Mar 29, 2010

Author Michele Hauf - Guest Blog and Contest

Please welcome Michele Hauf, prolific author of vampire and paranormal romances and the editor of VampChix. She gives us the inside scoop on Creed, the luscious hero of her new novel. Michele will be around today, Monday March 29, to converse with readers. Ask her a question today and get an extra chance in Michele's contest. See details at end of post.   This contest has ended.

Writing the Hero


Thanks to Patricia for having me at her blog today!  HER VAMPIRE HUSBAND is in bookstores now, and the related novella, 'Vampire's Tango' is available at your favorite online electronic book retailer.

I thought I'd chat a bit about the hero of Her Vamp today.  Creed was in my brain a long time before I started the story.  I knew he was handsome (of course), sexy (naturally), probably almost a thousand years old, and French.  But I can't really start writing a story until I can put an image of the hero in my brain, or rather, on my desktop.

So I scanned through my file of faces (actors, models, pictures I've ripped out from magazines) for the perfect fit for Creed, and came up with this guy.  Perfect.  He's got this great seasoned look about him that says 'I've been around a bit, but I'm still gonna rock your world if you take a chance on me'.


Always with the hero it's a challenge to figure them out.  What kind of life has he led to shape him into the man he is today?  Creed is an elder vampire, which means he was around before the Protection spell was put on witch's blood to make it poisonous to vampires.  That happened around the year 1200.  So yeah, the dude is old.  But he's seen history, lived it, and currently is the leader of the vampire tribe Nava.


He may seem set in his ways, but he is hungry to learn and experience.  And he is impeccable with his word.  When this guy vows to protect the heroine, he means it.  It harks back to his serving in medieval wars against the werewolves.  I love a man with a big sword, so I gave him one: Wolfsbane.  Yep, guys name their swords.  Wolfsbane has cut down hundreds of werewolves over the centuries, but in this story Creed is faced with the challenge of seeing beyond age-old prejudices.  He'll need a strong heroine to help him change, and I gave him one in Blu Masterson.


Read the first chapter of HER VAMPIRE HUSBAND
Read the first chapter of Vampire's Tango


I'd like to give away a copy of THE HIGHWAYMAN and MOON KISSED to one commenter today.  Tell me what you find heroic in a man!

PVN: Many thanks,  Michele, for visiting PVN and discussing your vampire hero! Having read HER VAMPIRE HUSBAND, I can vouch for the fact that Creed really is one sexy dude!



Contest


Michele is offering a copy of THE HIGHWAYMAN and MOON KISSED to one commenter. Contest is limited to US residents only.

*Respond: Tell Michele what you find heroic in a man!   One chance

*Ask Michele a question (March 29 only)    One chance


You may also:

*Link to this contest on any of the social network sites, including Twitter, or your own web page. Let me know the url:    One chance for each link.

*If you are a Google follower (see sidebar on right):   One chance

*If you are a member of the PVN Facebook page:   One chance

*If you are an email subscriber:   One chance

*If your email is not associated with your ID, please put the address in your response.

Michele will be checking by throughout today (March 29), but contest will run until April, 1.

This contest has ended.

Visit Michele at the following sites:
Website - michelehauf.com
Blog - blog.michelehauf.com
Facebook - facebook.com/michelehauf
Twitter - twitter.com/michelehauf
Visit the Beautiful Creatures page

For a limited time get the audio version of Vampire's Tango free at Audible.com
If you purchase HER VAMPIRE HUSBAND at Audible.com you receive Vampire's Tango included free.

All through 2010 download KISS ME DEADLY free at your favorite online retailer or at tryharlequin.com.

31 comments:

SiNn said...

humm thats a loaded question let me tell you a lil something i have aman who is myhero and what makes him heroic isthis hes hims elf and he neverbacks down no matter how much he hurts or he gets nocked down but hestill climbshis way back up a guy who holds trueto his convictions and still comes out a shim self if hehas to faultr and change what makes a man hheroic is who he is at teh end of the fight theend of teh story and if that is the same then hes a hero is osmeone who loves children unconditionally because he know sthey are the future, sex looks dont hurt but the attitude says it all andtahts what make sa man heroic


(ok so i got alil sappy there )


If you were to play in a horro/paranormal movie what would you be ? villian,heoirin, scaredy person ect and why


your books are awesome and i loved the post


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im a follower

im now a fan over onf ace book i left a comment on ur wall


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Unknown said...

What I find heroic in a man..... doing something not to gain anything from it but to do it because it is the right thing I would find very heroic.

Hi Michele! If you could date a vampire or a werewolf, which would you pick?

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booklover0226 said...

A heroic man puts all others before himself. He's not selfish and doesn't hesitate to help others.

My question is what is your opinion on book trailers? Do you think they help in book sales?

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throuthehaze said...

What I find heroic is a compassionate man who is willing to put himself in danger in order to save others.

If you were given a choice would you become a vampire or stay human?

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Unknown said...

What I find heroic in a man is the way he stands by his lady no matter what. He is there for her when she needs him the most.
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Unknown said...

Who or what gives your inspiration for the books you write?
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Virginia C said...

Hi, Michele! Congratulations on "Her Vampire Husband"! I am reading all 5-Star reviews for HVH, and I'd love to win!

For me, compassion is the greatest virtue a man can have. It is more than a physical strength. A true hero is a man who consistently chooses to follow his principles, no matter the personal cost.

+1 Old World European Vampires definitely have the edge for me. However, the Vampire persona is being constanly revised now in Paranormal Fiction. How do you think the sophisticated, beautifully aged wine of the centuries old Vamp compares with the Urban Fantasy-fueled modern Vamp?

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Julie S said...

I find men who are true to themselves to be heroic.

What first interested you in the paranormal genre?

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Aik said...

I have a friend in US, so please count me in!

+1 What I find heroic in a man : Protecting the woman he loves.

+1 Hi Michelle, what do you find captivating about vampires?

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Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

+1
A heroic man puts his family first, especially his elderly parents and small kids. He never puts anyone down and doesn't allow others to be a bully. He stops that cold. He is strong but he knows when to let his woman be strong for him. He listens and encourages people to talk to him. He doesn't solve other peoples problems but helps them figure out how to solve them on their own.

+1
What one character that you've written would you most like to meet(if possible) in person and why?
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SandyG265 said...

What I find heroic is someone who puts other people first even if they may risk themselves because they feel it's the right thing to do.

Hi Michele,

Which do you prefer to write about - werewolves or vampires?

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Michele Hauf said...

SiNn, your question about what I'd be in horror movie? Freaked! :-) I'd love to be the heroine, but horror movie scare the crap out of me. :-)

Stephanie, I'd probably go with the werewolf, just because lately I find them very cuddly, and protective.

Booklover 0226: book trailers. Hmm, I can't say they ever sway me to buy a book. If the author enjoys making them, then go for it. But they are very different from a movie, in that you're not going to 'see' those same characters when you read the book.

Throughthehaze: stay mortal. Definitely.

Tore, I get inspiration from all kinds of things. Movies, books, newpapers articles. Real life (surprisingly) and dreams!

Virginia, I think the old style aristocratic vampires rock. As you'll see in my books. :-) BUt the urban vamps have their appeal as well. It's when they clash, well then, that can be a bit of fun.

Julie, I think I've always been attracted to the paranormal. But certainly my reading choices since I was little were all focused on the magical, supernatural and unreal.

Aik, what captivates me about vamps? Their immortality, and (if they are centuries old) the history that they have lived.

Lisa, the one characters I'd like to meet would be Blu. She would be awesome as a girlfriend and I could borrow her cool clothes.

Sandy, tough question! I like both weres and vamps. But if I have to pick one I'll go with the vamps.

Whew! Lots of fun questions. I'll be back in later!

Heather B. said...

I just dropped by to say hello to Michele. I have read her Vampire Husband and absolutely loved it. I have also read the Highwayman and Moonkissed because I liked Her Vampire Husband so much.

I also just bought The Vampire's Tango because I have to know more about this group.

Don't enter me in the contest since I have them all. Just wanted to stop by and wish Michele Good Luck on her release!!!

delitealex said...

What I find heroic is when he always does the right thing even if it puts him in danger. Especially to take care of family and loved ones.

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Cherry said...

What I find heroic in a man? When he forego his own interests for someone else.

Michele, thank you for sharing an insider scoop on Creed!! Speaking of which, do you pattern your character after real people around you? Family, friends. Celebreties? Mother-in-law in one of your characters? A bit of an old boyfriend in Creed? (no names here)... I am a nosey reader, Pat ;)

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Re-posted your contest at:
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susan said...

My idea of a heroic man is some one strong and in control but also has a sweet heart and can be a pussycat in bed. susan L.

misskallie2000 said...

+1 Gosh, been long time since I have even thought about men..LOL.. He would have to be thoughtful, considerate, willing to give assistance even if I don't ask. He will do whatever is necessary to take care of the people he loves and also of mankind in general.

+1 Could not get the pic of Creed you posted to come up but what actor would you like to see play Creed should a movie be made??

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Michele Hauf said...

Cherry, usually I do not pattern my characters after anyone I know. As mentioned I'll use pictures of celebrities or models to get an image in my head.

misskallie, what actor to play Creed? It would have to be the actor in the picture. Jean-Hugues Anglade. He was in La Femme Nikita, Queen Margot, Killing Zoe, and lots more. He got a certain Frenchness to him (of course, he IS French) but his mannerisms and voice, they really do it for me. ;-) I have been known to order his movies from Amazon.fr (without subtitles) and watch them. And no, I do not understand a lick of French. Sigh...

Persephone said...

I find honesty and respect in a man heroic. Persistence is good too~

My question for Michele: Did you always (ie, since kindergarten/etc) know you wanted to be a writer?

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Alissa said...

CONFESS YOUR VAMPIRE FANTASIES --> http://www.vampirefantasies.com.
The winner will get his/her fantasy placed on the packaging of the new
fragrance, "Vampire".

jeanette8042 said...

For me a man is heroic when he does what's right and never changes himself for anyone. He's not selfish and cares for the people around him.

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Unknown said...

Well he doesn't have to be good looking to be heroic he just has to be nobel and have great character. Also someone who puts other needs before his and who is not afraid to stand for what he believes
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Michele Hauf said...

Marianna, nope, haven't always wanted to be a writer. But. I have always told myself stories, from a very early age. Elaborate stories that would last for days. I eventually decided to write one of them down, and it happened to be a vampire story, which is the first story I ever sold, Dark Rapture.

Dot S.(ladeetdareads.wordpress.com) said...

What I find heroic is a willingness to display courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

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angie said...

I think honesty is what makes a man heroic. I have met way too many men who think it is ok to lie. To me that just makes them a coward.
My question would be...What do you think makes a man heroic?
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Juli D. Revezzo said...

I would have to say, a man who would do anything to protect his family, within reason. I meant to say, obviously if he simply cannot do something (like cure an incurable disease), I wouldn't hold that against him. Yet, with that, I wouldn't want him to do something that went against his own personal sense of honor.

Thank you for the interesting post, Michele (and the eye candy!) Best of luck with Her Vamp!

Please count me in on the contest!
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jellybelly82158 said...

What do I find heroic in a man?
That he puts others above his own self.

How did you chose between paranormal romance and urban fantasy?

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Michele Hauf said...

Angie wants to know what I think makes a man heroic. First and foremost? Integrity.

Jellybelly, how I choose between para rom and UF. I don't, actually. I just write the stories I want to write, and the kind of story I like to read. It happens that they turn out to be paranormal romance (with a touch of UF). :-)

Thanks to Patricia for having me at the blog today! It was great fun reading everyone's idea about what makes a man heroic!

katsrus said...

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I guess I would say someone who puts their family first and not themselves. Always there when you need someone.

What a good book you have read lately that you would recommend?

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Reading said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I find a man heroic if he puts his well being ahead of the woman he loves.

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Air Jordans said...

It is my pleasure to read your article! What a vivid photo it is! Thank you for sharing! good luck!