Writing Heroes with Bite

I'm in the final edits on my book about Vampire Max.  I also have two stories in the wings, and another book that's entirely different.  I need to write faster, because my characters are getting antsy and well, they bite.

How do you translate that to a book?  When writing about supernaturals that have a dangerous edge, I've discovered it's best to show them in a tranquil or vulnerable  moment to make that dark side more dramatic.   An example would be to have a very tormented but strong hero dance with the woman of his dreams, holding her ever so gently. She's so important to him; he doesn't want to hurt her human body.   Of course, when the villain goes after his lady love, we get to see the fierce side of the  hero.

A classic example of showing  both sides of a hero has been done in war novels, where the hero is a death defying solider leading the charge.  Later he looks with love at his wife who is  tending his wounds.  Show him strong.  Then show him vulnerable needing the heroine.

When the hero is supernatural you have the classic bits you can use, but there's also room for creativity.   Supernatural heroes appear indestructible.  There has to be something that can get your hero. Your heroine has to have some kind of affect on him to get past his defenses.  Use touch.  Use taste.  Use color.  Take risks.  Use fang and claw to be tender and to be tough.  Timing is everything, when writing characters with bite.  A time for war.  A time for love.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Characters, Helping Other Writers, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires, Writing Topics