Of course, the books on my keeper shelf are there because of a great plot, a certain writing style, sexy, imperfect heroes, and heroines with a bit of hellfire in their hips. Theses are all components in what makes a book a favorite of mine. Among them, are unforgettable secondary characters. It is the hero's friend and enemies who add depth to his character.
Where would Harry Potter be without Hermione and Ron?
As an author, one of my favorite things to write about are the close relationships my hero or heroine share with their friends. In my first book, Lord Of Desire, the hero's best friend is William of Normandy (before he was king). William was an arrogant, domineering, ruthless...well, bastard. It took a confident, ruthless bastard to earn his respect and friendship. William helped show me the hero's strengths, while Dante, the hero's younger brother, paved his carefree, devilish way to his own book.
In Lord Of Temptation, it was the heroine who was wounded. In her world of servitude, everything was harsh and unforgiving, forcing her to thicken her skin. But it was her dearest friend Casey who brought out her kindness, and who revealed to me (and to the hero )a part of the heroine's heart she kept hidden from her masters.
Without Madoc, Prince Gareth's commander and friend from my third book, Lord Of Seduction, there would have been no story. A detached warrior with dark, brooding good looks and an unknown past, Madoc helped set the course for Cymru's future. And he also caused quite a stir in my mailbox with readers asking for his story.Another great thing about secondary characters is that they also make wonderful heroes.
In my December 2007 release, Laird Of The Mist, the chieftain of the MacGregor clan has a handful of rough, rowdy companions who add fun and camaraderie to the tale. One of them is his first in command, Graham Grant, a gorgeous, golden Highlander whose passion for battle is equaled only to his passion for wenches. Though his heart proves to be even less accessible than the hero's when it comes to women, his loyalty to his laird is unmatched."Tell me what company thou keepst, and I'll tell thee what thou art."- Miguel de Cervantes (1547 - 1616) Spanish novelist.
Do you have any favorite secondary characters who have helped make a book great for you? Tell me about them. I will choose a winner from the replies and send her or him a signed ARC of Laird Of The Mist. Check out my video trailer YouTube - Laird of the Mist book trailer
Good luck!
Paula Quinn
Find out more about my books at PaulaQuinn.com.
You can also visit me on http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/paulaquinn
Or come say hello on my message board at http://p201.ezboard.com/bpaulaquinnromance2009
