I'm an avid reader as well as an author. In fact, I read more than I write. Tragic, I know, especially in regards to my bank account! But, I just can't help myself, ya know? I love to read! Plain and simple. And one of my favorite things about reading are the heroes! Not just any hero, mind you. The Romance Heroes. Usually, these are very drool-worthy men. Passionate. Strong. Courageous. And sensational in bed! Not to mention gorgeously handsome. I'm not sure about everyone else, but when I read a book, I have a clear picture of the hero in my head. Sometimes, he might take the form of an actor from the movies or TV.
Here are some examples. Not all of these books are considered romance, but they do have strong romantic elements.
For example, when I read Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, I see Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as Ranger. I think somewhere I read that she pictured him when she wrote that character. It's been so long since I read that, so I'm not sure if its true, but it doesn't matter. The Rock will always be Ranger in my head.
Another is the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Many fans have posted who their choices of actors would be for the parts of their favorite characters. I've discussed this a few times with other LKH fans. Those I've talked with seem to be in agreement that Richard Zeeman (one of Anita's love interests who happens to be a werewolf) should be played by Hugh Jackman. There's a raw, masculine ruggedness that I feel he would be perfect for that role.
And for Anita's other main love interest (there are many these days, but I've only narrowed my choices to 2), Jean-Claude the vampire, I feel Gerard Butler could fill that role nicely. (I admit, Gerry is usually the number one actor I visualize whether I'm reading or writing!) When I saw his role in Dracula 2000, the lethal sexiness, the carnal energy he expressed, I felt would be perfect for Jean-Claude.
For the hero, Sebastian Collins, in my novella, The Witch and the Vampire, I pictured Richard Armitage. I think I had just finished watching him in the BBC Robin Hood series and just fell in love with him. He stepped into Sebastian's boots quite easily in my mind.
So tell me, who do you picture in your mind's eye while you're reading? Follow my blog and leave a comment for a chance to win a free .pdf copy of my novella, The Witch and the Vampire. You can also find me on Facebook, GoodReads and Twitter.
And don't forget to check out the other great bloggers participating in the 18 & Over Book Blogger Giveaway Hop! Enjoy!
I totally agree with you on The Rock for Ranger. The guy in the movie (which I haven't seen) is too small. Ranger to me is larger than life.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually match real people up with character descriptions.
acm05atjuno.com
I picture Johnathan Rhys Meyers (with bleached hair) as Bones from Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Gah I have so many hotties that I use I mean -see as the hero of whatever book I am reading.
ReplyDeleteBlog Hopping! Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteI love blog hopping! What a great way to discover new authors/blogs and visit with old friends.
I agree with THE ROCK as Ranger. I also picture Michael Weatherly as Morelli and Estelle Getty as Grandma Mazur in the Stephanie Plum series.
I'm a Facebook Follower and would love to win "The Witch and the Vampire.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win such a fantastic prize! <^_^>
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm not too sure about Gerard Butler being Jean Claude, but the others seem to fit. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLmackesy at gmail dot com
I like the Rock as the Ranger.Thanks for the give away.
ReplyDeletesuzyrph@charter.net
I not sure about all, because i never match real people up with character descriptions. But i like Richard Armitage to be Sebastian Collins, in my brain that picture was perfect!! Thanks for giveaway!!
ReplyDeletefiliafantasy at gmail dot com
I love seeing my characters. I often see Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Craig, or even Orlando Bloom. Depends on what I am reading.
ReplyDeleteI follow via Twitter: @MelCamino5
Mel
bournmelissa AT hotmail DOT com
I usually make it a point never to go see movies based on book series that I read -- I always end up toally annoyed. I guess I create what the character looks like in my head, and nothing can ever overcome that!
ReplyDeleteelizabeth @ bookattict . com
What about Cillian Murphy for Jean-Claude? Man those eyes would tempt me into anything! He played in Inception and Red Eye with Rachel McAdams. He plays a really good bad guy! And those lips....succulent!
ReplyDeleteI'm a GFC follower, Kimmie,Nola
blazesandbubbles AT gmail DOT com
Gerald butler....yummm..I love Dracula 2000...not many people recognized him in that or in Phantom of the Opera. He is so sexy...so I pick him!
ReplyDeleteviajeradelmar@aol.com
I try not to put a real person in place of the charcter in the book. I even try not to look at the cover too much. thanks for the contest
ReplyDeletepademe_lee@yahoo.com
I don't think I ever really tried to picture anyone while reading. I do know that watching the movie messes up my image of the character when I read a book. for example Edward (Twilight) is so much hotter in the book. LOL
ReplyDeletedonnasing777@yahoo.com
dont really know who i would say but i like the idea of vin diesel as V from Lover Unbound
ReplyDeleteevelynmoly@yahoo.com
Great post. Who I picture for the hero depends on the book that I am reading at the time. For example, I read Tempted by Elisabeth Naughton and picture Jason Mamoa playing Demetrius! Yummy! Thank you for the giveaway and the HOP!
ReplyDeletetrb0917 at gmail dot com
I never see a real person for a character I think it's more fun to just imagine what they look like.
ReplyDeletesstrode at scrtc dot com
I get what you mean, when you picture someone as a character. For me, if I've read your posts and you've mentioned who you had in mind, that's who I see, otherwise, my mind will conjure someone ;)
ReplyDeleteEva
evitap67(at)gmail(dot)com
I don't know if I really think of any one person. I know I don't think of anyone "real". I even find it hard to pick who I would want to play a character if it were made into a movie.
ReplyDeletejessharrison78@yahoo.com
Depends on the description given about hero in the book :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the international giveaway!!
GFC follower name - sweety
sweety225(at)rocketmail(dot)com
I don't picture anyone when I'm reading. I follow via email. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love Rock...he's such a natural star...and his smile, talk about meltdown.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway opportunity - love blog hops!!
kaydeeroyal at msn dot come
follow you via FB & Twitter
thanks for sharing and the contest
ReplyDeletecarol.byles@yahoo.com
Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway! I dont really picture anyone when im reading. I picture and build the characters in my mind. :)
ReplyDeleteshadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
It depends on the characters attitude, sometimes I picture Jensen Ackles, not to mention Mr. Gorgeous Jared Padelecki :)
ReplyDeleteMorganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
It depends on the characters attitude, sometimes I picture Jensen Ackles, not to mention Mr. Gorgeous Jared Padelecki :)
ReplyDeleteMorganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
I don't really picture anyone when I am reading
ReplyDeleteprettyunicorn78@yahoo.com
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! I enjoyed the hop
ReplyDeleteI like to think of Josh Jackson cause I have a celeb crush on him. LOL
swkimbell@yahoo.com
Channing Tatum!!! I try to imagine him as all characters!! *drools*
ReplyDeleteHehe, not really, but I do imagine him as Zsadist in the J R Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood series :D
Interestingly though, I do not picture him as Phury... strange.