Book Lovers Inc.
Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
Guest Post: Author Lauren Dane +Giveaway
We are very proud to have author Lauren Dane here today. Her new book Insatiable, book 3 in her Federation series, will be released next Monday (July 5th) and she is here today to talk about how her characters come to life and how they grow into what they are. Be sure to check out Lauren’s question at the end and answer it to get entered into the giveaway. You can find all the info at the end. Please give Lauren a warm welcome.
Thank you so much for having me guest with you today! I’m thrilled to be invited and I hope I don’t bore you all too much.
Over the years I’ve written all sorts of characters. At the end of each book I love them all, usually for different reasons. Some of them are easy to write. Polly Chase for instance. She pretty much writes the scene herself. Other characters take me a while to warm up to and figure out.
I can write a synopsis or outline for my characters, and I do write book synopses to plot the basic outline of the story. I can say to my editor that the characters are—for instance—a rabble rousing attorney and the leader of the Federated Universes. I can tell her the book will be about two seemingly opposite people finding they’re not so different after all. I can tell her the story is about a former principal ballet dancer and a tattoo artist, but what I won’t know for some time after I start writing is just why and who these characters are and how that intersects with what makes them do what they do.
So when I began writing INSATIABLE I knew who Daniel was because I’d began to write him in RELENTLESS. But I didn’t know all that motivated him. That came as I wrote the book. But he was easier for me because I’d had time with him on the page before.
The other end of the spectrum is Carina. I’d originally imagined her as a cool, icy bitch. But as I wrote her, I realized she wasn’t that at all. Each page I wrote, she came to life for me more.
She’s unlike most other characters I write in that she’s an incredibly sheltered woman. So much so that she’s a virgin and I’ve only written one other virgin before back in A TOUCH OF FAE. But Carina isn’t silly or naïve at all. She understands the world, understands the particular suffering of her people in a way Daniel can’t though he’s exposed to it as well.
So I had to write a virgin princess and give her an edge. What would she mean to Daniel and how could I create that spark and tension between them to make it real for readers?
In the end, she revealed herself to me slowly, almost shyly, but persistently. She is not fragile, though she’s leaving everything she’s ever known behind. She is tough. She is intelligent and she never gives up on what she wants, which, over time, includes Daniel.
She’s resilient and steadfast and she loves Daniel and won’t be separated from him. He’s totally taken off guard by her, she keeps him off balance and he doesn’t know what to make of her, but he knows enough to admire and respect and as the time passes, to love. She isn’t what he expected at all, but they click because they’re right for each other, no matter how unexpected each was to the other.
In the end, when I sent it to my editor I loved them both. I love Daniel’s courage and his strength and I loved Carina’s energy and wit. I loved them together and I truly hope you all do as well!
What kinds of characters are your favorites?
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I love the characters who are off the wall; who have some touch of 'other' about them. I adore Miles Vorkosigan; although I admit that I wouldn't want to work with him. I like his parents, too; both of them have unexpected depths.
Bazell Bahnikson (whose name I just mangled) is fabulous. He has a dry sense of humor and a reluctant sense of duty that just won't quit.
My favorite characters are the off the wall ones as well (like Sewicked above). I love the Valkyrie in the Immortals After Dark series, such a Nucking Futs Nix!! Through each book I wait for her to make an appearance with her crazyness and hilarious dialogue.
SpazP
Sewicked – I love quirky characters too!
Pamela – good one! I love Nix.
I like principled & passionate characters. If they are a bit enigmatic even better. This holds true for both h & H, but I love it when a hero is unorthodox & brave with dogged determination to see right done, no matter what it costs him. That is very sexy to me. 🙂
What kind of characters are your favorite? I would have to say that smart, geeky types are my favs. I know they are usually the sidekicks but I enjoy them immensely!
~Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
I like them to have flaws, something in their past that makes them afraid to let someone close. I like strong characters no wimps. I can't stand whiney women.
Some character qualities I like include the rigid regimented male who learns to bend as well as the wise-cracking one who indeed has a serious sensitive side. For females, definitely one with strength and intelligence. Ha! I think those traits should be applied to the males as well!
I love the bad boy brooding type for men or sometime the funny sarcastic but tortured past types and the kickbut independent types for females.
I love strong heroines, and passionate couples. They have to have flaws, a perfect person is no fun to read about. I love smart heroes. Smart guys do it for me 🙂
froggykm at gmail
I tend to love the quiet but passionate characters–I'm a fan of the less-than gorgeous, also. I prefer smart ones with a strong sense of humor, but not necessarily the class clown 🙂 Really interesting question, Lauren!
I love the bad boy who is just misundestood
twitter-joleneallcock
I do enjoy the plucky heroine with a sense of humor. Love for them to be able to be honest with self and others and grow through the book. Gotta admit I do love some alpha male heroes but also like when they have sense of humor and/or a believable vulnerability.
Looking forward to this release AND the next one with the cats! Good month for releases!
Must admit I'm a bit of a cliche and like the smart sassy herione. She has flaws but makes up for it in a never say die attitude and alway's manages to come out on top.
Oh man, I wrote responses and blogger ate them! GRRR.
Emmad – Cliches are cliches for a reason though. We come back to some storylines over and over because we love them. I love reading truly strong characters who don't let circumstances beat them.
Vic – Love the plucky heroine too! (and thanks!)
Jolene – Bad boys are always good in my book.
Fedora – I think you can tell a lot about any person by their sense of humor
Kris – without flaws, everyone would be the same. Flaws make a character interesting, makes you root for them.
Jamie – oh yes to the broody hero
KT – Love the super uptight character who gets all mussed up by their love interest.
Deanne – I's totally with you on both those things
Felicia – Oh me too! I wish there were more of them.
Scorpio – Yes, honor. A hero without honor falls flat to me.
I just disabled the word verification. If anyone has any problems with commenting please just let us know on twitter or drop us an email please.
Sorry about that!
Susi
I love humorous characters who can make ma laugh because they bring levity to a book and make a story more interesting to read about.
I like characters who are quirky, eccentric, fierce and are willing to go the distance in order to hold up their principles.
*hugs*
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca
I like strong women, helpful men. Apparently the characters you write I like alot!Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
I like strong women, helpful men. Apparently the characters you write I like alot!Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
I like my characters to be strong, smart, devoted, quick witted , and a bit flawed, either physcially or emotionally.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
I love strong characters who aren't afraid so show their weaknesses; characters who are about family and love, and loyalty and who like to have fun. I love the wounded characters who we learn more about as the book develops. I love the quirky, nerdy characters who don't see the beauty others see in them.
As you can see I just love well developed characters who I can connect to.
What kinds of characters are your favorites?
I love the ones that make me laugh out loud like the characters from Shelly Laurenston's books.
I do love the tortured heros like Zsadist from BDB, but on the other hand, I also like the cute, but slightly geeky types who overpower people with their brains instead of their brawn.
I used to enjoy the young, innocent characters who looked up to the male characters. But recently, their "woe-is-me" annoys me.
I now thrive on strong, intelligent, sometimes snarky female characters! (I let myself think it's because as I've grown I see myself in them. LOL)
The best male character is (beside the alpha male) a man who is comfortable/confident in his feelings for his woman.
Oops! forgot to post my addy:
DEstudio@optonline.net
love alpha males who are caring and able to be tender to the one they love but are also there to take care of heroine if she needs help. I love smart and capable heroines. And if they are a little mouthy then all the better lol. Love your Federation series. I am crossing fingers and toes hoping I win this one.
Favorite male characters tend to be pretty alpha in personality, sexy inside and out, have a sense of humor, adores the woman that he loves, and knows how to be a partner (or can be trained,lol), in love and life.
Favorite female characters are strong in mind and spirit,(not necessarily a warrior),feisty, smart, have a sense of humor, and will allow the right man to sweep her off her feet.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
Most of my favorite characters have a sense of humor (although sometimes dry), love their mates passionately, and are willing to kill to protect what is theirs.
mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net
I like heroines to be take charge and not let the hero save her. If she is not perfect but flawed (as well as the hero) it makes it a better story. Doesn't have to be super dark.
tina: tinadudley at sbcglobal.net
A little bit of devil & a little bit of angel.
marypres@gmail.com
I like alpha males who are human and heroines who are sweet yet feisty.
linze_e at hotmail.com
I love a strong heroine and an alpha male who needs a woman to set him straight. I like them to be witty as well.
I like characters that are kind of mysterious, have a bit of humor, protective, love the person they are with wholeheartly, strong.
Can't wait to read your new book.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
I like strong sexy alpha males who are tortured souls and sassy kick butt heroines who go after what they want.
This book sounds right up my alley! I love strong, stubborn, resilient, intelligent heroines and heroes who are honest, alpha, hot and tender-hearted – the kind of sculpted guy who cradles a baby against his bare chest and brings tears to your eyes!
I love bad boys! I also like heroes or heroines with flaws. I actually enjoy reading about all types.
I like emotional stories, so I really go for the tortured hero.
alternate email from
magenta 2 red [at] gmail [dot] com
I enjoy over the top characters. The ones who really make reading fun 🙂
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I like older ordinary (not too girly) women who deal with problems with the helpful of super powers. A little humour is also appreciated.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I like characters that are strong, yet passionate and couples that you can tell are meant to be together just by reading the words in the story. I don't like too serious characters, though . . . still like to laugh at times.
I like strong, passionate characters that aren't always what they seem
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Alpha Males human or other.
Love them.
sasluvbooks(AT)yahoo.com
I really the characters who have unexpected depths. The ones who believe they are one way, then something big or surprising happens and they learn they are stronger than they thought, or more resourceful or more loving…etc. I like having characters thrown into circumstances that forces them to grow 🙂 Also I like hot guys, LOL!
For a female lead, my favorite kind of heroine is someone who is strong, stubborn, and can take care of herself. Someone who can kick-butt and doesn't back down from a challenge.
For a male lead, I love the Alpha bad boy. But I also like him to have a sweet, protective side. Loyalty is huge factor in determining if I like a certain character, also.
Rachel- Res498(AT)aol.com
I do enjoy the heroine with a sense of humor. Love for them to be able to be honest with self and others and grow through the book. Gotta admit I do love some alpha male heroes but also like when they have sense of humor and/or a believable vulnerability.
acouponaddict@charter.net
I love characters who are strong> Those who are whiny or the woe-is-me type are annoying.
gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com
Hi Lauren!
thanks so much for your post – Daniel and Carina seems to be incredible characters! I'm sure I will love their story 🙂
I love strong characters, who are tough, resourceful and resilient.
wish you all the best, Ina
Wow! What a lot of great responses. I'm so happy to see all the love for humor, strength and flaws!
i love characters who have a sense of humor, a good strength of character, and a deep love for each other. i love the opposites attract theme, especially when they get to know each other and find out they're not too different after all. and i love the friends-who-become-more theme, because i found my hero that way in real life! 🙂
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
My fave characters are the ones who are not so perfect and are wild in action and thought.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
independant women with a sweet side
kimehak@yahoo.com
kh
I love stories about couples who are entirely incompatible at first, to the point of hating each other, but fall in love!
six_one_nine_girlie86 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I like characters who are unique, intelligent and don't care that they don't always fit in.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I like dark and dangerous characters, the ones with tortured souls or a haunted past.
cwilliams127 at gmail dot com
I love nerds! Well on tv at least, in books I want the big rough alpha that sweeps the girl of her feet
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com