Can’t wait to get started on your Harlequin Writing Competition 2009 entry? Here’s a post by editor Jenny Hutton about what makes a great hero for all the Mills & Boon romance imprint to get your creativity flowing! More tips about writing for Modern Romance can be found here in the Mills & Boon Community message boards.

The Hero Checklist

Everyone loves a hero. Whether you’re holding out for one, happily with one or just simply daydreaming about one today’s post is all about heroes! Specifically about the heroes in Harlequin Mills & Boon (but don’t let that stop you dreaming about Hugh Jackman or Daniel Craig!)

When you’re targeting series romance as a new writer character is one of the all important factors to the development of your story. It is the intricacies and nuances of character that bring a book to life and of course it is good characters that stay with you long after you’ve put the book down. Character, character, character could be written on a Post-it on the side of your screen.

We at Harlequin Mills & Boon have got together to bring you a fabulous hero checklist. So, when it comes to writing your perfect hero for the series you’re targeting then this should help to characterise your leading man.

Harlequin Historical Romance/ Mills & Boon Historical Romance®

• Strong: he could appear unyielding, determined to claim the heroine but he would lay down his life for her
• Charming: he can be a rake, a cad or a bounder – but ultimately he’s redeemed by the heroine who’s the love of his life

• A Man of Action: he can lead armies into battle, or influence political or local events
• Honourable: he may have killed on the battlefield, but is fair in his treatment of his men
• Status: either financially, politically or militarily powerful; often a member of the first estate

Harlequin Romance/ Mills & Boon Romance®

Who is the Romance heroine’s Mr Right? From sexy single dads to cool-headed cowboys to thrill seeking adventurers the Romance hero’s only criteria is that he’s our heroine’s Mr Right!

• Aspirational: the guy you could meet on the sunniest of days, but who’ll be there for you on the rainiest…
• Secure: he’s successful in what he does, but emotional security can be just as attractive as financial security
• Sense of Humour: he can laugh at himself and life; a man who can make you laugh is a real gem, more than one who’ll shower you in jewels
• Complex: He’s strong enough to have flaws, know he’s made wrong choices along the way, but we love him all the more for it
• Romantic: the reader needs to feel the rush of falling in love with this man!

Harlequin Medical Romance/ Mills & Boon Medical Romance®

• Dedicated: his primary objective is to save lives; he has high standards and expects the same of others
• Strong but Caring: he’s approachable and has a great bedside manner – he shows compassion and passion to his patients and the heroine
• A Mover of Mountains: he will do whatever it takes, and then some, to save a life or resolve a medical issue.  A man of action
• Respected: he’s well respected in his field and is committed, honourable and human
• Status: a senior member of the medical profession, or has a connection with the medical profession, e.g. senior firefighter

Harlequin Presents/ Mills & Boon Modern Romance®

• Commanding: he’s always in control and calling the shots – except when the heroine finally tames him…
• Demanding: he’s come a long way since his emotionally or financially impoverished childhood; he wants it done, and he wants it done now!
• Self-assured: he believes in himself and the reach of his influence, totally – until the battle with his feelings for the heroine begins…
• Credible: he may be commanding and alpha but he’s no caricature.  He must have depth, integrity and complexity.
• Passionate:  sensual and sexy, he uses his charm and power to get what he wants, though his need for the heroine may ultimately prove stronger
• Status: impossibly wealthy, probably self-made; often has celebrity status in the media.  The ruler of all he surveys, be it a company or a country

Harlequin Presents/ Mills & Boon Modern Heat®

• Charismatic: Larger than life, confident; knows when to take charge and be masterful. A 21^st century guy, he’s looking for an equal match – in the bedroom and the work place!
• Easy-going: he plays as hard as he works, knowing how and when to have a good time.  He has a cheeky, flirtatious side to him…
• Hot! This guy is to die for. Naturally good looking with a great physique. He doesn’t work too hard on it though; his style comes naturally to him
• Sexy: An expert lover, he’ll make sure his woman has a good time!
• Status: he hails from all walks of life; he might not have made his millions yet but this is a guy who’s going to be successful, no doubt about that!

We look forward to meeting your hero!

If you just can’t wait for the contest and have a submission ready to go, you can send three chapters and a synopsis of your work to The Editorial department, Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1SR. Or, email us at submissions@hmb.co.uk

Good luck and best wishes

Jenny