Yesterday my mom and I were talking about some our favorite books that have been turned into movies. Of course there are always going to be differences in a movie compared to a book. That's a given but what I find fascinating, is even though I know that, my reaction to the movie, or the characters. I really like the Twilight books. Though I did enjoy the movie, it didn't come close to doing the book justice, IMO. The funny part is, throughout the show, I could remember myself say things like, "Edward would never have done that". I back peddled a little bit. I'm not crazy, I swear. I KNOW this guy is a fictional character so why am I sitting here angry because the movie version of my character did or said something that book Edward, "never would have done"?
That got me thinking of the magic of a good character. To me, that is the power of a good book. I love getting so wrapped up in the characters, their story and their HEA that they feel real to me. I love that kind of emotional fulfillment. I'm investing hours into reading a book and even more time into writing one and to really connect with a character is the best reward.
That's another reason I love a good series because I feel like I'm revisiting friends. I get to check in with them after their story is "finished". The best way for an author to get her hooks into me is powerful characters that I can truly connect with, whether or not I have things in common with them. But if I can...bond with them then I'm sold.
Who are some of your favorite characters that you've connected with? Do you reread their story over and over just to feel the pull of being carried into their world? What is it that makes you connect with a character?
10 comments:
This is such a good post, Kelley. I've thought of this a lot too. Two of my favorite characters were Zhadist from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Vane from Sherrilyn Kenyon's night play. You got me thinking about this and I think the reason I just love them so much was the way they "protected" the heroine. They were there for her every step of the way, watching out for her.
As far as a hero that I've written that I've fallen in love with, I'd have to say Ringo Ramone, the hero of Ringo's Ride (coming soon from EC). He's had this tragic, sad past that makes him hide his deepest feelings/self but for the his heroine, he is willing to do anything to keep her safe even if it means sharing his well-protected heart. Gotta love that about a man (or a wolf).
There are definitely characters I've adored. Nalini Singh's entire Psy-changeling series for one. I would NEVER want those books to be made into movies. Please, for the love of God, do not screw up my favorite characters by making them into a movie! Ugh!
Interestingly enough, I watch and love all the Harry Potter movies, but I refuse to read the books. LOL The reason is, I started with the movies and I just KNOW that if read the books it'll ruin me for the movies. And since going to see the Harry Potter movies has turned into a family outing for us, I don't want to risk it.
I used to imagine J. D. Robb's first few books as movies, but then I realized they'd only screw up my Roarke. And yes, he IS mine. LOL
Great post, Kelley!
I love getting all wrapped up in the characters of the books I read. A great character is what keeps me reading for hours and hours. For me Vane from Dark Hunters and Rhevenge from The Black Dagger Brotherhood are my fave "heroes".
Reg,
LOVE both Z and Vane. Now that you mention him, I'm thinking I need a reread of Zhadist book. I love that story.
I love those heroes who protect their women too. can't wait for Ringo!
Anne,
I need to read Singh's series. I still can't believe I haven't. You know, in regards to harry, I actually think those are some of the movies that did a good job compared to the book. I've been impressed with them and can't wait for Half Blood Prince!
Dany,
Hey girl! Glad to see you here. I liked Rehv a lot too! You rock. Thanks for stopping by
. +
the + is from the kiddo. LOL.
I love to get within the story that I'm reading and it happens just about every book I read that I get connected with them! So I have so many favorites. I'm thinking of what I just read, which was Mary Balogh's FIRST COMES MARRIAGE and my mind keeps wandering around the hero! What a personality he had! And the heroine was so strong in words! I had to write some down that really had me teary eyed! I just get the empathy going in putting myself in their place and I feel like Im a fly on the wall watching it all happen. I too love to re-visit! It may sound silly, but its like saying hi and giving hugs LOL.
I have the next one to read but going to now go to one of my sizzling ebooks and read! I'm all over the place with genres and sensuality with my books!
I've not done alot of re-reading, mostly I've done parts of re-reads of my favorites. I do do a full re-read when a favorite of mine that was in ebook, comes out in print! Its a keeper and I love to have it in print as well and love to re-read then! I need to get Anne's recent print and do that!
Sorry on the long post! Love chatting with you all here when I can!
Ooh I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood series too. I can't even CHOOSE which ones I like the best. I've re-read the series a million times, which is kinda lame I know :)>
*sigh* but they just don't make 'em like that in real life.
One of my favorite hero's I've ever written is the demon warrior Abaddon from my book Hellbaby. He was intense and passionate and totally into the heroine. Very sexy.
Caffey,
We love long replies and love it when you make it here to chat too!
Minx,
I'm a BDB fan too. I love Z.
I never get tired of Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series. I adore Ayla but I really love Jondalar.
Carpe Noctem,
Des
Desirée Lee
Putting the Romance Back in Necromancy
http://www.desireelee.com
des@desireelee.com
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