What are some mistakes inexperienced writers make in developing the historical romance heroes in their manuscripts?
Eliza: Typical mistakes are not doing their research from actual, factual sources. A lot of beginning writers will take their knowledge of history from what they’ve seen in movies and on television programs, and let’s face it—those are fiction, adapted to wrap around a story line and script, and cannot be considered as a source. Another mistake is not developing the characters fully. Kelsey: How do you balance writing a hero who is believable for his time period, yet not stereotypical? Eliza: You have to give him a personality, quirks, some defining physical feature, a phrase he uses, and above all else, he MUST overcome his macho ways. It’s all in the character development, making him a real person, not a shell. Stereotypical: Handsome, muscular, alpha male, thinks he’s always right, doesn’t cave. When I think of stereotypical I think of the “bodice rippers” from the days of old historical romance. Today’s historical heroes have so much more depth. Unique: Handsome, muscular, alpha ma
