Fresh Fiction Blog | Cynthia Eden | Into the Minds of Monsters

There are all kinds of monsters to be found within the pages of romance novels these days. You can find sexy vampires, wild (and hot) werewolves, and dangerous demons.

I love these monsters, and I usually have a wonderful time writing about them. Sometimes, though, readers have asked me if it is hard to create a character that is more "monster" than man. And, honestly, it’s not.

You see...with every monster that I create (whether I am creating a succubus heroine or a vampire hero), I make sure that I always give these paranormal beings human traits and characteristics. After all, they are monsters, but they aren’t perfect. So my monsters have fears, they have bad habits, and they have weaknesses...just like humans. I’ve found that when you give paranormal characters human flaws, well, then it is much easier for readers to identify with those supernatural beings.

But, now, let me mix things up a bit. ? For a while, I only wrote about my paranormal heroes and heroines, but last month, I released my first romantic suspense novel with Grand Central Publishing’s Forever line. DEADLY FEAR follows two FBI agents as they track a sadistic serial killer. With this book, I had to slide into the mind of a real human monster.

I found it was much harder to get into my serial killer’s mind. His mind was darker, and it was very twisted. But...I still had to show his character as a three dimensional being. He couldn’t be entirely evil. He had to exist as (semi) normal in many of the scenes. So I gave him flaws as well. I have him needs. I showed the flaws in his psyche, and I showed (hopefully!) that monsters can hide in plain sight.

It seems that no matter what I write, I find myself surrounded by monsters.

But what about you? Do you find it easy to relate to paranormal characters? What makes them "normal" for you? And when it comes to killers, how do you feel about getting into their minds?

One winner will receive either a copy of my romantic suspense, DEADLY FEAR, or a copy of my latest paranormal romance, I’LL BE SLAYING YOU (winner’s choice!).

Thanks for checking out my post!

Best wishes,

Cynthia Eden

www.cynthiaeden.com

I'LL BE SLAYING YOU--Available now from Kensington Brava

DEADLY FEAR--Available now from Grand Central Publishing (Forever)

Comments

I am sure that with a monster, you have more liberties than with creating a human monster. We humans are so complicated and it must have been much harder to create a "human" monster than a creative monster.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:22am August 26, 2010)

For me I relate to them because they do have human characteristics, but the "different" part of them is highly visible as well..and we all have something a lil different about us.
(Jessica Badeaux 7:30am August 26, 2010)

i definitly relate more to paranormal characters or atleast thats my favorite subject to read.
(April Strength 8:30am August 26, 2010)

Hi, Joanne! Good point--you can take more liberties with the paranormal monsters. The only limit is your imagination. But with the real-life monsters, you have to do a lot of work with profiling and psychological conditions.

Thanks for checking out the post!
(Cynthia Eden 9:50am August 26, 2010)

Hi, Jessica! So true--we all do have something a little "different"--that makes us fun!
(Cynthia Eden 9:51am August 26, 2010)

Hey, April! Glad to hear that you enjoy the paranormals!
(Cynthia Eden 9:51am August 26, 2010)

I can relate to paranormal characters because I love the heroes and heroines. They have feelings and they also have their flaws like we do.
(Cathy Phillips 9:54am August 26, 2010)

Great post.

I know, when reading a suspense or thriller, I like to get into the antagonist's head, it makes it all the more creepy...hehe!!!

And monsterss having human traits, yes, I agree. It does make them more relatable for sure.

And I love paranormal characters because they are something different, unusual and always oh so dark and sexy.

Valerie
[email protected]
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 11:30am August 26, 2010)

When a character is compellingly written, it's easy to identify with what they're going through, regardless of the book's genre. Thanks for visiting.
(G S Moch 12:38pm August 26, 2010)

I don't read that much paranormal, but when I do, I like the kind that are humans with other powers. I normally read suspense, romantic or otherwise, and sometimes it creeps me out to be inside the mind of the monster!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 12:38pm August 26, 2010)

fantasy is much easier for me to read so paranormal is sort of fun. Human monsters really scare me because all you have to do is see the news and you know that they are possible and could be next door!
(Elizabeth Parzino 12:40pm August 26, 2010)

i love those FBI kinds of books. Scary mind sets of the serial killers they chase.
(Karen Gervasi 2:00pm August 26, 2010)

I love when "monsters" in books, whether paranormal or human, come to life between the pages of a books... when their personalities and actions come across to us the readers and create a very entertaining world and story, but hate to see what monsters in the real world are capable of.
(Colleen Conklin 2:07pm August 26, 2010)

Congrats on the new release, Cynthia. I think it's easy to relate to some paranormal characters because they're also similar to us. Maybe they experience the same problems with love like we do.
(Jane Cheung 2:22pm August 26, 2010)

One thing with vampires is that you know up front that they are dangerous. Humans can look rather harmless on the outside and yet be so evil and so vile on the inside. How many times do you hear from the neighbors of a serial killer or pedophile that so and so seemed like such a nice person. So sickening. Makes you wonder who truly is the real "monster".
(Cherie Japp 2:40pm August 26, 2010)

Cathy, I sure enjoy those heroes and hroines, too!

Thanks for checking out the post, Valerie! I'm glad to hear that you enjoy those dark and sexy paranormal types--me, too!
(Cynthia Eden 2:49pm August 26, 2010)

Thanks, GS! It's great to be visiting. :-)

Hi, Kelli! I think those real-life monsters can be particularly terrifying.
(Cynthia Eden 2:49pm August 26, 2010)

I know, Elizabeth! Sometimes when I watch the news, I realize just how scary ht eworld truly is.

Hey, Karen! I love those FBI books, too--and now I am currently addicted to the Criminal Minds TV show.
(Cynthia Eden 2:49pm August 26, 2010)

Oh, Colleen, you have perfectly described the way I feel.

Thank you, Jane! And I totally think they experience the same love troubles.
(Cynthia Eden 2:49pm August 26, 2010)

Cherie, good point! Humans can look deceptively innocent.
(Cynthia Eden 2:50pm August 26, 2010)

I think it is the hope that there is
something redeemable to be found
even in monsters that gives them
appeal factor. The promise of good
makes something bad attractive -
which is why I love those bad boys.
(Sue Ahn 3:04pm August 26, 2010)

I love the paranormal characters even the villains. I think what humanizes them is when you take one that is cold and unfeeling and they slip up and show some type of emotion like pity towards an old person or a tear slips out that surprises everyone to realize that they really do care even if it's about some little thing
(Lori Roche 3:43pm August 26, 2010)

Paranormal characters are
relatable when they have very
human issues to deal with. As
for killers - it depends on
how disturbing their thoughts
are and their
characterization. If they
aren't one dimensional, I find
them more interesting.
However, I don't want to read
very detailed thoughts about
super disturbing acts, like
harming a child for instance.
(Jacqueline Cook 4:07pm August 26, 2010)

i can relate to paranormal characters, they seem to think the same way we do. i guess what makes them normal is the way they think.

getting into the minds of killers... well it's a little creepy, but cool to read... not so easy to relate to killers LOL!

thanks for the chance to win!
(Tina Werner 4:26pm August 26, 2010)

It's all about the individual in the paranormal character that makes them relatable. That way they are different but in some ways relatable to us.
(Pam Howell 4:42pm August 26, 2010)

Hi, Cynthia! I think that
when the author lets us see
some of the "monsters'"
vulnerabilities, it makes them
easier to relate to. It's the
same with villains, where if
the author lets us see what
motivates them and it's
something we can see ourselves
caring about, it makes the
whole character much more
sympathetic.

As for getting into a killer's
mind, I admit I find that
rather creepy! Not always my
cup of tea ;p
(Fedora Chen 4:45pm August 26, 2010)

I prefer supernatural monsters
to human monsters because human
mosters are just too real.
(Cathie Veres 5:01pm August 26, 2010)

Whatever the "monster", there has to be "human" traits (flaws, wants, needs, etc.) to make the character more realistic, even vampires. By "realistic", I mean that I, the reader, will understand the character more. Even a serial killer is reasonable and righteous in his own mind, not that I want to agree with him that much.

Now I'm definitely going to bump "Deadly Fear" up higher in my TBR pile!
(S Tieh 5:06pm August 26, 2010)

Titles that are a "play or words" are wonderful!
Blessings,
Majorie
(Marjorie Carmony 5:11pm August 26, 2010)

When it comes to killers I think the stories I like reading the most are where the killer is not totally evil because those are the scariest.
(Maureen Emmons 5:17pm August 26, 2010)

When it comes to the "killers", I like getting into their minds; especially when they are well written. It makes the story so much more eerie! I've read quite a few where the killers have been just meh.

There is always something I can relate to in a paranormal. Because of the emotions that are involved.

DEADLY FEAR sounds just like my cup o' tea!
(Cynthia Netherton 5:36pm August 26, 2010)

I love paranormal characters because of the unexpected quality each one has. No two are alike which make for a more interesting story. Just like with humans, variety is the spice of life. And I don't have a problem relating to them. Regarding being in a killers mind? Thanks not for me. I rather be told what's in there, and leave it to my imagination as to where it goes from there.
(DeeAnn Szymanski 5:50pm August 26, 2010)

Getting the characters right has to be a very hard thing to do. Do you have to do research when trying to get your bad characters character down pat? Or do you just go with your gut feelings.
(Brenda Hill 6:14pm August 26, 2010)

I love all your books and so I don't need to be entered in the contest. Just wanted to let everyone know how great your books are.
(Diane Sadler 6:26pm August 26, 2010)

I like reading about monsters but can't imagine meeting one in real life, because I believe, at least for me, it would go badly. The danger is what intrigues me and makes turning the pages a breathless endeavor.
(Alyson Widen 6:26pm August 26, 2010)

I have a much harder time with human monsters. The right (wrong?) movie or book can keep me up at night and it's never been a vampire or werewolf.
(Maria Munoz 7:07pm August 26, 2010)

If I am going to 'connect' with a monster I need that human element to cling to.
(Mary Preston 7:26pm August 26, 2010)

I think I respond better to books with humans rather than monsters. If I'm to connect wtih a monster he better have human characteristics.
(Brenda Rupp 8:05pm August 26, 2010)

Thanks for writing a book that sounds like a great read and isn't paranormal.
(Sheila True 9:12pm August 26, 2010)

I prefer the humans rather than the paranormal monsters. I think it's a little harder, at least for me, to imagine paranormal beings existing, let alone getting into their minds, than to get into the minds of a human monster. We all know that they exist. History has proven that they do. I find it interesting to read stories to find what made them "tick."
(Peggy Roberson 9:12pm August 26, 2010)

Hello Cynthia, Please enter me in your fantastic contest and please let me know when I am a winner too! I love entering and winning contests on FreshFiction.com
God Bless Everyone, CECILIA
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 9:30pm August 26, 2010)

What a great comment, Sue Ahn! Totally agree.

Lori, I love those small moments of weakness.

Oh, Jacqueline, you've just mentioned one of my don't-go-there buttons. I just can't stand to read about something happening to children.

LOL, Tina, you're right! And I don't know that I'd really want to relate to those killers. I'd rather relate to my vamps!

So true, Pam!
(Cynthia Eden 9:50pm August 26, 2010)

Hey, Fedora, I am all in favor of vulnerabilities. We all have them, right?

Cathie, excellent point! I'm definitely in favor of fearing things that can't *actually* hurt me.

Thanks, S Tieh! To the killer, those actions do seem incredibly reasonable--I think that's one of the things that scares me the most.
(Cynthia Eden 9:55pm August 26, 2010)

Thanks, Marjorie!

Hi, Maureen! I enjoy those, too. Because I think it's really rare to find those one-dimensional folks in reality. Is anyone ever entirely good or evil? I think we're a mix.

Thank you, Cynthia! Glad you think the book sounds like your cup of tea!

Oh, DeeAnn, I certainly think variety makes life interesting!
(Cynthia Eden 9:55pm August 26, 2010)

So true, Alice!

Hey, Brenda! For my serial killers, I do a lot of research. Lots of psychogical info--I'm lucky that a good friend of mine teaches at the local university.

Thank you, Diane!! You are so awesome!

Alyson, I would never want to meet one in real life either!
(Cynthia Eden 9:55pm August 26, 2010)

Maria, I have that same problem with the right (and wrong) movies.

Hey, Mary! I need that element too.

Brenda, I'm so glad you're in favor of the human characteristics.
(Cynthia Eden 9:59pm August 26, 2010)

Hi, Sheila! I had a great time writing it.

Peggy, I've always been curious about that aspect. How do some people go so horribly worng?

Thanks for entering, Cecilia!
(Cynthia Eden 9:59pm August 26, 2010)

Characters in general seem more real to me when they are shown to have flaws, needs, or quirks. It makes for a much more appealing read to me.
(G. Bisbjerg 10:19pm August 26, 2010)

I agree that you can take more liberties with paranormal monsters. Paranormal books are my favorite type to read
(Julie Swaney 10:27pm August 26, 2010)

Getting into a killer's mind isn't a
pleasant thought. I'm not sure I want
to know how they think. Of course, it
makes the story that much better if
you know what they are thinking and
why, and what the twisted logic is for
what they do. I think the most
frightening thing is they are human
and something any of us has the
potential of being. When we read
paranormals, I don't think it is as hard
to see into the monster's mind and
follow his or her thoughts. They are
"other" and not us, so in a way we
don't have to be as afraid of them
because we can't become them.

Thanks for an interesting post.
(Patricia Barraclough 10:44pm August 26, 2010)

Cynthia, you're right that the monsters have humanistic traits. I would even say that the monsters are our twisted desire or cravings of our dark nature. Most of us follow a strong code of ethics but from time to time, we do cave in, in our moment of weakness.

Getting into the killer's mind, it's like facing the worst of man. Just when you think that you see the worst in the mind of a killer, they will surprise you and go even darker. It's scary but we all do need to face our "monsters" from time to time.
(Kai Wong 10:59pm August 26, 2010)

What makes a paranormal character normal for me is the human characteristics like greed, envy, hate, love, etc. and that helps me relate to them. It creeps me out to get into a killer's mind, I'd rather get into the mind of the person that's going to take them out. But if you don't get into their mind in some fashion, you may not understand their motivation, so I guess it's necessary to some extent.
(Barbara Elness 12:20pm August 27, 2010)

I agree with you, giving the paranormal characters human traits enable me to accept and root for the "monsters". I find that these "monsters" are a lot less scary in the light of day compared to their human conterparts. When evil takes root, grows and expands in the heart and soul of a human being - there can be nothing scarier or more frightening. I find reading books with human "monsters"(ie serial killers, phychopaths etc) is more scary - this type of being has been proved real- they have left devestation is our world. HOw can we understand why this happens and how to prevent it...
(Kimberley Coover 10:23am August 27, 2010)

Human characteristics help me identify with paranormal characters. I do enjoy looking at the mind of a serial killer, it's interesting.
(Andrea Infinger 10:48am August 27, 2010)

sounds like a great read on a cool fall night!
(Teresa Alexander 11:55pm August 27, 2010)

You know, I find it twice as
scary being in the mind of a
human monster as a paranormal
one.
(Lisa Richards 9:11pm August 28, 2010)

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