Will the Real Main Character….?
by Grace Burrowes“Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal” was in some ways the most challenging book I’ve written. When my editor, Deb Werksman, began reading my manuscripts, she told me I was a hero-centric author, and that struck me as a Truth. My focus, in the stories she read, was most closely and accurately on the hero. Who wouldn’t be focused on swains who defeat all odds to win their one and only true loves?
A trilogy of brother stories resulted—The Heir, The Soldier, and The Virtuoso, featuring Gayle
Author Grace Burrowes
Windham, Valentine Windham, and their older half brother, Devlin St. Just, all three sons of Percival Windham, Duke of Moreland. Those books were great fun to write and well received, but then my publisher thought it might be a good idea if I wrote a Christmas story.
Huh? A Christmas story? A Regency Christmas story with plum pudding and no room at the inn? That kind of Christmas story?
I hadn’t any heroes whispering in my ear about how they’d like be caught sliding down my lady’s chimney, but Their Graces, the duke and duchess of Moreland, did have five daughters. So… as I brainstormed with my editor about the book that would become “Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish,” somebody suggested using a Windham daughter.
My first reaction was: ARGH. If the book was Sophie’s story, then hero-centric wasn’t going to be such a good fit. What’s a tadpole author to do?
The story worked itself out, with Lady Sophie finding herself responsible for a baby, but having no idea how to care for one. Enter Our Hero, Wilhelm Charpentier, Baron Sindal, and again, much fun resulted.
Maybe a little too much fun, because the idea of writing the other four sisters’ stories began calling to me. In many romances I’ve read, fine books and well worth the read, the heroines didn’t interest me. They were foils, love interests, or otherwise second-rate leading characters, somehow not quite of the same stature as the hero.
If I was to continue on the trajectory launched by Lady Sophie, then my heroines had to be made of stern stuff. They had to have arcs, issues, and challenges above and beyond waiting for the hero to wake up and smell the Darjeeling.
I agreed to attempt a second Windham sisters’ book, focusing on Maggie, because the dear lady had already turned thirty, and hope for her happily ever after was fading fast. Maggie is smart, determined, brave and so tired of coping with her troubles all alone, that when Benjamin Hazlit realizes he’s dealing with a damsel in distress, he has to be just as smart and determined, and even more brave.
What I learned from Maggie’s book is that the best stories aren’t particularly hero-centric or heroine-centric. The best romances (for me) put the relationship between hero and heroine in the role of protagonist, and it’s the evolving relationship that makes the story sink or soar.
Or is it? What do you think drives a truly fine romance novel?
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Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal by Grace Burrowes
Second book in The Duke’s Daughters sub-series
Book 5 of the Windham series
Published May 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks
Maggie Windham, oldest of the Windham sisters and a by-blow from His Grace’s pre-marital wild oats, finds herself in desperate needs of an investigator to help her retrieve a missing reticule. Benjamin Hazlit knows the Windham family secrets, and can be trusted to keep them to himself, so Maggie turns to Benjamin, though it means ignoring his too-broad shoulders, his too-knowing smile… and his too-skilled kisses.
As Benjamin starts the search for Maggie’s missing purse, he realizes two things: First, whatever was in that purse, its loss has Maggie not just rattled, but terrified. Second, Benjamin will go to any lengths to see Maggie’s peace of mind restored, even if it means he must keep himself in very close proximity to the shy, secretive lady who says she wants nothing to do with him.
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INT – Ends MAY 8th
Grace will be kindly giving away THREE Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal signed copies here at the blog to randomly drawn commenters! Please leave her a comment, answer her question or ask her anything to enter! You don’t need to leave your email in the comment =)
UPDATE:
You can get the Duke’s Obsession Bundle on amazon, that includes: The Heir, The Soldier, and The Virtuoso by Grace Burrowes on kindle for only $3.82! Now is the perfect chance to catch up!
46 comments
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Belinda
May 1, 2012 at 1:04 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Hello, I recently read the first book in the series, The Heir. I absolutely fell in love with the hero because he’s so romantic, really, he’s not a jerk who commands women around. I think he is very romantic and a gentleman. I also liked the heroine because she was strong, she had a sister with her own story and there were other brothers who were very appealing themselves
Thanks a lot for that book. I plan to read the rest.
What drives a romance novel? I think it’s fighting against the odds, be they our inner fears or external forces, and in the end being able to find that loved one you can trust and cherish no matter what.
Thank you
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 3:01 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I agree that an impossible struggle makes the pages turn–or two impossible struggles, if an author is ambitious and her characters will cooperate with her. Thanks for stopping by Belinda, and I hope you do enjoy the rest of the series. The first three books can be downloaded as an e-bundle, The Duke’s Obsession, which as of last night, Amazon had priced at $3.82. Might just have to get me a Kindle app!
May
May 1, 2012 at 1:12 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I love reading about complex and more mature heroines. Much more interesing than a naive ingenue.
Can’t wait to read this book!
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 3:02 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Speaking as complex and mature heroine myself, thanks! Complex and mature heroes are always welcome too!
Diane Diamond
May 1, 2012 at 1:17 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I’m honored to say that I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Grace’s books, except for “Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal”, which sounds like another delicious and entertaining read. I have to say that I loved the excerpt and that I also love the cover art and colors.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 3:05 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Diane, thanks, and thanks as well for mentioning the cover. Romantic Times has included Maggie in their Cover Of the Month contest, and just in case anybody happens to be in a voting mood, the link is here: http://bit.ly/IEXCpW
Polly
May 1, 2012 at 2:21 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Read and loved the book when it was offered as a ebook through Sourcebooks Discover a New Love bookclub. Now in keeping with my Grace Burrowes tradition, I have to go get the paperback for my REAL book. Love the heros, and the heroines, and can’t wait for the rest of the stories.
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 3:09 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Polly, thanks much, and you ALSO have to choose your free download from Discover a New Love for May. Then too, because the book club copies are free of data rights management software, you can lend your e-copy to a friend (though please, not to a pirate!).
Remember, if you send me an SASE, I can send you signed bookplates for all those “real” books. For the ebooks, at least from Amazon, I can kindle-graph them.
Adria
May 1, 2012 at 4:17 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Hi Grace! I’m so excited to begin reading your books, I’ve got the first one and I’ll be start that one tonight.
To answer your question, I think what drives a great romance novel is the characters. Can the audience relate to them? Are they likeable? If they’re scandalous characters, can they redeem themselves not just in the book but in the eyes of the reader? I’ve read books where the storyline is great but I just couldn’t relate/didn’t like the characters, they fell flat and that’s what turned me off of that particular book.
I need characters to jump off the page at me and demand my attention!
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 5:09 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Adria, I agree entirely. The Da Vinci code was a great book, full of innovation and cleverness, but I could barely finish it. The character didn’t work for me, end of… story.
Shannon
May 1, 2012 at 4:22 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Oh, interesting… I agree that the relationship of the H/h can be the draw for me to the romance. I love watching the growth of a relationship, as if the relationship is a third main character. I have this one on my TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 5:11 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Shannon, I conclude the relationship is the main character in part from having gone to a lot of workshops on plotting where the presenter viewed it otherwise. The heroine was the protagonist, or the hero, but never both. I tried to fit the rubric onto the books I love most, and it just did not work. What would Hawkhurst be without Justine? Justine without her Adrian?
catslady
May 1, 2012 at 5:03 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I definitely have to care about the characters and then the author can almost take me anywhere. There is no plot that saves a book for me if I just don’t know and care about the characters. I like complex and mature too
As to the order of the books – what would be the best?
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 5:12 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Catslady, thanks for stopping by: Order as follows:
Heir, Soldier, Virtuoso, Sophie, Maggie… though other people have started in the middle not objected.
catslady
May 1, 2012 at 5:03 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I definitely have to care about the characters and then the author can almost take me anywhere. There is no plot that saves a book for me if I just don’t know and care about the characters. I like complex and mature too
As to the order of the books – what would be the best?
Sue P.
May 1, 2012 at 5:31 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
The best romances for me are those where the hero and heroine are at odds with each other. Whether they misunderstood something about the other at first meeting, or they have formed conclusions about each other that are totally wrong. Where there is good banter with sarcastic snipes that are indeed hiding the fact of an instantanious attraction to each other. Probably next best is the best friend falling for the little sister. If the characters have depth and are believable, the rest almost doesn’t matter! Almost.
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 7:38 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Sue, we seem to be building a consensus here that characters are what drive a romance. I wonder if the thriller authors would say the same thing about their genre. I’m thinking, probably yes, particularly when I read that the next Bond movie is supposed to delve into the demons haunting the super-agent… ’bout time.
Mary Doherty
May 1, 2012 at 5:46 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
The very first book I ever read of Grace Burrowes was The Soldier. It was on sale, so I thought it won’t hurt to try it. I LOVED IT!!! I told my niece about it and she loved it too. Now you are on of my top favorite authors. For me, a good romance novel needs to have an emotionally wounded hero. Not that I don’t enjoy any other kind of romance book, but that is my favorite. I think when you have a wounded hero in the story it just sucks you into the book. You so want him to be healed. I would so love to win you book Grace. LOL
Grace Burrowes
May 1, 2012 at 7:41 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Mary, The Soldier is my fave of the brother’s books, and yet, it’s the one that got the least attention. I cannot figure this out, because if I had to pick a Windham brother to marry, it would be St. Just, maybe because he already has the whole kid thing figured out, maybe because he makes a mean apple tart.
Catherine
May 1, 2012 at 9:09 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
The chemistry and romance between the characters is what drives the story for me. Even if it’s a great hero (or spunky heroine), if the passion and chemistry aren’t there in the romance, I’ll put the book aside.
Yadira A.
May 1, 2012 at 10:10 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I completely agree with you Grace! The best romance stories to me are all about the relationship and puts it in the driver seat.
yadkny@hotmail.com
gamistress66
May 1, 2012 at 11:32 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I think you put it well, it’s the relationship btwn the h/h that makes the romance story at the heart of it. if it doesn’t work, for what ever reason, then the story won’t work either.
Robin D
May 2, 2012 at 12:37 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I love it when the hero draws me in, and when I love how he and the heroine act together.
Amy Conley
May 2, 2012 at 1:14 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
As far as the original question goes, I think the story is the most important thing. If the story is good, the characters will be also. Although, there are some characters which stand out more than others
Of course, those stories also stand out more than others. I’m reading a really good series right now and there is a secondary character who happens to be pure meaness (I don’t like to use the word evil, although…) and she is strangely interesting. I’d love to know WHY she is so evil. Was it because she was taught that was ok? Is there something wrong with her was she hurt at some time which makes her feel like she has to get back at the world? See, she’s caught my attention.
Linda
May 2, 2012 at 1:56 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Hi Grace! I absolutely adored The Heir & bought every other of your books as soon as they were available for pre-order at my fav online bookstore.
I’m looking forward to reading this one! Winning a copy would be awesome *fingers crossed*
reading mind
May 2, 2012 at 7:38 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I think that the setting, believable protagonists and secondary characters are important. also, a good chemestry!
aliasgirl at libero dot it
Maureen
May 2, 2012 at 7:43 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
My favorite romances have strong heroes and heroines and a plot that makes me excited to find what comes next.
CasandraG
May 2, 2012 at 9:39 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
The writing style of the author and the strenght of the two main characters, that are meant to be.Nice interview, definetely one for my TBR list
StacieD
May 2, 2012 at 10:05 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
For me, a truly great romance has a lot of suspense. Throw conflict and obstacles in the way of the couple. Have a great villain threatening their future. That always keeps me glued to the page. Thank you for the giveaway!
Geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com
Monica
May 2, 2012 at 10:37 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I agree with you, Grace, that the evolving relationship between the hero and heroine is what makes a great or not so great romance novel.
I have read The Heir and enjoyed it very much. I’m glad I read this post because I was reminded that there are more books by you that I have yet to read. I’ve been missing out and I have to get caught up!
mcv111 at hotmail dot com
Leanna Morris
May 2, 2012 at 10:58 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
A great romance novel has to have…of course romance…in it’s many different forms…subtle, unspoken, obvious, etc…and a good relationship between a male and female character. Without that, it would be “just a novel”. Some good romance books don’t reveal the true relationship til toward the ending of the book, but subtly build the relationship. Involvement of family members, friends, suspense, is always a positive in a good read as well.
lgm52 at hotmail dot com
sienny
May 2, 2012 at 10:59 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Hi grace!
I agree with you, the most important thing from a romance book is the relationship between the hero and heroine. Since we already know how it’ll end, HEA obviously, the road to it is the soul of the story.
Lynne
May 2, 2012 at 11:21 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I have read the trilogies about the brothers and loved them! I agree that the relationship between the characters is what I enjoy when reading the romance – how they interact with each other – how they travel through all the emotions to end up in that happy place called love! It is the slowly building romance that I truly love.
fingershankins@yahoo.com
Joanne B
May 2, 2012 at 1:04 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I love this series. I think the relationships between all the characters. Fear ,fighting, love, betrayal. They all play a part in driving a romance novel. This book sounds amazing. Can’t wait to read it and add it to my collection of all Grace’s other books in the series. Thanks for the giveaway.
Filia Oktarina
May 2, 2012 at 2:13 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I think i will love this series. I love reading about complex and more mature heroines, I don’t like naive heroines. I love when the relationship about hero and heroine was funny and have fighting scene. I can’t wait to read this series. Thanks for giveaway!!
Lauren
May 2, 2012 at 2:49 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I think it’s the passion that drives a romance novel. There can be love, but sometimes love is not enough to keep a book going. I want to know that they cannot live without each other and want to be with each other. I like adult romances. Not erotic so much as just romances aimed at adults and not teens.
Trudy
May 2, 2012 at 7:56 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I think that its the atmosphere, the passion, the hero. Just everything that falls into place. Something that keeps me from not wanting to put the book down
Tin
May 2, 2012 at 7:59 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
This was an insightful read –
(No need to enter me in the contest.)
I’m actually still trying to answer that question: with each book that I read, I wonder what made it work — and the answer seems to change each time.
I love characters that are interesting — but they can only go so far without a great story. I love stories with a unique concept — but if action and dialogue aren’t up to par, then the concept doesn’t really work.
I guess it has to be a balance of all the elements. ^_^
Am a big fan of Grace Burrowes — I started with The Heir just knowing it was a debut and have read (and loved) all the Wyndhams ever since. ^_^
Diane Sallans
May 2, 2012 at 10:37 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I really enjoyed reading how you evolved these stories & changed your character focus. I would imagine that could be very satisfying to change up your perspective.
bn100
May 3, 2012 at 3:28 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Very nice post. I think it’s based on the relationship between the main characters and how it develops throughout the book.
June M.
May 3, 2012 at 3:40 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I agree that the relationship between the characters is what makes a romance novel so great. If one of the characters takes over the story, it doesn’t usually work well for me. I love a great story with both a wonderful hero and heroine, when one is dull, uninteresting, etc I quickly lose all interest in the story.
Congrats on the release. I can’t wait to read it!
Mary Preston
May 3, 2012 at 9:53 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
A romance novel works best when both the hero & heroine have strong personalities. I want sparks to fly.
erinf1
May 4, 2012 at 11:45 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Thanks for the lovely post! Wow… I didn’t even think of that! All the romances that I have truly liked have had the romance as the “central” character and not necessarily focusing on the couple. Slightly weird distinction if you think about it, but the ultimate goal is for the romance to flourish and along with that flows the character growth of the couple. Cool, once you think about it
I have read all the “guy” books and I loved them!!! Definitely looking forward to starting on the ladies
Lexi
May 5, 2012 at 5:31 AM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
A point well made. But I am with you, the evolving relationship and what is going on around that relationship is huge. If you don’t have other things happening the storly line can fall flat. I need to check out your backlist!!
Debi Anne
May 5, 2012 at 10:12 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
For me it’s the sentiment in actions versus any obvious antagonism or obstacles in the developing relationships that keeps me involved.
LaNan
May 6, 2012 at 9:53 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I love series that have a story about different family members. They tell you more about the characters. This is a must-read series for me.