Hero Speak

I was reading a book the other day written by an author known for her "male" voices. It was the first thing I'd read by her in a long time, and I was struck by how real her male characters sounded -- a little too real, in fact. If I want to hear guys being rude and crass, all I have to do is listen to Robert and the kiddo. I want my book guys to be a little more civilized -- real men on their best behavior, if you will.

Anyway, after setting this book aside for a computer break, I came across an excerpt of a book online in which the hero, honest to God, says to himself, "Boohoo. Cry me a river."

I hooted. Oh, yeah, that's manly talk. I tried to recall whether I'd ever heard Robert or the kiddo use those words, and the answer was a resounding no. If any of our RWI members had their heroes saying that, she would have gotten a quick "Girly talk!" from all of us. Too much touchy-feely, too much wimpiness, too much girliness -- nothing weakens a hero quicker.

Boohoo Man lost me immediately. If I'd been reading the book, I would have tossed it on the table to return to the store. No way he could recover hero status with me after that. Men characters don't have to be vulgar -- I've read some great heroes who rarely curse and are usually polite, the epitome of a gentleman -- but they do have to "feel" and think like men. Boohoo Man just didn't make the cut.

Let me get back to the real-men story. At least I have no doubts about their masculinity. Rachel9:05 AM