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Tracy Sumner | The Romance Hero: What's in a Profession?

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Lately, I've received quite a few comments about my hero's professions and why, or how, I chose them. Noah Garrett in TIDES OF LOVE is certainly the hero I receive the most questions about – a marine biologist in 1898 is not exactly your typical romance guy. Personally, he's my favorite character that I've created. Why? Because he's my type: a sexy nerd. But that's another guest post!

Anyway, I tend to really relate my character's professions (yes, that includes my independent heroines) with very aspects of their psyche. Seriously. It's a key aspect of the story for me. Noah relates to the world – and love – as a scientist. His older brother, Zach, feels he is responsible for the happiness and safety of an entire town (he is the town constable) and this weighs heavily and influences his decisions in TIDES OF PASSION. Protecting people is just a part of who he is. It's not simply a job.

Adam Chase in TO SEDUCE A ROGUE? Editor of a newspaper at a time when journalism was a dangerous business (1850). He also relates to his profession in a very personal way. And his true love? One of the few female newspaper reporters in the country. And, yes, there were some! I didn't make that up. Really!

Caleb Garrett in this summer's TIDES OF DESIRE? Ship-builder, loner, creative genius. The first scene I saw in my head of Caleb was of him running his hands along a sloop he's designed and built. Of course, the heroine (Macy Dallas) is watching and thinks he's the sexiest thing since sliced bread.

Anyway, I dug around and here's a recently published list of the top professions in romance novels. Note that this may pertain more to series romance.

1. Doctor

2. Cowboy

3. Boss

4. Prince

5. Rancher

6. Knight

7. Surgeon

8. King

9. Bodyguard

10. Sheriff

What do you think? Any you find sexier than another? My next contemporary series features an architect and a world-renowned photographer. See? I love choosing the professions almost as much as I love picking characters names.

Experience...Love, Passion, Desire with the Garrett Boys.

TIDES OF LOVE ~ TIDES OF PASSION ~ TIDES OF DESIRE (Coming: Summer 2012!)

www.tracysumner.com * @SumnerTracy * Facebook.com

Comment for a chance to win a copy of TO SEDUCE A ROGUE and the sequel, TO DESIRE A SCOUNDREL! Also, everyone who signs up on my website to review future communications, will be entered in a 2012 Kindle drawing! Good luck!

TO DESIRE A SCOUNDREL
To Desire a Scoundrel
Southern Heat
#1
December 2011

TO SEDUCE A ROGUE
To Seduce A Rogue
Southern Heat
#2
February 2012

 

 

Comments

31 comments posted.

Re: Tracy Sumner | The Romance Hero: What's in a Profession?

I like to read about characters that have a wide variety of professions... I want to read about characters that are like all of us... with their own personalities... whether they are a dog walker, pastry chef, teacher, cowboy, firefighter, etc... let who they are shine through the pages of a book!
(Colleen Conklin 1:32pm February 17, 2012)

I think most people associate certain traits with profession.... eg lawyers are wordy and cerebral...etc... But I like reading about different professions too!
(May Pau 2:08pm February 17, 2012)

I love the professions of heroes. But I think I really considered this when I was
dating, too. But, again, like I said, I like the sexy geeks!
(Tracy Sumner 2:49pm February 17, 2012)

I like to read about character in different professions. If I read about a lawyer in one book, the next book I read the main characters will have some other profession.
(Cheryl McEwen 2:51pm February 17, 2012)

I like ones that are technical or have technical details I can hook scenes,
motivation or actions to.
(Tracy Sumner 3:04pm February 17, 2012)

There are quite a few professions I like reading about. But I didn't see any military on that list or a construction worker. I would love to read about a man who runs a local grocery store or something average and normal. Not everyone is super successful or has a dangerous job. Hey my daddy was a letter carrier someone has to do those jobs you know. :)
(Patti Paonessa 3:33pm February 17, 2012)

HI TRACY! HMMMM CAN I TAKE ALL OF THE ABOVE? LOL
(Linda Bass 4:27pm February 17, 2012)

I AGREE PATTI! I MARRIED MY LETTER CARRIER! LOL
(Linda Bass 4:28pm February 17, 2012)

I love stories about cowboys heros.Boy would I love one to ride up and sweep me off my feet. Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 5:37pm February 17, 2012)

I like cowboys because I met quite a few in western Nebraska. But I like reading about all kinds of professions, the more obscure the better. I'm kind of surprised private detective and cop (as opposed to sheriff) weren't on the list.
(Lisa Elwood 6:26pm February 17, 2012)

It was fun to find my farmer/rancher husband in the number 5 category.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:27pm February 17, 2012)

I like to read about heroes in unexpected professions---why not try an accountant, nobody expects them to be a sexy hero.
(Sue Farrell 6:42pm February 17, 2012)

He could do anything. It would not matter to me. A good author and good story could make him sexy and then make his job fit him! hehe
(Lisa Hutson 6:47pm February 17, 2012)

The cowboy and bodyguard seem mighty appealing. I also think spies can be pretty manly, too, if they're men that is.
(Alyson Widen 6:47pm February 17, 2012)

Where is the Highlander???
(Deb Pelletier 7:11pm February 17, 2012)

I'm a sucker for a body guard. They have to have lots of muscle!
(Renee Brown 9:00pm February 17, 2012)

You came up with very interesting professions, but I have a couple that you could expand upon. For Cowboy, there's also the Cattle Driver. For Doctor, a Veterenarian also hits a soft spot in everyone's heart. I also thought about Navy Seals, Shopkeepers, and Hotel Owners, who could give you an interesting story line. I'm sure I'd love anything you write. I'll be going now to sign up on your site.
(Peggy Roberson 9:28pm February 17, 2012)

For the most part, those are pretty good choices as job/professions. On the other hand, I love hearing about unusual jobs or those jobs used in different milieus or countries. I like to learn something new in every book I read and these are some of the angles that give me that. That's also why I prefer historical novels to historical romances.
(Sigrun Schulz 9:53pm February 17, 2012)

I like reading books that have a new twist, whether it is
profession,site etc. There are so many professions to choose
from that I have not seen a lot of...masseuse, physical
therapist, coach, blue collar worker etc.
(Cindy Olp 9:58pm February 17, 2012)

Hahaha, this is such a cool topic! I love knight tales, or maybe like a king's advisor or bodyguard. :D But mostly, I prefer historical positions rather than the moderm day professions cause I think with all those carriages, gowns and street lamps, everything just seems more romantic. :D
(Chia Yet Peng 10:34pm February 17, 2012)

A amn who enjoys his work, who is passionate about his career, who can't resist sharing his enthusiasms about vocation or avocation - now, that's sexy! My husband's a meteorologist - and really, I love to listen to him and his colleagues talk about their favorite weather event or their work - they love what they do!
(Beth Fuller 10:39pm February 17, 2012)

I like to read Regency Era stuff and I personally enjoy reading stories with gentleman, lords, and rakes but the most important thing is the story and how the author writes it. Royalty can also be interesting.
(Chelsea Knestrick 11:15pm February 17, 2012)

I like all the above and would add Home Construction owner. The have muscles from helping out on the site and would be handy to have to build their home. lol I love romance of all kinds and mix in suspense or mystery to keep me guessing and dreaming.
(Brenda Hill 11:29pm February 17, 2012)

I enjoy reading about different professions. The most important factor is the hero's character, not what he does for a living.
(Mary C 12:04pm February 18, 2012)

Agree with Beth Fuller about the male characters being passionate about their work. Would like to see a male character that is a steamfitter or a kindergarten teacher.
(Joanne Hicks 12:17pm February 18, 2012)

A man in uniform is always sexy.
(Mary Preston 12:31pm February 18, 2012)

Your book sounds very interesting. Love sea life, especially
dolphins, assuming that is what a marine biologist does. And
I agree with you-nerds are very sexy. The sexiest organ a man
can have is his brain! Dina Rae, author
(Dina Rae 3:48pm February 18, 2012)

I enjoy reading about the hard working hero finally getting whats good for them. My cowboys, highlanders, seals and such rough guys and then that passion that comes out whether it be smooth or fierce it gets down to the soul (Mmmmm). I will say though that I've recently met an account manager that well.. lets just say surprise, surprise.. just saying :) Love your books, keep them coming. Thanks
(Margie Gagarin 3:53pm February 18, 2012)

I enjoy reading about heroes in any type of profession. Love cowboys, teachers, doctors, firefighters, cops, scientists, etc. Love romances of any kind--throw in the pool boy, repairman, or delivery guy into the mix (whew)! Thanks.
(Linda Luinstra 5:05pm February 18, 2012)

Another great concept for heroes is if they are a musician of some sort or if they are some kind of an athlete. The most important thing though is that they must be passionate about something whether it is their job or life in general but they must have some kind of passion in their personality.
(Chelsea Knestrick 9:23pm February 20, 2012)

I love the list but... I think your missing Highlander / Cheif. I know they are one of my favorites. Who doen't love a man in a kilt.
(Elizabeth Rodriguez 12:11pm February 24, 2012)

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