Real Heroes

Most writers of fiction, like me, my novels include heroes and heroines as the main characters.  These fictional people aren't perfect but they do go about saving the world.  Sometimes they battle evil forces, magical in the case of fantasy like I write, but in a contemporary novel the bad guys can be someone giving into their personal desires to acquire wealth or power.  The more complex the antagonist, the better the story.  In the real world, the bad guys are more complicated and perhaps more difficult to identify.

From Jan's blog

A writer friend of mine knows this first hand.  Dr. Jan recently returned from a medical mission trip to Tanzania. I'm not sure of what all she did there, what challenges she faced and how many people she  helped.  But I'm going to find out.  Jan is sharing her experience on her blog, Cherished Illusions, by posting journal entries from her trip.  Her writing talent shines as she pulls you into her adventure, especially the mood of her group. I can't wait to read the next entry.  Not only am I enjoying sharing her experiences, Jan raises a lot of questions that will stay with you long after you're done reading.  You'll know what I mean when you visit. 

It's simple to put money in a collection plate or envelope and then feel you've done your part to help. But people like Jan put their time, their skills and even their lives into that collection plate.  They travel to remote areas and do what they can to defeat enemies more dangerous than wizards or maniacs who live only in our novels.  Ignorance, poverty, disease and all the terrible social woes that go along with those problems are things that are more likely to bring the end of our world than an invasion from beyond the galaxy.  Visit Jan, leave a comment of this real life heroine's blog, and you'll feel good knowing people like her exist. 

Have you ever gone on a mission trip? Do you do journaling and do you share it with others?

Heroes Must be Heroic

I recently watched a 'made for TV' movie.  I looked forward to it because I enjoy watching the actor staring in the movie in all his roles and I love the books the movie character is based upon.  Well, I was extremely disappointed.  I kept waiting for something to happen.  Not only did the story progress at a snail's pace but the star of the show didn't do anything.  Mostly he stared into his coffee or drank himself insensible.  Not very heroic.

Whether it's a book or a movie, we like our heroes and heroines to act heroically.  As a writer of a book or a screen play, we must give our main character a chance to be heroic.  There are classic ways to act like a hero.  One of my favorites is when the hero or heroine sacrifices their dream, maybe their life, or their career for the greater good of the world or their family or whatever community is at stake.  I even titled one of my books for that very scenario.

And who won't love a hero who stands up for the oppressed or the helpless.  Isn't the world a better place with such people?

Sometimes it's heroic simply to turn the other cheek and take the high road.  Sometimes being the one who doesn't strike back is admirable.

The best books or movies are those that find creative ways to make the hero act in a way to draw the reader into wanting this person to succeed.  We cheer for people we like.   We hope we would act like them in the same situation whether it's to save the world or our family or even slay vampires.

So remember when you're writing to give your hero a way to be heroic.  Give them opponents or situations where they must be that person we all wish to be.  Endless cups of coffee or liquor isn't heroic or interesting.

What plot is your favorite to showcase a hero's brave heart?  Do you prefer the emotional or physical call to arms to define your hero?