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Debut author Kristen Callihan’s Firelight won this month’s RT Seal of Excellence in a blaze of glory. Today, because we've promised not to tell any of her other characters, Kristen Callihan reveals why her masked and mysteriously disfigured hero is her very favorite character. Plus, find out how to win your own copy of this new novel!
If pressed to make a choice, I would have to admit that my hero Archer is my favorite character in Firelight, and as his maker, I sure do love him.
However, Archer and I got off to a bit of a rocky start. I had planned to write Firelight entirely in my heroine Miranda’s point of view. (No, I don’t know what I was thinking.) After struggling to write a scene in Miranda’s point of view and failing because a certain man would not keep quiet inside my head, I gave in and let Archer have his way. What came out was pain. Loneliness and isolation had beaten him down.
I might have taken the obvious path here and made him bitter. Yet that didn’t seem right. He was searching for a cure, after all. A bitter man wouldn’t bother. Which made me wonder why he was still trying. The key to that, it turned out, was also the cause of his downfall. This was a man with such a lust for life that, when death touched his family, he dabbled in the occult in an attempt to outwit it and found himself cursed. Yet this same will to live is what prompts him to forge on. When he meets Miranda, his lust for life increases tenfold. It’s what drives him to risk everything for that one, small chance at happiness.
Unfortunately, Archer’s path is never easy. When he realizes that his dream is failing and there is no way out for him, he channels his incredible will into protecting Miranda. Archer’s passion for her colors every action he takes, whether it is putting his life on the line or withdrawing from his heart’s desire to keep her out of harm’s way.
Readers have commented that Archer is swoon-worthy, mysterious, and other delicious things. I think readers are drawn to him because there is something utterly beguiling about a man who loves with his whole heart and will not quit. Life can be painful. Sometimes it is a struggle to just keep going. We love a hero who we know will always be there, fighting for what he believes in.
I know this is why I love Archer. And why I am so glad I let him have his way.
- Kristen Callihan
GIVEAWAY ALERT: Five lucky readers will each receive a copy of Firelight. To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us why you love a wounded, but not bitter, hero. Alternatively, you can email your comment here with the subject line "Firelight Giveaway." The winners will be announced Wednesday, February 29. And make sure to check out how to get your name in the next novel in the series, Moonglow, here.
BLOG UPDATE 3/5/12: Winners: Barbara Elness, catslady, Zafirah, Jane Squires, Jackie54736
contest
Submitted by Jane Squires (not verified) on March 1, 2012 - 2:09am.
Why I love a wounded hero? It makes the story start off interesting and catches your attention. Don't want one in real life because men are grouchy when hurt.
Firelight Giveaway
Submitted by Jackie54736 on February 26, 2012 - 3:34pm.
I would love a wounded hero because being wounded means that you can still be healed. Something that is broken but can still be fixed. I think that is true with everyone. we have all been wounded at some time and it is through others healing us that we can go on to do great things. Love is a big part of that!!
Firelight Giveaway!!!!!!
Submitted by Alicia Jespersen (not verified) on February 24, 2012 - 8:55pm.
I love a wounded hero, because he/she has (most times) such an AMAZING!!!! Story to tell. They also seem to have the hardest time accepting their feelings, but once they do they fall HARD! Which makes everything so much better. I mean when the wounded hero finds his soulmate you know right away because he can't resist the temptation of their feelings.
They also go to show that even though they were wounded they can still find love. Which gives hope to a lot of people around the world when they read a book with a wounded hero finding true love.
As you can tell I believe there is one TRUE soul mate for everyone out there, and once you find them "no matter who you are, or what has happened in the past" you will find yourself drawn to that person. This may be insane to some, but it gives me hope everyday of my life. Knowing there is someone out there for me. And YOU!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Firelight!!!!!
orangepeacock313
i like a wounded hero because
Submitted by quimbayai on February 24, 2012 - 10:03am.
i like a wounded hero because they are usually more determined on getting past a problem instead lingering on it.
Wounded hero shows more
Submitted by Zafirah (not verified) on February 24, 2012 - 12:17am.
Wounded hero shows more determination. And when a heroin comes along, you never know how passionate and sweet he can be - a huge surprise. This shows what's inside that counts rather your disability.
Firelight
Submitted by Barbara Elness (not verified) on February 23, 2012 - 11:56pm.
I enjoy stories with a wounded hero, one who has had troubles in the past, and has a lot to overcome, but still has a spark of hope for the future and is not too bitter to give his heart to the right woman.
Firelight Giveaway
Submitted by jbeth28 on February 23, 2012 - 11:28pm.
I like wounded heroes because they are typically made very honest and mature by the hardships they've gone through. Anyone who can be horribly wounded and come out on the other side and still learn to enjoy life is someone to be truly admired.
Catslady, I completely agree with you about Beauty and the Beast, it's my absolute favorite.
"Firelight Giveaway"
Submitted by nicholelong on February 23, 2012 - 10:54pm.
I love those wounded warrior hero lovers who remain true. These characters have been horribly bent by life - but not broken. Somehow, they can still love passionately, feverishly.
I've always routed for the
Submitted by catslady (not verified) on February 23, 2012 - 6:01pm.
I've always routed for the underdog. One of my favorite fairy tales was beauty and the beast. It shows that what is really important is the inner beauty and I melt when a character realizes that. Gorgeous cover!
catslady5(at)aol.com
"Firelight Giveaway"
Submitted by Gail Nichols (not verified) on February 23, 2012 - 4:18pm.
I have a disability so I love wounded hero/heroines. They prove that you can have a disability or wound and still be romantic.
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