A Collection of Heroes. . . or Villains

by Elva Cobb Martin

Do you collect photos of possible heroes and/or villains?  I decided to share my file with you today. I don't know the names of some of these, but something about them inspires my imagination. What makes up a hero or a villain to you, historical or contemporary? Do any of these inspire your creativity? I chose one of these as my current pirate hero. Can you guess which one?

The one and only Colin Firth. What's not to like about this guy?

George Knightly, the perfect gentleman in Emma.

And here's a plethora of photos to stir your creativity.

And here are some famous ones from times past, starting with Rhett Butler!

What at team!

Eoin Mackey

Hope you've enjoyed my hero/villain file today. Send me your fave photo to add to my file!

Elva Cobb Martin

Heroes to Die For

Doesn't everyone love a real hero? Of course, I live with my favorite hero, my hubby of quite a few years. Then there's our law officer son we put in the same category and a little grandson who may very well fit the bill one day as well. 

As an inspirational romance writer I love to find pictures of possible heroes to consider as I create a novel.  Here are a few of my favorite hero photos, past and present, some of which show a likely heroine as well. Which one(s) strike a creative cord in your writer's heart?

       Here's David Thompson looking ready for any kind of contemporary story about a savvy, determined lawyer maybe.

What's not to like about Tyrone Power--in any role--but especially as a pirate?

Would you vote for Colin Firth and his roles in Jane Austen novels? 

Philip Winchester is this hero's name, I think. Wonder what kind of gun he's holding? Hope he doesn't pull that trigger or he will surely break a lot of hearts.

Eddie Matos has a deep, deep look that          

makes one want to know more of his story! Whatever

it is, I think it will include some pain, and maybe revenge.

Of course Tim Tebow is a modern hero in every sense of the word.....                                                

Here is the picture I've chosen for my next hero, the son of my current pirate hero. Can you guess his name?

There is a lot more to a hero than a photo. In my next post I want to explore some of the characteristics I like in a hero. How would you make this list for a hero? Is there a different list for heroes in inspirational novels than in secular novels? You bet there is. Thanks for stopping by and I'd love to have your take on my "heroes." Is one your favorite?

Elva Cobb Martin

Creating a hero tips

In a recent post Mary Lu Tyndale shared some great tips on creating a hero. Here
they are:
1) Pray and decide on a theme for the book, some moral lesson you want to express through the story. Make it a great take away--forgiveness, redemption, destiny, loving others, humility.
2) Choose a personality for your hero. You can use the many personality charts
available.
3) Give him a backstory. Write his history. Interview him.
4) Create a character arc and a spiritual arc for him. How does he grow? What does he learn? How do you get him from A to B?
5) Look for a picture of the man you've created and keep it close by as you write.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and a great time creating a hero!
Elva Martin