I read a blog post this morning from Virginia Heath entitled “Write What You Know, they said …” In it, she’s talking about borrowing some of her daughter’s traits, and events from history, for her latest novel. And it got me to thinking about heroes, and … writing what you know.
We’ve all seen it. When people learn you write romance novels, they automatically grin and waggle their eyebrows and ask that question. “Have you done everything in your books?”
Last week, we had a great answer suggested by Beverly Jenkins. “Hell, yes.” Which is way better than saying, “I found your nose in my business.”
But there’s also the suggestive question that really isn’t a question. “Your husband must be a very happy guy.”
And he is, but that’s because he’s generally a happy guy. Not because I base my romances on us. Honestly, he’d be embarrassed if I did.
But that begs another question … where do I find my heroes?
For looks? You can’t beat Pinterest. I mean, really. The guys on the right are my current romance models (my apologies, guys). And, seeing them all grouped like that, do I need to explain why I love daydreaming in my spare time?
However, heroes are so much more than good looks. The best heroes are honorable, caring guys who make sacrifices.
Last week in San Diego, I found a few:
- One man went to an awards ceremony with his wife and choked up with pride when she won.
- Another nominee’s husband went around the table and introduced himself to everyone and participated – rather than checking his watch and feeling out of place. The guy next to him spent the evening making his wife the star of his evening.
- One guy took the middle seat in an airplane and didn’t complain and didn’t hog the armrests. He spent a long, hot flight taking care of the distracted, sometimes sleeping. woman next to him, including making sure I didn’t miss out on snacks.
- And then there was my husband – who spent the week texting me (although he hates doing it) and taking care of his ill mother, yet somehow still found time to fuss over an issue with my car.
So, continuing Virginia Heath’s theme of “write what you know,” I’d encourage anyone to look around and find the everyday, unsung heroes and heroines and then make them larger than life.
And for those people who ask “have you done everything?” – I write suspense. I usually kill at least one character in every manuscript.
Are you sure you want to ask that question?
Mia
Word by Word 
Excellent post! Loved reading about your “real-life” heroes.
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Thank you, Joanne! It was a lot of fun to write. One of the great things about writing is that we can take all these attractive men with six-pack abs and give them the traits we love in our “real” guys.
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Lovely post, Mia. I love hearing about real-life heroes because most of them go through life without praise or gratitude.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sharon! I’m agree – and then, if you offer the gratitude, they seem to get embarrassed. So … I’ll put them in a book and change their names. 🙂
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Great post, Mia. There’s nothing quite like a real-life hero. Mine has a special knack for being able to do the little things I hate to do, like cleaning up after the dog! Love that man 😉
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Kat – I always say they broke the mold after they made my guy. He keeps teasing about when I’m going to put a sexy respiratory therapist in a book – but I think I’ll keep him to myself. 😉
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Hey, Mia. Fun post. Love your answer to the question, Have you done everything? So funny. Must remember that one. Yes, the everyday heroes don’t get enough notice. Since I broke my ankle, my guy has taken on so many chores I used to do. He and our puppy love their walks together. He even does the grocery shopping. He’ll always be my hero. I’ll share this. 🙂
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Thanks, Marsha! I hope your ankle is improving. A guy who’ll do the grocery shopping is definitely a keeper.
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Reblogged this on Jeannie Hall Suspense and commented:
Why romance authors have the best husbands ever!
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Thanks, Jeannie!
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Romance authors – me included – gave the best hubbies ever! Great post! 😃
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I love this post! It’s so true, we often base our characters on larger-than-life heroes when there are many who go unnoticed for their good deeds. My DH has the talent of making me smile, even when I’m sad. That makes him a hero in my book 🙂
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Thanks, Jacquie! That “smile” thing is worth it’s weight in gold, isn’t it? On our first day, Mr. Perfect told me the lamest joke in the world – and I knew he was the man for me.
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I’ve written blogs about everyday heroes. They are everywhere. Right now, Handsome has a huge challenge and he is amazing. Write what you know applies to many aspects of writing–the jobs, the pets, the neighborhood, the people in our lives. Good post!
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Vicki – Handsome is in a class by himself, I think. 🙂 And that’s another part of the everyday hero – the guy who can take a challenge head-on.
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Excellent post, Mia! Plus, it can’t get any better than your parting question. Definitely a “throw the mic” down moment. 🙂
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Thanks, Stephanie! 🙂 People usually get this look on their faces when they realize I’m researching serial killers, poisons, or firearms. Or, on a rare occasion, which 19th century government put people in front of the firing squad rather than hanging them (BTW, Italy was one).
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I love this post Mia. I do think men sometimes wonder how they can measure up to the heroes and hotties that fill the silver screen, magazines and FB. We need to celebrate the little things that aren’t so little and make our men real heroes.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Pat! In my opinion, those little things are what make characters more realistic and so lovable.
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