Karilyn Bentley's Blog, page 17

Under the Princess Crown with author Gail Olmsted & Guessing at Normal #contemporaryromance #rockstar #MFRWorg

Gail Olmsted... a hopeless romantic, I am married to the love of my life and my favorite role is being mom to two young adults and three cats. I enjoy reading, boating, music and travel and am a college professor of marketing.

Speed Round:Favorite movie: Goodfellas
Favorite book: Trinity (Leon Uris)
Last book read: A Thirty-Something Girl (Lisa Gott)
Favorite color: Orange
Stilettos or flip-flops: Flip-flops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
E-book or paperback: e-book
Pencil or pen: penFavorite song: Losing My Religion (REM)Streak or not: StreakFavorite dessert: Boston Cream PieChampagne or gin: ChampagneParanormal or Historical: HistoricalGinger or Mary Ann: GingerFavorite TV show: The Good WifeHot or cold: HotPOV:
Jill Griffin never dared to dream big, until a sexy rockstar taught her a little something about love…and loss.
Jill Griffin has mastered the art of being invisible, so when she falls in love with sexy rocker James Sheridan, at first she is content to live in his larger than life shadow. Building a ‘normal’ life together under the glare of the media is challenging and further complicated by constant touring, James’ partying and the mixed signals she gets from James’ twin brother Alex.
When her poems and journal ramblings become the songs on James’ best-selling album, Jill has to step out of her comfort zone and figure out how to live her life in a spotlight all her own. With no road map to follow, she struggles to navigate her way in her search for happiness.  As her professional success threatens her relationship with James, Jill questions whether she can make a living writing love songs without the love of her life.
Find Guessing at Normal at:  Barnes and Noble    Amazon

Contact Gail at:  Email  Twitter     Facebook     Amazon



Ooh, Gail, rockstars can be so hot! What prompted you to write about this one?

.@VickiBatman - My first Lipstick #makeup #fashion #cosmetics #beautysupplies

Once upon a time...

I was very young--Big Surprise! 

Seriously, when I was younger, I was extremely shy. Painfully shy. My mom always said she could send my six year-old sister to buy milk in the convenience store over sending me. 

Thankfully, in my high school years, I grew out of that mess.

Around age ten, a new girl came to my elementary school. Her name was Joann and she seemed quite sophisticated to me. I was all skinny, ugly glasses, and --remember the shy thing?-- shy. Joann wore lipstick. One day after lunch, I said
it looked pretty on her and she passed me the tube. The lipstick was sorta purply pale colored. But I didn't care. By putting some on, I, too, would be cool and sophisticated like my new friend.

I passed it back; however, she told me to keep it. My insides went yipee!!!

After I walked home from school that day, my mom noticed the lipstick I wore. She asked me where I got it and being the obedient child I was, I showed her my gift. She took it away from me. Tears flooded my eyes. I wouldn't be cool any more. What would I tell Joann when I didn't wear it? Mom didn't care. No ten year old of hers would be wearing lipstick. 

I ceased being cool. 

In high school, I was able to wear some lipstick, a bit of colored eye liner. And by college, I delved into more. I modeled in college and learned from fashion shows what suited me best. 

As the years rolled on, I continued to put makeup on every day. Even when sick because my aunt said she always felt better with her hair and face done. She was right, but I'm thinking the good shower played the biggest part. 

The past five years, I've cut back my routine. I fix my hair and put on some eyeliner, mascara. Sometimes, I add a swipe of blush and powder to my brows. I save the warpaint for the special occasions.

So what was your first big makeup item?




“Look, I don’t know what you’re thinking. The only worms I know about are for fishing.”
Temporarily Employed can be found at: Amazon

RWA 2015 Conference Memories @SloaneBCollins #RWA2015 #amwriting #MFRWorg #BFFs @sashawrites

Just a few short weeks ago I spent 5 days in New York City at the annual Romance Writers of America annual conference.   I get just as excited about it as I do Christmas.  Every year I anxiously await the workshops to be posted, then I go through the list carefully deciding what sounds good.  Then, when the workshops are posted by day and time, I do it again.  Invariably and without fail, I end up with at least two for each time slot.  I make the final decision as to which to attend once I know whether it will be recorded or not.  Or, if the presenter is someone I want to hear in person. 
This is a time of fun, fellowship, friendship, motivation and inspiration.  I always come home rejuvenated and ready to write.  And this year was no different.
One of the best things at the conference this year: I met an author I’ve been a fan of for many years, one who hasn’t ever been at a conference that I’ve attended.  Jude Devereaux!  I met her at the
Literacy Signing on Wednesday night and was so excited to get my picture taken with her.  Then I attended the workshop she gave on Research on Thursday.  Would you believe she keeps a notebook for each book (as I do, actually) AND she writes in longhand!  The next day my BFF and I were waiting at the elevator on our floor, and who should walk up but Ms. Devereaux and her editor!  It’s the one time I was glad the elevators took a long time because we had her to ourselves.  So we chatted about various things, and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish. 

The workshops were amazing once again.  I’m still concentrating mostly on Craft workshops, always willing to learn and hone my writing skills.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I attend Craft workshops wanting to learn that BIG SECRET, the one that will suddenly make writing easier so I’m as prolific as Nora Roberts. 

My best friend and fellow Plotting Princess Sasha lives in San Antonio, so we don’t get to see each other very often – we were roomies once again this year.  We had some late nights in New York: hitting the Walgreens in Times Square at midnight, taking the sightseeing bus tour at 10 pm on Friday, then going for cheesecake and ice cream sodas (both delicious and amazing at Juniors) at midnight, then staying up even later plotting and dissecting our works in
progress.  Again, memories I’ll always treasure.

I love attending RWA conferences. Where else can you spend hours talking about characters as if they’re flesh and blood people?  You’re surrounded by two thousand other writers who know what you’re going through; they’ve struggled with writer’s block, had problems coming up with the perfect goals, motivations, and conflicts for their characters, sweated to get every word right just as much as you have.  And someone there might just have the perfect place to stash the body of your antagonist.   
And this time I came away with an idea for a project I’m keeping secret for right now.
As an author, if you’ve attended nationals, what’s your favorite part of the conference?  For readers, what questions do you have for authors who attend conferences?

Under the Princess Crown with L. A. Kelley & Second Chance City #MFRWorg #paranormal #newbook

L. A. Kelley lives in Florida where the heat and humidity have driven everyone slightly mad. In her spare time, she calls in Bigfoot sightings to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. They are heartily sick of hearing from her.
Speed Round:Favorite movie: Star Wars
Favorite book: The Martian by Andy Weir
Last book read: Rain by Cynthia Barnett
Favorite color: Purple
Stilettos or flip-flops: Bare feet, baby
Coffee or tea: tea
E-book or paperback: either
Pencil or pen: pencil (as long as it has an eraser)Favorite song: Shut Up and DanceStreak or not: Not (The neighbors have complained)Favorite dessert: Too many to listChampagne or gin: AbstainParanormal or Historical: Historical paranormalGinger or Mary Ann: LoveyFavorite TV show: Agent CarterHot or cold: ColdPOV: BlurryI'd die if I don't have: Oxygen
Comic books can be the death of you.
The building was silent with the exception of a faint hum now emanating from the glow in the corner. Nate moved cautiously forward, shining the flashlight. “Debolt?” No one answered. “We’ll check the rest of the store…Libby?”Libby had stepped from his side, her attention drawn elsewhere. She stood in front of the display stand filled with comic books. Her respiration sharply increased. “What is that?” she said. The eerie glow came directly from one of the books.        Nate’s gaze widened. “I’ve no idea.” The glow began to fluctuate, pulsing with a bright green neon light.         Libby squinted at the glare. She leaned in as if striving to discern the cover. “It’s the latest Refractor issue. Why is it doing that?” On and off, on and off, the hypnotic beat flashed.         The light was oddly attractive. “It’s not some marketing gimmick?” Nate said.“No way,” insisted Libby. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”The tempo of the pulses increased, so did the hum. A little voice in Nate’s head bleated a warning. This isn’t normal. You should do something…do something…do something. His thoughts muddled with the incessant flash. The hand which had been resting on the gun, dropped to his side. Libby clutched the pencil light to her chest. As if drawn by an irresistible impulse, the other hand reached for the Refractor comic.        Nate’s confusion vanished, shoved aside by a powerful protFind L A Kelley at : Blogsite  Email
Find Second Chance City at: Amazon
Wow, L.A. Kelley! Your blurb about comic books is intriguing. Are you a comic fan?

5 Things I Learned When My Publisher Went Under @kellyleefiction #amwriting #myWANA #failure

There's nothing like the first time you sign a contract with a publisher. There's this heady sense of arrival. Of validation. Of overcoming your insecurity about whether anyone other than your mother or best friend will like your book. It fills your chest to bursting. But what happens when that publishing experience isn't what you thought? (Hint: it never is) Or worse, when your publisher closes its doors forever? The latter happened to me, and after I stopped crying, drinking, and cursing….I settled down and learned some things. Important things. About the world of publishing, failure, the kinds of people I surround myself with, and most critically - myself. If this has happened to you too, listen up.
Lesson #1: It's not because your writing sucked.
You didn't cause this to happen. Your book did not singlehandedly sink an entire company. In fact, there are probably several (if not many) award winning, bestselling authors who signed with your publisher. You can bet something was happening with the publisher you didn't know about and couldn't have predicted – like poor leadership, crappy business model, or ineffective execution. But know this: as a rule, publishers don't fail because they signed bad authors. Generally, the writing community knows this (thank goodness), but the people in your life don't and it can be hard dealing with sympathetic eyes tinged with a touch of suspicion.
Lesson #2: A publisher's failure does not diminish your accomplishment
Let me say that one again. You wrote a book (maybe more than one), and it was published. That's a big deal. When I dried my eyes and looked at the 2 books on my shelf that had already been published, I realized how lucky I was. How proud. You wrote books and they were published, sold, and people read them. Whatever may or may not happen next, you achieved something most people will not.
Lesson #3: Rights, and proper documentation, is paramount   When you sign a contract, the rights to the work are assigned to the publisher. When a publisher goes out of business, do not assume automatic rights reversion will be a given, even if it's written into your contract. Future publishers want a written document, on your failed publisher's letterhead, that you own the rights to your work. That's not to say publishers won't talk to you if you don't have such a letter, but without it the conversation is more difficult. And when you're trying to sell your work to someone new, you want to remove as many barriers to "yes" as possible.Lesson #4: Publishers aren't human, but the people who work for them are.  No matter how shabbily you may feel treated, direct your anger to the person who committed the act. Not the administrative assistant, not the promotions director, and definitely not the payroll clerk whose hands are tied. Some wonderful people were roasted on  social media and on blogs of my fellow authors who had absolutely no hand in decisions made by management, and ultimately were more harmed by their company's failure than the authors. A business failing means employees lose their jobs. More than one of these unfortunate people reached out to me and thanked me for being kind, and offered their names as references on the quality of my work to future publishers if I wanted it. THAT, my friends, is class .
Lesson #5: You did it once, you CAN do it again

But it will take work. A lot of it. Unless you wrote your story perfectly the first time, which has happened, like, never… you can improve your work. Take this time to look at your book with a cruelly critical eye. It's not your baby. It's a collection of words that you need to make better. Stronger. Tighter.  When you snuggled into your favorite chair to read your published work on your e-reader for the first time and cringed a little at; a phrase you overused again and again; the 3 pages you used for a scene that could have been done in 1; or God forbid; noticed some typos…. This is your chance. Strive for perfection. Make it better than it was before, so it will go farther than it could have without this opportunity. Because make no mistake – this IS an opportunity. Make the most of it.
 With much love,KellyKelly is the author of the Four Realms series, and has re-released the first book in the series with a fabulous new publisher, with the next two books in production and scheduled for release soon.  Exiled to magic-barren Earth Realm, Whit Blackstone has resigned himself to never seeing his family or clan again. But when a mysterious woman appears, wielding as much power as the goddess who banished him, primal desire and his desperation to return home collide.Immortal… After twenty-nine years of believing herself human, Eve Moore can’t wrap her brain around the word. But even immortals can’t always cheat death, especially if a bloodthirsty God of War threatens your soul. Betrayed and hunted by a relentless assassin, newly immortal Eve Moore has no choice but to trust the heart-stopping stranger she’s been tasked to find and return to Olympus. As their chemistry ignites, Eve discovers the depth of her emerging powers, and the inescapable connection she and Whit share.  When the time comes, will Eve hand him over and walk away? Or will the long buried secrets of her past doom both their lives, and their very souls? Buy Murdering Eve at:Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance Book / Bookstrand / The Wild Rose Press Pre-Order Battle Heat in advance of Sept. 4th release date at:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance Books / Bookstrand
 

Holly Okeanos is alone, held against her will by the immortal that destroyed her people. Desperate for revenge, she vows to fight until her last breath to regain her freedom.The beast inside Ares must feed. His family knows darkness lies within him and they equally fear and hate him for it, but he’s the first they call when the Olympus throne is threatened. He’s struggled to control the bloodlust since the dawn of time, but only carnage sates the monster within.  With an escalating rebellion and a resurrected Scarab to defeat, Ares doesn’t have time to deal with his infuriatingly beautiful captive, whose mere presence strangely calms the beast and settles his mind. She detests the very air he breathes, but he finds himself assailed by feelings that haven’t surfaced in over a millennia. Could Holly be the woman to finally quiet the beast inside him?  How to find Kelly:Facebook / Website / Twitter

Under the Princess Crown with author Charlotte Copper & Strawberry Summer #summerfun #contemporaryromance #MFRWorg

Charlotte Copper lives in Stouffville, Ontario - that's in Canada, eh. When she isn't working at her full-time job, Charlotte likes to craft, read, go to movies, and, of course, write. Charlotte hopes to have all of her stories published some day because, as a romance writer, she believes in happy endings!




Speed Round:Favorite movie: Aliens
Favorite book: Gone with the Wind
Last book read: Outlander
Favorite color: red
Stilettos or flip-flops: flip flops
Coffee or tea: nothing hot
E-book or paperback: e-book
Pencil or pen: penFavorite song: Hotel CaliforniaStreak or not: nope!Favorite dessert: anything chocolateChampagne or gin: no alcoholParanormal or Historical: paranormalGinger or Mary Ann: Mary AnnFavorite TV show: How to Get Away with MurderHot or cold: hotPOV: optimistI'd die if I don't have: junk food What could be better than working the dunk tank on a hot summer day with your best friend?
The three of them just got settled as the movie’s opening music began to play. Olivia sat on the blanket, Aidan on one side and Cindy on the other. Her friend sat yoga style, folded up like a denim pretzel, while Olivia reclined, legs out, and leaned back on her arms, aware of Aidan’s body next to hers. Stretched out in similar fashion, his leg and broad shoulders occasionally brushing against her. Especially when he laughed.

She liked it when he laughed, and had trouble concentrating on some parts of the movie. Luckily, she’d seen it before.

“So, you weren’t a little jealous earlier, were you? When you thought I’d been kissing Dakota?” The bright festival lights reflected mischievously in his eyes.

“Uh…” Yes. “No,” answered Olivia, the heat of the truth rushed to her cheeks. She slurped the last remains of her pop. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” he said as the final credits rolled on the giant temporary screen. “Just hoping, I guess.”
Find Charlotte at: Website      Email
Find Strawberry Summer at: Boroughs Pub      Amazon
Wow, Charlotte, summer sounds like fun in your book. What is your favorite summertime activity? 

Under the Princess Crown with Susabelle Kelmer #contemporaryromance #renaisancefaire #MFRWorg

Susabelle Kelmer writes spicy-sweet contemporary romance from the foot of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado.  Her debut novel, Fairest of the Faire, was released in June 2015.
Speed Round:Favorite movie: A Walk in the Clouds
Favorite book: Dictionary
Last book read: Waltzing the Cat
Favorite color: Pink
Stilettos or flip-flops: flip flops!
Coffee or tea: coffee
E-book or paperback: paperback
Pencil or pen: penFavorite song: Chain of LoveStreak or not: nopeFavorite dessert: chocolate ice creamChampagne or gin: ChampagneParanormal or Historical: HistoricalGinger or Mary Ann: Mary AnnFavorite TV show: Cardinal’s BaseballHot or cold: coldPOV: happyI'd die if I don't have: writing

The renaissance faire is filled with characters and romance, but will it end in storybook love?

“Who said anything about a relationship?” he said, standing up so he could tower over her again. “I’m just trying to have a little fun. You know, fun?”
If he’d been an animal, she was sure he’d have had hair raised on the back of his neck, he seemed so angry, and it struck her painfully. She hadn’t wanted to anger him or hurt him. She turned away from him and closed her eyes to tamp down the tears she knew would come if she let them. She crossed her arms over her chest, to hold in the pain. Being tired made her much too vulnerable.“Yes,” she finally said. “I know about fun. Life isn’t always fun, though.”
“Princess.” His voice was soft, tender. “I won’t hurt you. It’s not in my plan.”
Despite herself, she felt the shivers of desire race down from her shoulders, down her arms and legs, and back up to that secret, soft place at her core. She bowed her head and gritted her teeth, hoping for the feeling to go away.“And what is your plan, Gage?”
“It’s a simple plan. I want you to feel good. I want to feel good, too.”
Find Fairest of the Faire at: Susabelle
Find Susabelle Kelmer at: Website   Email

So Susabelle, what interested you in setting a book at a renaissance festival?

Dragon Knight's Axe by Mary Morgan #Review (by Karilyn Bentley) #amreading

I was on a blog tour recently for my newest release and landed on the blog of fellow The Wild Rose Press author Mary Morgan. She was more than happy to have me on talking about my dragons b/c she writes about dragons too. Awesome! Of course I was curious about her dragons, so I bought her most recent release, Dragon Knight's Axe and LOVED it!

This is the third book in the Order of the Dragon Knights but it's not hard at all to pick up and understand what happened in the previous books. Usually when I jump into a series in the middle, I often don't care to go backward and pick up the first several books (yes, I'm weird!), but this book was so good, I've bought the first two books in the series. The book opens in the 1200s where a prologue tells the reader why the Dragon Knights are scattered and need redemption. Dragon Knight Alastair MacKay is punishing himself for a past event by going to sea instead of living on the land, where he can use his Fae-given powers.  On a trading stop, he rescues Fiona O'Quinlan from slave traders, not realizing she is the key to freeing himself from his past.

Fiona lives in the future, in our time, but is sent back in time by a Fenian time traveler to save Alastair from his inner beast. Along the way she discovers some interesting things about herself. Alastair is a difficult to love, but he holds a soft spot for Fiona. I enjoyed watching their story unfold along with the other plot points surrounding them. The writing pulled me in immediately and held my attention throughout the book. I had trouble putting it down to sleep (darn sleep! <g>). The dragon in this series is not what/who I thought it would be, but I loved seeing how the author weaved myths and tales to come up with her dragon. This is more a historical novel than a fantasy one and will appeal to a wide range of readers.

If you like Scottish historicals mixed with a touch of magic, mystery, and fantasy you'll love this story!

Here's the official blurb:
Alastair MacKay, a battled-scarred Dragon Knight flees to the sea to separate himself from his fae-given power connecting him to the land. But it is on land that he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland. It is through Fiona he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and at the same time leading him on a journey to confront his greatest regret and fears.

Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay.

Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity?

BUY LINKS:
Amazon
TWRP
B&N

MARY MORGAN'S WEBSITE

Karilyn Bentley's website

Under the Princess Crown with author Angela Hayes & her new romance, Love's Battle #contemporaryromance #MFRWorg #RLFblog

Please welcome contemporary romance author, Angela Hayes to the Princess Court.  She's a married mother of two who splits her time between bringing characters to life by computer, and yarn to life with needle and hook. You can find her at www.authorangelahayes.blogspot.com where she helps connect readers and the authors they love. Follow her at: www.facebook.com/imahayes, https://twitter.com/imahayes, and www.pinterest.com/imahayes.
Speed Round:Favorite movie: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Favorite book: The Bride by Julie Garwood
Last book read: Shadows and Lace by Teresa Medeiros
Favorite color: Hot Pink
Stilettos or flip-flops: Flip flops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
E-book or paperback: Paperback
Pencil or pen: PenFavorite song: How long will I love you- Ellie GouldingStreak or not: SteakFavorite dessert: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut CookiesChampagne or gin: I’ve never had either.Paranormal or Historical: ParanormalGinger or Mary Ann: Mary AnnFavorite TV show: BonesHot or cold: HotPOV: 1st personI'd die if I don't have: Deodorant



 “If love isn’t worth fighting for, what is?”

            “That was close,” I breathed when we were outside, an entire building between myself and the best man.            “It’s about to get even closer.” Faith smiled, making me instantly wary. I knew what was coming. She’d seen it. They both had.            “What do you mean?” I asked, playing dumb.            “Look at him again, and you tell us,” Hope challenged.            Dutifully I opened the door. Keeping to the shadows, I stepped inside, just enough to get another look at Danton DeAngelo. There he was laughing with his friends, what a beautiful sight. Male perfection bathed in the same powder blue light that all souls gave off when they were destined to be together. Blowing out a breath, I closed the door and faced my sisters.            “He’s blue.”            “He’s not the only one, honey.” Hope smiled, holding out a compact mirror she had pulled from her purse.            Snatching it from her, I peered into the reflecting glass. There was my image, the one I’d spent twenty five years looking at, the one I saw mirrored in the face of my sisters. Except, unlike yesterday, I could now see a telltale blue glow around my face. Faint at first but growing stronger with every second. Closing the compact I could see the glow encompassing my hands. I looked down and around. Like a bad rash, it was all over me.            “I’m blue!” I declared, pointing out the obvious.            “True blue, true love. YOU are the future Mrs.Danton DeAngelo.” Hope gloated taking her compact back.            “Ah damn!” I whined.
Find Angela at: Blogsite
Find Love's Battle at:   Amazon    The Wild Rose Press
Connect with Angela at: Email

@sloanebcollins What Makes a Hero Tick? #PlottingPrincesses #amwriting #AlphaHeroes #Supernatural #JensenAckles #JaredPadalecki #MFRWorg

I love reading books with Alpha heroes.  It’s much easier for me to write about female characters, and how they think, than to write male characters.  I’ve started watching TV shows more carefully in the hopes of figuring out how to best write men that SHOW what’s going on with them, what they are thinking, how they act, rather than TELL. 
I’ve come about 10 years late to the Supernatural phenomenon, and now I’m hooked (and I mean HOOKED).  Having loved Jared Padalecki's character on Gilmore Girls, Sammy immediately became my favorite.  But the more I’ve been watching the reruns, the more I see the internal angst that Dean (Jensen Ackles) has. I’m fascinated by their relationship on screen, and completely charmed that they are best friends in real life.
I started watching the reruns from 2009 a couple months ago, but am now watching the first season, and it's interesting to see how the characters have grown over the years.  So here's my take on it.

Sammy seems to be the gentler of the two brothers, always trying to keep the peace and smooth things over.  He's never had the relationship with his father that Dean has, and I wonder if he feels his dad blamed him for his mother's death.  Sam wanted to have a normal life - he went off to college and was going to law school, then tragedy struck, and he was pulled back into the Hunter world. I think he's guided by his feelings, while Dean stuffs his emotions away, doesn't want to deal with the messiness of relationships.

Dean tows the line, does what their dad tells him to, which frustrates Sam.  Dean is out to do a job, and that's it.  But over time, Dean gets slammed by life, and the people he counts on and loves the most have let him down.  In later shows, the writers portray Dean as feeling things on a much deeper level when it comes to relationships.  One after the other, the people in his life have let him down, from his father, to Castiel and his betrayal, to Sam upon his return from Hell.

They both keep getting knocked down and let down, yet somehow continue on as big, bad, successful, kick-butt Hunters, all the while burying their emotions. Both SHOW us in every episode how they feel, rather than TELL.  I've really learned a great deal studying the relationship these brothers have, and how it's grown over the last ten years of the show.  And it's awesome how many times they have put each other first over the "greater good".  I think that's what I love the most about the show.  The powers-that-be could not have picked better actors to portray Sam & Dean, and now I'm just crazy about both of them.  
So now to translate all I’ve learned watching these actors turn a writer’s words into so much depth and feeling into my own heroes.
What about you? If you’re an author, have you learned anything from particular shows that you use in your own writing?  As readers, do you have favorite heroes on TV, and what appeals to you about them?

(All pictures borrowed from multiple websites)