari! And I know what you mean by finding gold in a good writer! I have my own favorite authors who are priceless to me!
Hope you enjoy Fever!
Fever sounds like a terrific book!
I like my heros to be somewhat alpha-ish and sensitive at the same time… He has to be smart too…
maybe31 at yahoo.com
Julianne, you've got the serious makings of a book there!!
Hi MJB,
LOL, slave/man…
I like the way you describe the sensitive man in touch with his own emotions and not afraid of yours. Very nice!
"Oh he needs to have a smoking hot body too!"
Goes without saying 🙂
Nicely said!
LOL – twisted sense of humor. Like that.
I won't be providing the kilt, but you may get a sword now and then and definitely always a hot body! 🙂
Good distinction, Sheree — tortured does not necessarily equal gloomy. I'm not much for the gloomy, depressed hero either.
Thanks Carol! Hope you love Fever!
Love the gooey on the inside :). And I'm not a lover of the perfect looker either. I love a good looking, but also interesting looking man.
Emotionally tortured heroes are awesome. They provide for amazing HEAs 🙂
Agreed, May. Intelligence is extremely attractive.
This book sounds great and would love to win and read. I love to read and always looking for new books and authors to check out. What a great cover, love the tattoo.
My type of hero is an alpha male. I like a in-charge guy, fighter for the right things, sexy & funny, and want him to be smart.
Thanks for the giveaway.
christinebails@yahoo.com
Joan's method of building the perfect hero sounds pretty flawless to me… yummm! Can't wait to read it!
britneywyatt[at]gmail[dot]com
I think Joan has a good base for a awesome hero to fall I'm love with!
thats a toughie…i think your method looks like it could be a winner, but i gotta say he has to have a sense of humor regardless of looks…
Hi Chris, I too love that in-charge kind of guy…until he gets in my way. 🙂 Then…we have problems.
Oh, wow, Brittany…I'm tell my husband that one tonight — my methods are flawless…I just won't tell him what they're in regard to. What they don't know…right?
Those darn heroes — it's a problem … I'm always falling in love with them too. Then I get distracted… I might have to alter my methods!
Absolutely Alainala — what was I thinking leaving that out? (I guess Teague needs to lighten up a bit. It's that whole prison thing. Will work on that in subsequent books) 🙂
Mmmm, that's a nice way to build a hero. How would I? Not sure I would use the labels torture and surrender but the gist is the same. And from the blurb it sounds like your formula is working!
Well done! I love the way you analyzed all of the elements that add up to a book that really appeals to me! Congrats and good luck on the release!
Haha, I just shared this list with my bookclub and we all agree!!!
rjs4444us at yahoo dot com
Great interview…I think you have to have the perfect mix of strong, sexy, tall, dark and handsome. Tortured past to soften them up a bit doesn't hurt and of course a fun flirty sense of humor!!! Don't like too much hard body(I agree with Triple H comment above) but nice rippled six pack and butt you could bounce a quarter on are great qualities!!! LE SIGH!!!! Thanks for the great giveaway and hot flashes!!!
iluvmik16@gmail.com
I've heard nothing but amazing thing's about Joan Swan I cannot wait to read Fever!
Fever looks amazingly hot and sounds wonderfully delicious.
Ava Riley
avarileyromance at gmail dot com