Saturday, February 20, 2010

Reluctant Hero

By Bronwyn Green

When Lisabet asked me if I’d be interested in being a guest blogger on The Grip, I said of course. Then I started thinking about the topic and panicked. How on earth do you pick a favorite character? It’s almost like asking me which of my sons I love most. Almost. While I could never answer the child question, I discovered that I can address the character question.

After giving the topic a lot of thought, I’ve finally settled on Micah Bleddyn, Overlord of Maelgwn—and the hero of my erotic romance, Overlord’s Vessel. Micah is special to me for several reasons—many involving being my first. He was my first attempt at writing an alpha hero. He was the hero in my first ever erotic romance. And he was the hero in the first story I ever sold, but he’s got more going for him than that.

Of course, he’s attractive, intelligent, strong and passionate. After all, this is a romance novel. However, he’s not what I’d consider the typical gung-ho hero type. Micah is what I refer to as a reluctant hero. This is a guy who’s content with his lot in life. He’s not looking for power or glory, he has no desire to rule the kingdom. He’s comfortable in his position as a warrior, and the second son of the Overlord. He’s worked hard to get where he is, and other than defending the kingdom from invading forces, he’s got no real plans. . .until everything goes to hell.

After the death of his father and the disappearance of his brother, the heir, Micah is thrust into the role of Overlord, ruler of the Kingdom of Maelgwn. Used to seeing to the welfare of his troops, he’s now responsible for the entire realm. In addition, he’s now expected to provide the country with an heir of his own. He’s gone from having his fair share of responsibility to all the responsibility virtually overnight. He’s also got some emotional scars and hidden angst because I just can’t seem to write a story that’s free of emotional baggage. Now, I’m not talking complete monogrammed sets of emotional baggage—just a carry-on or two.

In a lot of ways, this was a character that pretty much wrote itself, so watching his evolution from reluctant hero to actual hero was a joy to witness. Also, the man is adventurous and brilliant in bed—who doesn’t enjoy that?

Despite the fact that he’s thrust into a situation he wants no part of, he rises to the occasion and meets the challenge. He discovers that he’s capable of not only doing what’s expected of him, but strong enough to make necessary changes for the good of his people. He also eventually allows himself to be vulnerable to experience love. Protectiveness comes naturally to him—emotional honesty doesn’t, so his experience with actual love, is something of a shock to him.

I won’t spoil the story, but the heroine, who’s another one my favorite characters, is a catalyst for his personal growth. Because of his developing feelings, he takes emotional risks he’s never before considered. He allows himself to be vulnerable to her and in saving her, he allows himself to be to be saved. It’s not weakness, but strength that allows him to expose the hidden parts of himself to her and in doing so, he becomes whole, and also my favorite hero.




BIO: Bronwyn lives in Michigan with her wonderful husband, two amazing sons and six somewhat-psychotic cats. When not tormenting her characters, she can usually be found helping with reading and writing projects in her sons' classrooms as well as being the car pool mom extraordinaire. Besides writing, she also enjoys reading, knitting, sewing, cross stitching, pottery, drawing—basically anything that helps her avoid cleaning and cooking.



Get your own copy of Overload's Vessel here.


Visit Bronwyn online at http://www.bronwyngreen.com/ and http://www.bronwyngreenblog.blogspot.com/ .

20 comments:

  1. I think OV was my first Bronwyn book. LOVE her work!

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  2. One of my very favorite books of all time. Love, Love, Love OV. And Michah. And ASHER.

    Sorry. I mean, I just LOVE Micah. And I love Bronwyn.

    XoXoXo
    Dakota

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  3. and ASHER indeed. Hurry up with Asher's story, will ya?

    I love me some Micah. I think you know this is one of my favorite BG books though there are so many to choose from. :)

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  4. Well, I think I'd have to agree (Asher Asher Asher) that this is my favorite hero of yours too (Asher Asher Asher). But I do hope that the sequel comes along (Asher Asher Asher) soon because there's this guy in there (Asher Asher Asher) who's name escapes me (Asher Asher Asher) with whom I'd really like to get reacquainted.
    ~~Brynn

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  5. @ Molly - Thank you so much, Moll!

    @ Dakota - I love you too, D! I'm so glad you love Asher too...I mean, Micah.

    @ Mia - I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying...but first I'm trying to get that ghost out of the way.

    @ Brynn - I get the feeling that you're trying to tell me something...I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

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  6. Ack! I just realized that I suck and apparently have no discernible manners!

    Thank you so much to Lisabet for inviting me to be part of The Grip today and thank you to all of you for having me!

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  7. BRonwyn,

    It was an absolute pleasure reading your blog today and a delight meeting Micah.

    Thanks for joining us here at the grip :-)

    Ash

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  8. I love to read about reluctant heroes. It shows that their ego is tempered by reality and caution...but that they are up to any battle that heads their way.

    Willingness to protect what is theirs and who they love is a must.

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  9. Bron,

    I love reluctant alpha heroes! I definitely need to check Micah out--and found out about Asher, was it?;-)

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  10. @ Ashley - Thank you so much, it's been wonderful being a guest here. :)

    @ Fran - I agree whole-heartedly!

    @ Paris - Wait, Asher? I think that name sounds familiar for some reason...

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  11. Micah sounds like my kind of hero. I'll have to read his story SOON. He's also way cute.

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  12. Hey Bron, I've been waiting for your post since I first saw you on the calendar...so for-ever! :) Love me some Micah too, but then again, I love all your guys. ;) I do like the hero-if-I-must-be theme, and you did it perfectly here.

    Thanks for coming on, love. Next time I'LL have to snag you as a guest for one of my topics. :)

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  13. Hi Bronwyn!

    Welcome to our blog. Your hero sounds complex and interesting. And I like the fact that he has to grow into his situation along with the woman he chooses.

    Garce
    wondering what the Cell Block Tango sounds like

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  14. Hello, Bron,

    Chiming in late due to my weird timezone with a very hearty welcome to the Grip.

    I loved your post and especially the picture.

    You've obviously got an enthusiastic following...congratulations!

    Hugs,
    Lisabet

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  15. @ Ashley - I hope you enjoy Micah's story, and thanks for stopping by! :)

    @ Devon - Dev-honey!! Thank you so much and I would love to be snagged by you! :D

    @ Garce - Thanks so much - I love the idea of characters growing into their relationships and stories.

    And because you've not heard The Cell Block Tango, let me share. I've been known to sing the chorus around the house when my husband and sons are irritating me - lol. It's one of my favorite musical numbers ever. After reading your post, I think you'll enjoy it. ;)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOImN4Ayesw

    @ Lisabet - Thank you again for inviting me, this has been a blast! Le sigh...I love that picture, too. In fact, that's the one that sparked the story idea in the first place. Hugs back at'cha. :)

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  16. Yum, Micah sounds like a dream man! I have to get to learn more about him and by me Overlord's Vessel :)

    (Coincidentally Lisa's Hallelujah is playing in the background at this moment :D)

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  17. Thanks so much, Janna!!!

    BTW, much of this book was written with the Rufus Wainwright version of Hallelujah on repeat - lol. I think my husband was about ready to destroy that cd by the time the book was done! :D

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  18. Lol, funny husband :)
    For me that's another reason to buy this book!

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  19. I absolutely love a reluctant hero- especially when they're as reluctant as Mal from Firefly and Indiana Jones.

    Hot, take charge, but not massive bigheads, always having something to prove like a jerk.

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  20. Le Sigh...love me some Mal and Indy...and Han Solo, too.

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