More About Alphas

It seems romance readers (and writers) never tire of discussing the big, bad, alpha male. Last week's discussion at Romancing The Blog is worth a read. Warning: strong opinions abound and varied definitions of "alpha" abound. Read through to the end of the comments to get the full scope.

As for myself: I define "alpha" as first and foremost, the leader, the one other men want to be, the one women simply want...because of his charisma and larger-than-life presence and dynamic get-things-done attitude. Sure, there's an element of arrogance in this, but it's well-earned. He knows he's the best at whatever he does, but he doesn't have to advertise the fact. In a classic case of show, don't tell, it's there for all to see in his actions.

And, yeah, I don't normally attach "big and bad" to my vision of the alpha hero, but then I'm not writing the warrior alpha or the rakehell hero or even the bad boy alpha. They do come in so many different flavours, praise the Lord.

In a similar vein, Yvonne Lindsay talks about the eye-catching "bearing" that draws eyes whenever this man enters a room. That's what I'm currently trying to get across with Ric Perrini, take-charge hero in Vows and a Vengeful Groom. He doesn't see himself as vengeful, by the way (and nor do I.) Kimberley Blackstone, however, does not agree.

Best get back to my sparring soon-to-be lovers. They have a looonnngggg way to go before reaching a lasting agreement.

Labels: romance heroes, Vows and a Vengeful Groom