Author Alexis Morgan Release Party and $20.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE Here!
Bent But Not Broken
Most of the time when I start writing, I have a pretty clear picture in my head of what my characters look like, what their defining traits are, and the role I intend them to play in the story. But here’s the catch: sometimes my intentions and a character’s own demands don’t actually have a lot in common.
I ran into this very problem when I first introduced Conlan Shea as the chief of security on Rafferty O’Day’s estate in my earlier release, Vampire Vendetta. I pictured Conlan as a retired lawman, perhaps a little out of shape, and satisfied with his easy job on a remote estate.
But I swear no matter how hard I tried, that picture of him refused to come into focus. As it turns out, he was a chancellor in his prime: half-human, half-vampire, fierce, and all kinds of hot. He was also a man with a past, one that had nearly broken him. But instead of the betrayal by the woman he loved destroying him completely, it tempered Conlan’s inner strength and powerful sense of honor. His story needed to be told.
So in Savage Redemption, my new release from Harlequin Nocturne, Conlan Shea comes face-to-face with the woman who nearly destroyed them. Together they’ll work to lay the past to rest so they can get on with their lives. The only question is whether they’ll be strong enough to fight both their enemies and their growing attraction for each other.
I have to admit that the wounded soul hero is always my favorite, the kind whose honor is all that he has left. Those are the books that stay on my keeper shelf to be read over and over again.
Author Bio:
Although originally from the Midwest, Alexis and her husband have made the Pacific NW their home for more than thirty years. She has always loved reading, and she loves spending her days with hunky heroes and gutsy heroines. By the end of this year, she will have published twenty-five books, novellas, and short stories, including contemporary romances, American West Historicals, and Paranormal Romances. She has been nominated for numerous industry awards, including the RITA© from the Romance Writers of America, the top award in the romance genre.
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Learn more about Alexis Morgan below:
Read Reviews of her work here
alexismorgan.com.blog
www.alexismorgan.com
Twitter @Alexis_Morgan
https://www.facebook.com/AMorganAuthor
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When you think about your favorite heroes in books, what is about them that makes them stand out of the crowd?
costumes, lol, that they want to help no matter what
I agree–that he’s willing to step up no matter the cost is such an integral part of the warrior hero.
Do you prefer a lot of detail about what the hero looks like? Or do you prefer to let his actions create his image for you?
I like to “know” what he looks like to get the image in my head
What characteristic in a heroine makes her stand out for you?
honesty
Do you prefer a lot of detail about what the hero looks like? Or do you prefer to let his actions create his image for you?
–> In the beginning of the book I would like a lot of details on the hero’s looks. Enough to paint the picture vividly in my mind. Then as the book goes on, tidbits here or there to remind me but his actions need to give me another facet of his characterisation.
What characteristic in a heroine makes her stand out for you?
Her independence – How well she can stand on her own two feet without assistance.
When you think about your favorite heroes in books, what is about them that makes them stand out of the crowd? Trying to think what about a hero that stands out but it’s a multitude of things: Personality, compassion, the way he treats other, his snark…
Really cannot gush enough over My Lady Mage. The writing read more like one of my beloved fantasy books with an extra little kick: romance!. So thank you for writing this book! For feeding two of my reading needs.
Mm, anticipating a certain surly scarred warrior’s book! He’s my fav
I love all of your answers, but yeah, I’m looking forward to the day Kane’s book comes out. I just finished revisions on it, so progress is being made. And thank you for letting me know that you enjoyed My Lady Mage so much. Writing fantasy mixed with romance is something I’ve always wanted to do.
When you think about your favorite heroes in books, what is about them that makes them stand out of the crowd?
~Definitely the personality. I especially love a hero with a sense of humor! I think it brings something extra to the brood and troubled nature.
Do you prefer a lot of detail about what the hero looks like? Or do you prefer to let his actions create his image for you?
~Yeah, I love to get details about what the hero looks like! Once I have the image I agree with Raonaid, then brief reminders throughout the series or the book are all I need. The same descriptions of the person don’t need to be repeated constantly. Because afterwards the picture is in my mind and the actions begin to take more of a fore-front.
What characteristic in a heroine makes her stand out for you?
~For me it’s the multi-faceted aspects of a personality. She can have some soft emotions, but still be really strong. She doesn’t have to be one side of the spectrum or another, she’s got more than one side to her personality.
SO, I’m curious, since you see what the characters look like so vividly, doesn everything in the story sort of play out as a movie for you? Or does the dialogue simply come separately?
Thanks!
Great question! I see the story playing out like a movie through the point-of-view character’s eyes. So sometimes, I’m viewing the action as the hero sees it, sometimes the heroine, and the villain as well.
The more tortured their past the more they stand out to me. That’s why I love Wraith from the Demonica series so much.
I really don’t have an opinion on the detail of the looks of my hero. I can never picture the full being in my mind. I can only see parts of him at a time.
My heroine has to be intelligent.
Viki, I so agree–the more tortured the better. I love Zsadist for that reason in JR Ward’s BDB series, and Zarak in Kenyon’s series. And intelligence is a definite requirement in a heroine.
Alexis
my favorite heroes stand out because they are usually “paranormal” (vamps, weres, angels, etc)
a heroine stands out to me when she doesn’t need to rely on a man all the time. She is strong and can take care of herself most of the time, but still isn’t afraid to admit when she does need help
I do like details about my hero’s looks. I want to be able to form a mental picture in my mind of what he looks like while I read
Alexis,thanks so much for having this event. I am sorry I cannot stick around longer, but was glad I was able to come by at least to say hi and congrats on the book release!!!
Thanks for coming by, Lisa. And I do love a heroine who insists on being a partner, not a dependent!
Hey you! I’m just popping in to tell you that my copy shipped today and I am SO excited! You do write the best heroes and I can’t wait to read Conlan’s story.
Thanks for stopping by, NM! Waving at you from the NW! I hope you enjoy Conlan’s story!
Alexis
When you think about your favorite heroes in books, what is about them that makes them stand out of the crowd?
That they are independent and don’t HAVE to rely on others but yet has a small close knit group of friends
Do you prefer a lot of detail about what the hero looks like? Or do you prefer to let his actions create his image for you?
There’s a fine line here. I need some details but I like to fill in the blanks myself
What characteristic in a heroine makes her stand out for you?
pretty much the same characteristics I look for in a hero- smart, loyal, independent and still have a soft side
Lisa–I also like just enough detail to picture the hero in my mind. For me, it’s less about his eye color and more about attitude.
Alexis
If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
YOU are a paranormal character, what is your super power?
I think I’d want a combination of speed and strength–and I’d ask my fairy godmother to let me run with the shifters in on of Jennifer Ashley’s books. Love her shifter world.
Alexis
You woke up this morning and realized you had been reincarnated as a pair of shoes.
Describe yourself.
ya those character
So true! But when they do insist on having their own way, I think they end up being stronger on the page. At least that’s been my experience.
I like to no the color of his hair and if he is tall and stuff like that but I like to fill in his face and stuff.
Alexis – If you had the Inkheart “Silvertongue” ability (meaning that you can read any character/thing/etc out of a book) which book would you choose? And what would you read “out”?
Can I read out Kane? LOL
What a great question! I just reread all the Kate Daniels books by Ilona Andrews. I’d love to read myself into her world and hang out at the shifters’ keep with Kate and Curran for awhile. Or maybe I’d step into Patricia Briggs’ Mercy series so I could meet Stefan, the vampire.
If you could crawl into any book to live in its world which books would you choose? And what would be your role there.
These look like great books. I just added them to my TBR list. I love supporting local authors.
Heroes that stand out to me in books are often normal people who do more than they have to, often against impossible odds, and they succeed.
I like a few details at first, like the appearance, and then to find out more about the hero in the course of the story.
It’s not different for a heroine than a hero – what makes her to stand out for me are her character features and deeds.
What was your favorite childhood book?
Have you ever written fan fiction? For what series?
Do you prefer a lot of detail about what the hero looks like? Or do you prefer to let his actions create his image for you?
I need both. There is a balance between the 2 that can be achieved.
What characteristic in a heroine makes her stand out for you?
If I can relate to them in some way. It might be that they have hair like mine, a similar background, their job, hobby or…
Yes, I have to be able to relate to the heroine on some level to enjoy the book. It can be something as simple as that she feels protective of those she cares about.
I like the strong, silent type. But he has to be one that listens and reacts to what his partner says!
I’m right there with you! I like it when he’s reluctant to talk or interact with anyone outside of his small circle of friends, but finds himself explaining things to the heroine and not knowing why.
Alexis
I would much rather come up with my own picture in my mind.
I like heroines to be strong, compassionate, and smart!
What
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
What is your guilty pleasure?
One of the most fun things I’ve done is getting to puppy-sit my son’s Olde English Bulldogge (that’s really how it’s spelled). I love the little guy’s jowls and wrinkly face. He’s just a hoot!
With a million dollars? Hmmm–I’d take my hubby to the UK for an extended visit. We’ve always wanted to go there, and there’s so much we’d want to see!
And my guilty pleasure? Hands down, a mocha frapuccinno every chance I get.
Alexis
‘Which heroine do you most identify with personally?’
Jessie–I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my books so much! That’s so nice of you to say. I would guess I identify with Brenna in Dark Defender, the second book in my Paladin series. Partly because she’s from the same part of the country where I grew up, but mainly because Trahern is one of my all time favorite heroes that I’ve written. Gotta love those tortured heroes!
Alexis
What makes the hero/heroine stands out is that they stepped up even though they rather turned a blind eye to what is going on.
Nice post. I’d like to read more about the characters.
What’s your favorite cover of your own book?
What’s your favorite book to read?
I like a smart heroine.
I like a lot of detail about the hero.
The heroes’ alphaness stands out.
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Would you rather be a giant hamster or a tiny rhino and why?
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Thank you very much!!!