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Carrie Lofty | Writing My First True Alpha...?
October 20, 2011
When I drafted the initial opening scenes to FLAWLESS, I set out to
write my first genuinely self-centered, arrogant,
know-it-all-but-ultimately-redeemable alpha hero. Did I succeed? Kinda. And it depends on who you ask. That first draft presented Miles, Viscount Bancroft as a real...well...jerk! He
eyed the maid, tipped cigar ash on the heroine’s evening gloves, and generally
behaved as a boor. I read the first twenty pages to Chicago North, a group
critique chapter, and poor Miles got ripped apart! There I was trying expand
beyond my lovably earnest warriors and composers and, apparently, went too far. I went back to the drawing board and found out that Miles had more of a scampish
streak. He’s cheeky, daring, quick-witted, and occasionally carries a whip like
Indiana Jones. He even sits on the right side of history and has very good
manners. Check out this scene where he decides to intervene against a
foul-mouthed wagonmaster on the Cape Town docks: Across three months, the colony had subjected Miles to many such scenes.
Perhaps the difference, on this occasion, could be traced to the bitterness Viv
churned in his blood. His arms ached with the need to pummel his fretfulness
into submission--or pummel someone. The lawlessness of the colony, the
otherworldliness of it, gave him permission to do what his tedious title had
never permitted: take matters into his own hands. "Oh, bloody hell." He strode into the crowd, abandoning his role as a mere bystander. Fully a head
taller than most of the hunched, scrambling people, he fixed on the wagon
master. Every successive crack of the man's whip filled Miles with sizzling
indignation. Like most of the British Empire, Cape Colony hadn't permitted
slavery in almost fifty years. That didn't stop some colonists from treating
Africans as they would the lowest animals. Miles didn't consider himself a do-gooder, but such a flagrant abuse of power
assaulted his most basic principles. It wasn't sporting and it simply wasn't
British.
So...I fixed him, right? He's a good guy! He's still a little self-centered and
demanding, but at least his heart's in the right place. Oh, but there's a teensy problem of his gambling. And drinking. He was smart
enough not to go philandering on his estranged wife--because, hey, I am writing
a romance novel!!--but his foibles are an impediment to his heroism. Some people
have called me on that in the reads and drafts since. However, I wanted to
demonstrate a genuine arc toward change. He starts off a wastrel of the highest
order, even if he has a good heart buried underneath, and winds up just the
person his wife, Vivienne, needs.
"Your family will be here soon. I'd rather they catch us in an indelicate
position than see you crying." He kissed her softly. "Shall we wager
as to whether your father changed their lives, too?" "Absolutely not. No more wagers between us." "What then?" Instinctively, as her heart had taught her to do, she found his dark brown eyes.
Her amusement and happiness were reflected there, and in his guileless smile.
"Only love, Miles. Love and trust and forever."
So, I'll continue working toward the perfect alpha romance hero, but in the
meantime, I think Miles wound up the right man for this happy ending. Contest: I'll give away two copies of FLAWLESS at random to
commenters who answer this question. Can badboys be redeemed in romance? Are
there lines you think cannot be crossed on his road to a happy ending? I'll
mail the books anywhere! Good luck! *** http://www.carrielofty.com
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Comments
36 comments posted.
Re: Carrie Lofty | Writing My First True Alpha...?
Bad boys certainly be redeemed, but there certainly is as well a line that simply cannot be crossed.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 9:51am October 20, 2011)
I believe most bad boys can be redeemed, but they will always set lines that they will not cross. Some bad boys take a bit longer to redeem than others; by that I mean they have to be a little older to realize it. Having a good woman by their sides helps the process along as well, too. I adore the cover of your book, and can't wait to read it!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:20am October 20, 2011)
I think everyone is redeemable, even bad boys. But I think
the line that shouldn't be crossed is this: He shouldn't be
intentionally mean or abusive to the heroine. If he verbally
abuses her or pushes her around, that's a different story.
If he's abrupt with her because he's on the defensive about
how she makes him feel, that's acceptable - as long as he
feels regret for it.
(Margay Roberge 10:20am October 20, 2011)
Yes bad boys can be redeemed. Is there a line that shouldn't
be crossed? I don't know. I've read romance stories where
the hero is mean and abusive, and didn't deserve redemption.
They were redeemed and earned the heroine's love. Those
stories stretch the envelope, but leave a lasting
impression. A good story is a good story. I say, do be
afraid to push the boundaries, just be prepared for the
consequences.
(Tanja Haack 10:32am October 20, 2011)
I believe that bad boys can be redeemed, if they want to be, and if there is something worthwhile waiting for them.
(Wilma Frana 10:55am October 20, 2011)
Yes, bad boys can be redeemed, but there are certain lines that should not be crossed for me. I do not like the abusive "love" scenes in the early historicals. I look forward to reading your book.
(Pat Walker 10:56am October 20, 2011)
Of course, as long as you can write, he can be redeemed or get even worse! LOL
Whatever you like! :-) But I do love the stories when they start out so awful, the
right woman, redemption. Especially fun are the ones when he chases her. Love
it!
(Lisa Hutson 11:02am October 20, 2011)
Thanks for a lovely post and giveaway! I've really been wanting to read your book for a while now, especially since the buzz has been so positive!
I think that anyone can be redeemed. Despite what has been done (reasonably) , as long as the person takes responsibility for the backlash and makes decisive, permanent change then I'd say welcome back. But like all things, there are lines that can be toed but not crossed. For me, the only thing that will have me disbelieve a hero's redemption is when it's too "quick" and his behavior only changes toward the one person, his "love". He's had an epiphany and *boom* new person. This after having been verbally and/or physically abusive to the heroine and/or others. The alpha males toe the line a lot it seems lately so this is definitely a relevent topic. Thanks again!
(Erin Fender 11:25am October 20, 2011)
I think anyone can be changed, but only if they want to. If you like who you are you will not change. You want change some of your ways, but will not completly give up your bad boy ways. I do love a bad boy, but not for a full-time husband/boyfriend. But bad boys are fun lovers and when I was single I loved to play with bad boys. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. You are a new author for me and always looking for new reads.
(Chris Bails 11:37am October 20, 2011)
They can't be redeemed - they have to want to redeem themselves and you have to accept what they are.
(Beth Elder 11:58am October 20, 2011)
I definitely think bad boys can be redeemed. I hate stories with infidelity in them though. I think if someone cheats on a spouse or a girlfriend, they will surely do it again.
(MaryAnne Banks 12:24pm October 20, 2011)
I believe some bad boys can be redeemed but not all of them, it depends on the person. They all can be changed some but to what degree is different. As far as the cheaters once a cheat always a cheat.
(Gail Hurt 12:36pm October 20, 2011)
I believe that bad boys can be redeemed - if they want to be - sometimes you have to take a chance
(Pamela Faye Howell 1:24pm October 20, 2011)
oh bad boys can be redeemed... but it depends on how much they want to and will they...
(Colleen Conklin 1:30pm October 20, 2011)
Yes, I believe that bad boys can be redeemed depending on the situation and if they want to change. I love the cover of Flawless, it is beautiful
(Jennifer Kaleta 1:40pm October 20, 2011)
I definitely think bad boys can be redeemed, actually anyone can be redeemed and no there are no lines that cannot be crossed to his happy ending.
(Shirley Younger 2:06pm October 20, 2011)
THE ROAD TO A HAPPY ENDING SHOULD NOT STRAIN CREDULITY, BUT SHOULD BE AS ROCKY AS NECESSARY TO GET THERE!
(Silvana Moscato 2:37pm October 20, 2011)
Oh yes, bad boys can be redeemed. Any lines they cross should
be ones they would not recross...so that there is a happy
ending!
(Leanna Morris 3:17pm October 20, 2011)
It's fun to read about a bad boy changing because of the love of a good woman. It may be difficult in real life, but I think anyone can change if they have a good reason and truly want to do so.
(Anna Speed 3:20pm October 20, 2011)
Oh definitely... reformed bad boys make the best husbands... :) But no hurting the innocent and weak during his former bad boys days....
(May Pau 4:02pm October 20, 2011)
the Victorian era is great and would love to read thebook and then see how it turn out
(Desiree Reilly 4:02pm October 20, 2011)
HI CARRIE! MY YOUR COVER LOOKS HOT AND NOW I'M REALLY INTRIGUED!
(Linda Bass 4:52pm October 20, 2011)
Yes, I believe bad boys can be redeemed. He can have a bad past, having been abusive and self-centered and then, make changes improving attitude and behavior showing a different side, just to be with a good woman, he feels he can trust, love and respect. There are some lines that cannot be crossed (cheating, for one) on his road to a happy ending. Really love the beautiful, sensual book cover of FLAWLESS, and look forward to reading it!!!
(Linda Luinstra 5:23pm October 20, 2011)
Bad boys can be redeemed, if wont to be. Book sounds great. Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 6:05pm October 20, 2011)
They say it's the women that make men civil. So yes some bad boys can change,if they are with the right person and they want to settle down.- You can only change yourself.
Lines not to cross ,if he is still physically or mentally abusive and cheating,show him the door.
All in all, Bad Boys can be alot of FUN!
(Deb Pelletier 7:23pm October 20, 2011)
Bad boys can be redeemed, but cheating is a line they should never cross.
(Mary Preston 7:23pm October 20, 2011)
I do think you can redeem a bad boy. Love can conquer all, almost. I agree that abuse is that line. Cheating is a line for me as well.
(Lisa Kendall 8:11pm October 20, 2011)
Bad boys can be redeemed. In fact, it's often a lot of fun to
see it happen. What I don't like to read is when they
delibaretely hurt the ones that love them.
(Diane Sallans 8:40pm October 20, 2011)
I do think bad boys can be redeemed. But abuse or cheating is a line they shouldn't cross.
(Judith Quiroz 9:34pm October 20, 2011)
Bad boys can be redeemed. Love can start the change, but in the end, it must be his choice.
(Mary C 9:40pm October 20, 2011)
I think it would be very tough to redeem a cruel character although anything is possible.
(Maureen Emmons 9:57pm October 20, 2011)
Of course, all bad boys can be redeemed, but the defining factors in such intervention--structured or unstructured--and resultant change are levels of "badness" and desire to change. Determining considerations are inspiration, support, and goal. In romance, many factors lead a bad boy to the light...most specifically love reciprocated.
(Carla Schuller 10:24pm October 20, 2011)
Bad boys can be redeemed! I think a boy who is bad can grow into a man who is mature and seasoned! However, a man that forces himself on a woman. No! A man who beats a woman or child. No! I just can't forgive that.
(Jennifer Beyer 10:31pm October 20, 2011)
I think bad boys can't be redeemed. The book sounds great.
(Amy Milne 10:35pm October 20, 2011)
Maybe they can be redeemed, but I tried and it sure didn't work!!
(Sue Farrell 12:44pm October 21, 2011)
Bad boys can be redeemed, but they have to want it also.
(Alyson Widen 2:38pm October 23, 2011)
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