As a writer of romance, I tend to think of the men in my stories as heroes. They save the day, defeat the villain, rescue the girl. In my Regency series, however, my heroes are not the typical reformed rake, or libertine. They do not ride in, in a blaze of glory and slay the dragon. They tend to be common placed, normal, everyday members of the aristocracy. (Well, I couldn't let go of all my tendencies, could I?)
A question was posed to me awhile ago, which I thought was interesting enough to write a blog post about.
If your heroes were set in the present day, what would they be?
Interesting concept. I had to think about it. So let's break it all down and see what I come up with.
These are my heroes and what they do in 1810.
William -- The Earl of Westerly. Second son of the Duke of Chesnick. Joined the Horse Guards in 1800.
Ellis -- The Marquess of Haverlane. Oldest son of the Duke of Chesnick. Member of Parliament, has the ear of Prince George.
Robert -- The Duke of Cantin. Takes care of his family.
Richard -- Retired Captain in the Royal Navy. Captured Bonaparte the first time.
Rory -- The Earl of Bailey. Studies ancient Peloponnsian text.
So, if I transferred them to the present day, here's what I think they would do.
William -- Texas Ranger.
Ellis -- Vice-president.
Robert -- CEO of the family shipping line.
Richard -- Navy Seal.
Rory -- College professor.
Now, naturally, what is not seen in all these descriptions are the underlying causes which make them the perfect man for them to NOT fall in love, hence become Reluctant Grooms.
William -- Dealing with PTSD.
Ellis -- A widower with a two year old who is still in love with his dead wife.
Robert -- Burned by an ex-fiance.
Richard -- Never stayed in one place long enough to find the right woman.
Rory -- Conceited, vain, highly intelligent and looks down his nose upon those not in his social circle.
Thinking of these men in present day has allowed me a broader scope in how I want to write about them. People are people, whether in 1810 or 2010. They all have the same hopes, dreams, ties that bind, and experiences that break. This was an interesting exercise. As writers, we're told to stretch our imaginations, cast the net as widely as possible. How'd I do?
Say, those guys sound as if they're worth writing about! ;)
ReplyDeleteThose are interesting new vocations!
ReplyDeletePeople ARE people, no matter what century they live/lived in.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting exercise. I would give you 5 stars for it.
Ann Best, Memoir Author
That was a fun exercise. I agree, people are people whatever century they live in!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteInteresting exercise I must say, and your examples of 21st century man and his 1800 equals are great comparisons. Though I do think a lot of people, despite being so-called lovers of historical romances, do sometimes forget the restraints of society and etiquette during the 1800s and view things through 21st century eyes.
I'm doing a guest post about bad (shit)book reviews at RFW on Wednesday, and how to look on such as advantages rather than a blight! Because they do happen. Talli R had one or two and got upset, others have had them as well, and I've had one. ;)
best
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Thanks everyone. It was a weird experience to think about my men in present day, because I've been writing them so long in the 1800's.
ReplyDeleteWill be there on Wed. Francine.
Fascinating post-gives me a lot to think about! I'm glad to be the newest follower of you blog. :)
ReplyDeleteYour books look fantastic. I love the covers.
ReplyDeleteI love this, what a fun idea to look at your characters in a different light.
ReplyDeleteWell they all sound extremely manly and scrummy - even the college professor!! Take care
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