Standing in front of the gigantic mirror, the unflattering lighting of the shop’s changing room glaring down on every insecurity you’ve ever had – and a few you never even knew existed! – finding the perfect pair of jeans feels like an impossible task. One centimetre tighter, one centimetre longer, if only one size really did fit all…
Now, we’re not saying that it’s possible to create a hero who ticks every single box for every single woman, but when it comes to writing romance it’s about leaving that little bit of creative licence entirely to the reader’s imagination. A carefully thought-out, totally delicious construct if you will, on to which the reader can impose their own fantasies – and in doing so, create her perfect man!
Of course, no one is totally perfect, and the most satisfying romantic journeys are those that hit every peak and trough of the emotional rollercoaster, giving your story that crucial sense of reality. Just like those love handles give us something to cling on to…
So have no fear, when it comes to creating Mr Right, we’re on hand with our top ten tips for making your hero more delectable than any other!
1) In her eyes…
Your heroine is the reader’s eyes, everything she sees, the reader sees. If your heroine isn’t falling under the hero’s spell, then nor is your reader – show us, don’t tell us!
2) Aspirational but attainable!
We’re looking for Prince Charming in a suit, it’s the modern day fairy tale where the hero is everything you’ve ever dreamed of…and a little bit more!
3) The meet cute…
It’s the first time your hero and heroine meet and it has to be sensational! Your first page might open with a bang, but this is even bigger – there should be no doubt in your reader’s mind that the hero has entered the building!
4) A little bit of eye candy goes a long way!
No, good looks aren’t everything, but they do help. Of course, not every lady has the same taste so alluding to how handsome the hero is might be better than referring specifically to his long, pointy nose…
5) That butterfly feeling…
Yes, he might look good, but how does the hero make your heroine feel? Does her heart skip a beat every time their eyes meet, does her hand tingle with electricity at his slightest touch? If your heroine’s feeling it, your reader will be too!
6) A touch of mystery!
It’s escapism after all! No one wants to know that the hero leaves the towel on the bed, blows his nose like a foghorn or forgets to change his socks…
7) Confidence, confidence, confidence!
The hero is someone who knows his own mind, someone who could whisk the heroine off on the most romantic date of her life – no questions asked! So no, he shouldn’t be worrying if he should be wearing a tie.
8) The fatal flaw…
Because nobody’s perfect! The hero’s fatal flaw will feed the reader’s intrigue and keep them questioning in the possibility of the happy-ever-after. Crucially, it’s only the heroine who can recognise this hidden vulnerability – and in doing so, transform Mr Wrong into Mr Right!
9) Protective nor possessive!
Your heroine might not be a damsel in distress, but she knows that the hero is her knight-in-shining armour should she ever require one. Just as long as he doesn’t lock her away in a tower…
10) Heartthrob…to husband?
He’s the man that every woman wants…but he’s only got eyes for your heroine!
Happy writing! We can’t wait to meet him…
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P.S. Don’t miss our latest writing competition with WHSmith & Kobo, Romance Writing Life! Read more…
