Even before I was published, I always had tons of stories swirling around in my head. I’ve never really had to worry about trying to find ideas for what to work on next. Yet in almost every book I’ve written, I’ve had someone email asking about a secondary character and when they’re getting their story. Many times I do have a plan for that character, but sometimes it’s a character I don’t expect.
Lately I’ve been asked a lot about a character in my latest release Slow Ride Home who some might call a villain, wanting to know if he’ll be redeemed and get his own story. Without giving away details of which character it is, I didn’t have any plans to give him his own story this time last week, but now I’m starting to wonder. Can you redeem a villain?
For this character yes, because I totally understand why he did what he did. It doesn’t excuse his later behavior, but I think he is redeemable. Of course he’s got a long way to go to redeem himself, or does he? Lots to think about.
Have you ever read a story where a character was a villain in one book and returned to be a hero later?
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Slow Ride Home
Losing his father was hard enough, but now Ben Grady must face the fact that he and his brother may not be sole owners of their beloved ranch. To protect his family’s legacy, he’s forced to rely on the legal prowess of the woman who stars in his erotic fantasies: Allie O’Keefe. Ben’s never forgotten the illicit encounter they shared fifteen years ago—or forgiven himself for letting her go.
Allie thought she’d moved beyond the scandal that cost her Ben in the past. But working so closely with the seductive rancher arouses the wild child within the cautious woman she’s become. Though she tries to keep business and pleasure separate, Allie soon gives in to temptation, and discovers Ben’s sensual skills surpass even her X-rated memories…
Allie has every intention of leaving Bull’s Hollow forever after her investigation is complete. But there are a few complications. Not the least of which is that while saving the ranch, Allie’s lost her heart.
Read an excerpt: http://leahbraemel.com/books/the-grady-legacy/slow-ride-home/slow-ride-home-excerpt/
Or order your copy from Amazon.com B&N or Carina Press
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The only woman in a houseful of men (even the cat and dog are male), Leah Braemel loves hiding away from all the dust bunnies while she writes sexy heroes and heroines finding true love. To read more about Slow Ride Home or any of Leah’s other books, you can visit her website, follow her on Twitter, or on Facebook.
Leah is giving away a $5 AMZN gift certificate. Tell her if you think a villain can turn into a hero… Winner will be drawn on November 23 here on this post.**a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
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12 comments:
Hi, Leah! Thanks for stopping by today!
I love the question about, and possibility of, redeeming a villain! Fun! You should definitely do it ;)
You know, just so you don't run out of things to work on! hahaha!
*snort* Yeah, like that's going to happen. At the speed I write (NOT) I have enough stories backed up that'll it'll take me to the 2020s to catch up.
Yes I do believe a villain could turn into a hero (well depends on how bad a villain he was lol) But it does make for one interesting read and I would love to read something like that! Thanks
amybowens34@yahoo.com
I do believe in redeeming qualities in a former bad boy into a redeeming hero...Always makes excellent reading... Especially if it is written by Leah Braemel.
Absolutely! I love a good redemption story!
Congrats on your newest release Leah.
I do believe a villain can be a hero.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Yes I believe everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves as long as what they did wasn't beyond redemption!
So everyone thinks a villain can be redeemed... Carol, I'm interested in what that "beyond redemption" point is for you?
Leah, I'm amazed how willing readers are to forgive villains - and how much we love for them to become heroes.
I'm with Erin, BTW - time constraints aside, this character of yours needs a book!
Redeeming a villain can definitely be done! It could definitely be a challenge. As for what is the point of beyond redemption...I'm not sure...because even the most awful crimes can be forgiven if the motivation is for the right reasons and the character has remorse and regret.
Kelly -- the motivation was for an understandable reason, and the delay in righting the wrong was "from their POV" though from others' points of view, which is redeemable. I think the challenge will be finding a way to make him realize what was wrong in delaying telling the truth. Oooh shiny! Hmmm...I have too many books to write in the meantime, LOL.
Whoops -- missed coming back and drawing a winner -- thanks to random.org, the winner is Janice Sherrell. Janice, please email me at contest @ leahbraemel DOT com to collect your gift certificate. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone for dropping by.
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