Shannon here: Joi Copeland shares how she creates loveable heroes. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy of her latest Historical Western Romance, A Bride for Crock. Deadline: Aug 6th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Joi:
The writing process is always interesting for me. How do I create characters who are flawed, yet amazing? Where am I going to find my inspiration for each of my heroes? I always say I am not that imaginative, which is slightly amusing since I write for a living, and I have over twenty-five books on Amazon. So, when it comes to creating real-life characters, I realized I didn’t have to look very far.
I adore my husband. Chris is not only the sexiest man alive, but he is my best friend, my confidante, my lover. He makes me laugh on a daily basis. His silly antics keep me on my toes, and his love for the Lord draws me deeper into my own love for Him.
When I sit down to write a new book, I’m instantly drawn to my husband. Chris has so many different facets to his personality, I have plenty to choose from when I begin a new story.
Let’s start with his looks. My handsome hubby has a beard. If you read any of my books, you’ll find I definitely favor a beard! Very few of my main male characters don’t have one. As I sit down to write my hero’s physical attributes, all I can see is my guy, with his beard. And he looks good!
I honestly struggle to write my hero without a beard. It doesn’t seem right, somehow. And the humorous thing is, I never wanted to date or marry a man who had a beard. I always felt he ought to be clean-shaven. My husband has changed that since the day we started dating. I’m not attracted to any man who has a beard. Nope. Only my guy.
Chris isn’t too tall, just over five foot ten, and perfect for my five foot eight and a half height. His brown hair is now turning gray, as well as his beard. His broad shoulders are strong enough to carry my burdens, as well as my boys’.
My guy’s personality is fantastic, as well. He is very discerning. More often than not, he’s right about situations, which tends to drive this overly optimistic person crazy. Yet, I’m thankful he is down to earth. He understands my boys, and he strives to see different perspectives.
Romance is a daily thing for Chris. But not the over-the-top romance that I needed when I was younger. The romance I truly enjoy is the thoughtful kind. Drawing me a bath (which is no easy feat in our home in Ireland. Chris has to boil water, carry the three huge pans upstairs and pour in into our tub while running water at the same time. It’s like we’re living in the 1800s sometimes!). It’s putting the dishes away in the dishwasher when I’m not feeling well but doing it quietly, so I don’t run downstairs to help. It’s telling me I’m beautiful, holding me when my heart is hurting, and praying for me right then and there when I need it. Being romantic to me is about the small things. Preparing my toothbrush in the morning when he gets ready, letting me have a sip of his soda, and letting me put my legs up on his chair are just a few examples.
Because Chris is so complex, my main characters can be, too. I don’t make them have the same faults as Chris, but the good points of my husband, my heroes emulate for sure. Whether it be his sense of humor, his love for the Lord, how great a dad he is, or how romantic he is, my characters fall in line with Chris.
So, you see, I don’t have to look far to write about my heroes. I have one living with me. 😊 I’m very glad, too!
Question for Readers: I mentioned I now live in Ireland. Where in the world would you like to visit if money was no object and why?
Joi’s Website Joi’s Newsletter Joi’s Facebook
Joi’s Instagram Joi’s Bookbub Joi’s Goodreads
About the book – A Bride for Crock:
He craves order.
She longs for spontaneity.
Crock Harden watched both his brothers accept their parents’ inheritance early, start their own business, and find women to wed by placing advertisements for mail order brides by proxy. They went against what society claimed as normal and found happiness.
Since his parents gave him the ranch to run, Crock finds himself yearning for a partner to share in his burden, to take care of the home, and hopefully one day, raise a family. Since Silver Springs has grown, so has the women population, but none turn Crock’s head. Finally after deciding to place an ad for a bride by proxy, his daily structure changes, forcing him to make some hard decisions.
Everything has a place, and everything in its place. Tired of the constant phrase her grandmother repeated to her while growing up, Eve Glasgow desires nothing more than to throw off the cloak of order and discipline and be free of the rules that kept her in chains her entire life. When she stumbles upon an advertisement for a mail order bride, she readily accepts.
On the way to meet her husband, a child is thrust upon her. Eve accepts the wee one as her own, hoping her husband feels the same way. But when they meet and he discovers she came with a child, Crock’s world is turned upside down. Is he willing to let go of the order and routine he desires, or can he welcome a wife and a new child into his home, his life, and most importantly, his heart?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Joi’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now! A Bride for Crock Joi’s books
Come back August 2nd for Carolyn Miller!
My family has heard about my desire to go to the ancestral home of the MacLeods, Dunvegan in Scotland so much, they are tired of it! They could just pony up and send me once, and I’d never bother them again, LOL.
Your book sounds really great. Yes, drawing a bath in your situation is a very romantic thing for your hubby to do!
Scotland is on my bucket list, too! I hope you are able to go visit soon!
I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland – of course England and Ireland are right there, so might as well see them, too! My husband has been several times – he was in the Air Force for 22+ years.
Please thank him for his service! And when you get to Ireland, let’s have a cuppa!
would love to visit Ireland to research my family roots!
When you do, we can meet for a cuppa!
I’d love to go back to Ireland, Joi! I’ve been three times–the first in 1993 for about 10, then next in 2000 for six weeks on a home exchange to Galway and Bandon in County Cork, then in 2007 for a 3-week home exchange to Blessington in County Wicklow. Are you in the country or in the city? I’d love to go back to Italy, too, because the food is so delicious. I’m patiently waiting for a trip to Greece at some point! Enjoy your stay in Ireland!
Oh wow! What was your favorite part? We live in County Galway, about 10 minutes outside of Galway City Centre.
We are actually headed to Italy for my husband’s 59th this year!
I have a winner! Rebekah won the drawing. I appreciate Joi for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.