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Lacy Williams | What Does Your Ideal Hero Look Like?

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Many authors begin writing each book knowing exactly what their hero looks like. Tall and dark. Scruffy and broad-shouldered. Wears a leather bomber jacket and has a killer smile, etc. Often, the author has a particular actor or visual of that hero in mind.

I'm not one of those authors. Many times when I'm starting the book, I only know the basics: hair color, eye color and build. Until this book, COUNTERFEIT COWBOY. When brainstorming the idea for this novel with one of my critique partners, she suggested the perfect hero for the book—Matt Bomer, who plays Neal Caffrey on the USA Network show WHITE COLLAR. She recommended I DVR a couple of episodes to get an idea of Neal's personality and how it could play into my hero in my book—and I got hooked.

Not only is Neal the perfect example of a hero—torn between two worlds, a guy with a questionable past, wants to do the right thing but doesn't always pull it off—he's one gorgeous man. And the hero of my book COUNTERFEIT COWBOY was born. The cover designers at Harlequin did a fabulous job of finding a model that looks like Matt Bomer with a cowboy hat. And I can only hope I did justice to a hero who struggles with overcoming his past and wanting a future with a woman who seems out of reach.

I'd love to know: What kind of reader are you? Are you the kind who has a perfect hero in mind when you start the book? Do you keep a snapshot of him in your head as you read? Or do you have just a vague idea of what he looks like, and that's all right with you?

About Lacy Williams

By day, Lacy Williams is a stay-at-home mom battling dirty diapers and dog-hair dust-bunnies. By night, she is a novelist with two books nominated for an RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award (2012 & 2011). Her current projects include more books for Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical line (cowboys!) and a screenplay.

Tell us your perfect hero and one commenter will win a copy of COUNTERFEIT COWBOY

 

 

Comments

31 comments posted.

Re: Lacy Williams | What Does Your Ideal Hero Look Like?

I could go all soppy and say my ideal hero looks like my husband... other than that I don't have a fixed idea. I do think he has to look intelligent and decisive, and his hair or eye colour is less important than that. His skin colour is going to be related to the book in some way, whether he is part-Comanche say, so that depends on the plot and location, it does not stop him being an ideal hero to me for the situation.
(Clare O'Beara 9:05am December 10, 2012)

I allow the writer to develop the appearance of the hero, his looks, mannerisms, characteristics. I love the introduction and development of the hero and find that more than looks it is the being of the character that is appealing.
(Carla Carlson 12:07pm December 10, 2012)

Should be tall [6'+] and weight-appropriate [180-200 lbs]-- no
beer bellies please! Hair color not critical, as long as there
is some. Not too much facial hair either,small beard/mustache
ok but not bushy or long.
(Sandy Haber 3:56pm December 10, 2012)

My perfect hero is one that is strong but not afraid to be weak. He loves the elderly and kids both. He can always be counted on when you need him.
(Linda Henderson 4:09pm December 10, 2012)

My ideal hero would be at least 6'3, broad shoulders, muscles all the way down to tapered hips and muscular legs that are very powerful. I would add in some insane ink work over his back, some chest and arm. Dominant, Alpha attitude, book smart with common sense, knows how to fight when needed. On the other side he is loyal, compassionate and very sensual with his lady love. Dark , soft, long hair at least to his shoulders so he can tie it back and green eyes, full smile with a strong square jaw..Maybe a scar on his face to show something wicked...Wow, I let myself dream a bit there. Can you tell I read a lot? LOL
(Allie Motherway 4:11pm December 10, 2012)

Should be 6', weight 180-200lbs, hair black and no facial hair (I absolutely hate these actor's today with these scruffy beard's)
(Nancy O'Brien 4:34pm December 10, 2012)

oi see great contest.
(Kent Cook 4:45pm December 10, 2012)

Okay, not real romantic, but my perfect hero is my dad!
(Ashley C 5:01pm December 10, 2012)

I think most women, or maybe its just me, Loves a bad boy who
wants to change a be good.
(Sophie Grayling 5:35pm December 10, 2012)

My hero is one that is strong and gentle.
(Kathy Fowler 5:43pm December 10, 2012)

Handsome, strong, funny, loyal and never lies to me:)
(Nicole Nobles 6:47pm December 10, 2012)

my perfect hero is tall, with twinkly eyes and a nice smile,
caring of older people, children & animals (and me too).
(Diane Sallans 7:35pm December 10, 2012)

Quiet and strong and head over heels in love with the heroine.
(Kathy Sullivan 7:36pm December 10, 2012)

When I read a book, I try to keep the Authors' description in my head. Most of the time, I get carried away with the story line, and just put an image in my head as I'm reading. The way I look at it is that as long as I'm cute, and I'm entertained by the story itself, and taken to that other world for the duration of the book, is all that matters. I think that it's all that matters for the Author, too!! Great cover, and a book that I'd love to get my hands on!! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:52pm December 10, 2012)

I would say my perfect hero would be a man like my grandpa was..very hard working man , strong, spoke what he felt and still could be soft when needed...thanks
(Kimberly Hoefs 9:48pm December 10, 2012)

My hubby:) He comes when my truck breaks down, moved us almost 2000 miles to get away from negative/ controlling family and works hard to support us (we have 6 kids).
(Michelle Schafer 10:08pm December 10, 2012)

Wow, thanks for all the comments. I stopped by earlier and there were only two...

I agree with a lot of you gals that the thing that makes a hero most attractive aren't necessarily his physical attributes, but what's on the inside. In "real life," I've known lots of handsome guys that had ugly personalities and they just couldn't be a hero to me. And on the other hand, my hubby does so much to be there for our family... he's the handsomest guy I know!
Thanks for all the comments and good luck!
(Lacy Williams 10:34pm December 10, 2012)

My picture of the hero is formed from the author's description. The things that make a hero memorable to me are the way he deals with porblems/obstacles thrown in his way and how he treats the people/animals in his life.
(Mary C 11:28pm December 10, 2012)

My perfect hero would be strong but gentle and kind. He would also have to de dependable and trustworthy.
(Ellen Thompson 11:43pm December 10, 2012)

I pucture who the author describes. We may have a different person in
mind, but I see who they describe. :)
(Kelli Jo Calvert 12:38pm December 11, 2012)

My hero must have dark hair, I don't mind if it's a little long. A nice smile and he must have a good sense of humor.
(Rita Wray 10:15am December 11, 2012)

I like my heroes to be varied and change with the author and the story.
(Sue Farrell 11:54am December 11, 2012)

I let the author's words give me an image in my head of what he looks like for the book I am reading... love the variety of heroes out there...
(Colleen Conklin 12:07pm December 11, 2012)

My perfect hero is my husband. Strong, mostly silent but great sense of humor. Loves animals & childrn, won't take anything off of anyone where his family is concerned. He can do jus about anyhing, he's smart, serious, has great sense of humor, (has to to put up with me or 45 1/2 yrs)and most of all he is a Christian. I've never known him to do anything that would hurt anyone but he will stand up for his values.
(Pat Moore 12:20pm December 11, 2012)

My perfect hero is the imperfect hero... a guy with a flaw who is "overall" a great guy. He's easy to relate to and more realistic than the chocolate box heros you read about who you simply can't ever imagine existing, much less falling for your average girl next door. I want to read about heros and heroines who really could exist and have a feeling of authenticity to them.
(Donna Holmberg 7:41pm December 11, 2012)

My hero would allow me to fly and be there to catch me when I fall.
(Kai Wong 8:21pm December 11, 2012)

I don't want a "perfect" hero...I want a man who can love me and live with me and accept me warts and all - that man is perfect to me. I don't want to live my life trying to live up to the "perfect" man...I want a man who stumbles, falls and gets up and keeps on going. This imperfect hero has had ups and downs and can relate to me. He doesn't want a perfect woman...he wants a real womnan.

Thanks for the giveaway!
(Kimberley Coover 8:47pm December 11, 2012)

Tall, dark, and handsome like my husband, lol. Counterfeit Cowboy sounds
like a great book.
(Ann Sheiring 10:42pm December 11, 2012)

Blue eyes are a must - the rest I'm easy on.
(Mary Preston 8:08am December 12, 2012)

I like a clean shaven man (no necessarily without facial hair which should be
neatly trimmed). Needless to say I hate the scruffy look. To me it shows
disrespect for those around him and also selfishness. I also like a clean
appearance--not meaning that someone with a dirty job shouldn't show it on
a day-to-day basis. I can appreciate scruffy only when someone had been
without sleep or "on the trail" for days at a time, just not on a regular basis. I
guess what I am saying is a man who respects those around him and who
cleans up well. Height, coloration, hair don't matter. A hero is an everyday
man who is not perfect and has courage and a sense of humor and of himself.
(Sandra Spilecki 12:07pm December 12, 2012)

I have to agree with Kimberley Coover. I don't want a "Perfect" hero nor do I enjoy reading or writing about one, especially if the outside is only a cover for an ugly inside.
(Suzy McFischer 7:15pm December 12, 2012)

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