As writers, we often
become emotionally attached to our characters. Who is your favorite hero you’ve
ever written?
Well, that is a hard question. I
really love all the characters I write (even the bad guys) but I’m really
enjoying writing the hero in my current WIP. Donovan is a very flawed man with
lots of issues in his past. We are still figuring out what they all are so he
can redeem himself.
Have you ever fallen
in love with or had a crush on one of your heroes? Tell us about him.
Well, honestly, I wrote Zach in Always & Forever based on the type
of man I’m attracted to. I’d have to say I have a bit of a crush on him.
How do you develop
your heroes? Do you imagine their personality or their physical appearance
first? Do they grow as personalities as you write or do you do a character sketch
before you type the first word?
I like to have my heroes’ major
personality and character traits sketched out before I start writing. Usually,
I start with a secret, what one thing they wish to hide from the world. I build
on that, figuring out what they look like, what their strengths are, and what their
weaknesses are. Then, I flesh everything else out as I write.
I like to give my
heroes a personality quirk, just so they aren’t too perfect. Have you ever written a quirk for one of your heroes and
what was it?
I like my heroes to be a bit
flawed. Zach is arrogant. He doesn’t mean to be, but he was born into money. It
becomes a problem when that clashes with Lilly’s lower-class lifestyle. He does
try to be helpful, but the poor guy doesn’t realize how he comes across
sometimes, and tends to get himself into trouble.
How do you name your
hero?
I find names I like and keep
them on file. Then, when I start a new project, I figure out which name fits
the personality I’ve imagined.
Who is your favorite
hero in books, movies, or television?
Hmmm… funnily enough, I am
totally in love with Eric Northman from Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse
books, but he’s a vampire and not always a nice guy. Since I’m usually
attracted to beta males, it is surprising to me that I’m so impressed with him.
And, if you’ve ever watched True Blood on HBO, based on those books, the actor
playing Eric is very sexy!
Who is your hero in
real life?
So many men to admire. This is
tough. I’d have to say my son. He is so amazing. He’s going to be a police
officer and just left to college.
He is a wonderful, compassionate person. I can’t say enough about that
kid!
Tell us about your
most recent release and where we can find it. Who is the hero and what do you
like about him the most?
Always &
Forever is now available on Nook,
Kindle, and as a paperback through Amazon.
Zach Woodbridge is trying to
have a quiet summer writing his new novel, but his plans are thrown out the
window when he meets his grandmother’s new assistant, Lilly Price. Zach has
been hurt in the past and guards his heart against love, but he can’t deny the attraction
he feels for Lilly. When a man from Lilly’s past returns and makes threats,
Zach must do everything he can to protect the woman he loves. Zach is mostly
beta male, but also has a backbone. I love Zach most because he is a gentleman and strong enough
to make a woman feel safe.
Always & Forever Book Blurb
A suspected murderess flees her former life in search of tranquility, but ghosts she left behind refuse to die, threatening to destroy her happiness.
Lilly Price is desperate to escape public scrutiny once released from her incarceration. She moves to a lakeside community in hopes of remaining anonymous while rebuilding her tattered life.
Widowed Zach Woodbridge is in no hurry to find a new bride. He longs for a peaceful summer, writing at his lakeside cottage. Things change after an introduction to his grandmother’s new assistant, Lilly.
When Lilly’s secrets are revealed, can their fragile relationship weather the storm? And when a man from the past returns to reclaim Lilly, using any force necessary, can she and Zach protect the people they love?
CONTENT WARNING: Violence, mild language, sizzling love scenes.You can find Chantel's book at the following sites:
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/always-forever-chantel-rhondeau/1112557514?ean=2940014900386
Chantel's links:
Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChantelRhondeau
Thank you so much, Denise, for having me here today. This was a really fun interview!
ReplyDeleteDenise and Chantel, nice interview. My heroes are always imperfect, in fact they are more difficult to love than Chantel's, as she can attest.
ReplyDeleteChantel inspired me to try and write a nicer hero. Let's see if I succeed. But even then, I can't help but sneak in negatives.
Oh, Rachelle, Dave turned out lovable :-) Though I am so excited about Lucas in your new WIP!
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