Karen Winter - Writing the Alpha Hero: How to create a romance hero your readers will love

Table of Contents

Writing the Alpha HeroFirst Edition (2017)Copyright 2017 Karen WinterAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.ePub Edition ISBN: 978-0-473-40947-0Amazon Edition ISBN: 978-0-473-40948-7Web PDF Edition ISBN: 978-0-473-40949-4iBook Edition ISBN: 978-0-473-40950-0Print Edition ISBN: 978-0-473-43231-7Published by Fountain Pen Publishing LimitedEditing by Lesley Marshallwww.editline.co.nzCover Design by Steven Novakwww.novakillustration.comInterior Design by Jacob Hammer

Writing

the

Alpha Hero

Karen Winter

Writing the Alpha Hero

How to create a romance hero your readers will love

Karen Winter

Dedication

For my two adorable moggy friendsPoopy and Mr Catwho patiently sit with me while I write.

I assume they enjoy my company but its more likely theyre waiting for some treats!

Introduction

This book is written as a guide for romance writers in creating an alpha male character.

Ill outline the key points of his personality traits and qualities, plus theres a section on showing you how to create a believable alpha and pairing him up with the right girl. Ive included examples along the way to show you more clearly what Im trying to highlight.

There is also a full analysis of the book Pleasured in the Playboys Penthouse by USA Today Bestselling Author Natalie Anderson where I have pointed out and discussed how Natalie has created her alpha hero using the concepts from the first half of this book.

Why We Love an Alpha Hero

What woman doesnt fall for a good-looking guy whos well-built with a smouldering gaze and a self-assured grin?

We cant help ourselves responding to those broad shoulders and strong masculine featuresthey leave us weak-kneed and gooey inside. Not to mention our moans of desire and breathy sighs?

You know what I mean, ladies!

Alpha heroes are hot . And not just as eye candy for us to drool over.

Theyre hot because women love reading stories with an alpha male hero.

We love the way they take charge. The way they protect and look after the heroine. Their charm is just so sexy.

And alpha heroes sell books.

Why?

Because for most women they are the embodiment of her ideal man.

A man who is tall, handsome and oh-so-very masculine. With a voice thats deep and sexy. And a male scent that draws us in.

Hes a man whos confident and protective of those he lovesespecially the heroine.

And when he makes love to ussorry, the heroineit will be her pleasure and satisfaction foremost on his mind.

His love for her is passionate and completeand she becomes the only woman in his universe.

He thinks he knows whats best and hell take command. Hes confident, protective, intelligent, and he gets things done.

He is undoubtedly our ideal man.

But we must be careful when writing him as theres a fine line between...

Confidence vs Arrogance

Our hero may be powerful and confident, standing up to whatever is thrown his waybut we dont want him to be full of himself and self-righteously dismissing everyone elses opinion.

Protectiveness vs Condescension

He may be extremely protective of the woman he lovesbut we dont appreciate a guy who views the heroine as his little woman and possession.

Being sexy vs Being a man-whore

His incredible sexuality may turn the head of every woman in the roombut no woman wants a guy who beds every woman in that room who desires him.

Compromise vs Controlling

Our alpha isnt much into compromise either and can come across as controlling which makes him easy to resentbut once hes fallen in love with the heroine hell inevitably change for her.

Getting the right blend of personality traits so that he comes across as an alpha male and not an obnoxious jerk is the trick.

Alpha Heroes We Already Know

Here are a few alphas from television and movies that you may already be familiar with:

Eric Northman True Blood

Don Draper Madmen

Damen Salvatore Vampire Diaries

Fitzwilliam Darcy Pride and Prejudice

Harvey Specter Suits

Heathcliff Wuthering Heights

Gannicus Spartacus

Jamie Fraser Outlander

Raylan Givens Justified

Boyd Crowder Justified

Who is This Man?

Ive listed the typical attributes and qualities wed normally see in alpha heroes of romance novels.

Im not saying that every alpha hero has all of these attributes and qualities, nor am I saying that if your hero has some of these that he is an alpha heroyou may be writing a beta hero, or perhaps a combination of both as alpha/betas are another type of hero combining characteristics from both male types.

Typical Physical Attributes:

• Tall and imposinghe fills the doorway and towers over others
• Strong and athletically fithis outside strength matches his inner strength
• Physically attractive, e.g. muscular, chiselled features
• Very hot and sexymore so than the average guy
• Voicehis voice will be deep with maybe a rough tone

Personality Traits and Qualities:

The personality traits of an alpha are often the very same qualities most heroines and readers alike are looking for in their romance hero.

Hes a Natural Leader Who Takes Charge

This is the number one trait of an alpha malehe steps in and takes charge. This doesnt mean he rushes in, pushing everyone, including the heroine, aroundno, he will assess the situation and put matters right.

But a powerful, dominant hero needs to be matched with an equally strong heroinea woman with confidence and ability; otherwise she will fade into the background whenever she is on the page with him.

And rememberit is the tension sizzling between these two strong-minded characters that will keep your readers turning the pages.

Hes a Protector

Hell protect the people he cares for and look out for thema very heroic quality.

This can be as simple as caring for the heroine when shes sick or upset, or as dramatic as saving her from danger or defending her against a villain.

However, note that there is a distinct difference between him being protective (good) and possessive (bad). He should be in control of himself and have the heroines best interests at heartshe wants to feel cherished and safe, not controlled and restrained by his heroics.

Hes Intelligent and Goal Oriented (Successful)

Our hero is smart but doesnt necessarily know all the answers. Hes also single-minded when striving to achieve a goal, and this can make him appear brusque and insensitive.

His success may be from becoming financially independent through his own efforts or he has inherited the family empire. Whatever the means, this mans intelligence gives him the financial resources to take care of the heroine. She may not necessarily want his financial support, but she has it nonetheless.

Hell most likely be an active member of the society where he lives insofar as he is aware of the people and the environment. He is also keen to make progress in his life and to help those around him.

When the heroine walks into his life he will know she is differentmaybe not right away, but once hes got to know her he will be intrigued by how unique she is and the effect she has on his life.

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