From paranormal to historical and contemporary, there is just something about a warrior. And for me as well enjoying reading about them, there is just something extra special about writing a warrior hero. I love exploring his possibilities and depths.
So what is it a
warrior that appeals?
A warrior is the ultimate alpha hero. He is not a savage or a brute but someone who
knows both sides of human behaviour.
He is someone who can be very dangerous and more than a bit
untamed. He has been in life- threatening situations and is not afraid to kill.
Far from being an indiscriminate psychopath who takes pleasure in killing or
hurting people, he has a code and only fights when necessary. He also knows the cost of killing. He is someone who will have lost people close
to him because it is the nature of his job.
He has a strong streak of loyalty. He may fight for his
country or cause but ultimately he fights for his friends. And those bonds are
strong. His fellow warriors become his brothers. And those he loves and cares
about, he is willing to fight for. He
will put himself in danger for those he loves. He knows how to lead but he is
also not afraid to follow.
He has a strong protective streak as he seen the cost of
failure. He seeks to shield people from danger rather than putting them into
danger. This will often cause conflict with the heroine as she will be strong
willed and utterly determined. A strong hero requires an even stronger heroine
so the sparks can really fly!
It also helps that because he is a warrior, he will be in
great physical shape as he has to make sure that he protect and defend. But he can carry both physical and mental
scars from the battles he has fought. Often times he has to learn to trust
women again or to be able to re-enter civilised society rather than existing on
a war footing all the time.
My next Viking will be out in November 2013 — Paying
the Viking’s Price and is about an
Anglo Saxon lady who has to become a Viking warrior’s concubine in order to
protect her people. I have two other
Vikings in the works, including the one which I am currently revising. Warriors are just really fun to write about
and to read about. I hope other people agree.
Michelle Styles writes warm, witty and intimate historical romance in a wide range of time periods. You can learn more about her books on www.michellestyles.co.uk
1 comment:
Yay, Warriors! They make great reading!
Pat C.
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