Hello, hello, hello! I’m so excited to post my very first ever blog entry as an official member of the Petticoats & Pistols stable. It’s a great joy to call myself a Filly. Seriously, I feel as if I’ve arrived at last. This is, by far, the most talented group of writers I know. I’m still in shock I get to be a part of the group.
In honor of this momentous occasion I originally wanted to write something unique, different and fun—AKA make a big splash. Unfortunately, I’m coming off a very tight deadline. That means I’ve used up all my unique, different and fun thoughts for the month. So instead of wowing you with my fabulous prose (humor me, it could happen) I’ve decided to take a different approach and talk about my favorite subject. Heroes! And not just any hero, but the best kind of all, the ones found between the pages of Westerns and Western Romances.
In no particular order, here is my list of top, must-have characteristics found in every memorable hero.
1. The hero never hurts a woman and has no difficulty taking down men who do.
2. Children adore the hero, even if he’s uncomfortable around them.
3. The hero can handle a horse with expert skill, including the most difficult horses.
4. The hero has a strong moral compass and understands the difference between right and wrong.
5. The hero isn’t afraid to take a bullet for the woman he loves, even if loving her scares the spit out of him.
6. No matter how gruff the hero is on the outside, he’s putty in the hands of a good woman or a child.
7. Even if he didn’t have a good father-figure, the hero makes an exceptional Pa.
8. The hero has a swagger that makes female heads turn.
9. The hero looks good in a cowboy hat.
10. The hero_________________________.
Okay, now it’s your turn. Fill in the blank for me. I want to hear what you’ve learned about heroes from the pages of your favorite Westerns and Western Romances.
Because this is my first appearance as a filly I’m giving away a prize to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment to be eligible to win. The prize I’m giving away is a copy of all five books in my Inspirational Western Romance series: CHARITY HOUSE.
Renee–I enjoyed your first blog post as a coveted Filly! Our heroes “must” fulfill the tenets of the Cowboy Code. Congratulations on the deadline as well, I want one of those. Just keep swimming . . . P&P is among my favorite blogs. I visit often but don’t comment as much as I probably should. I look forward to future blog posts from you.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 6:29 am.
Hi Renee! No wonder I love your books. Your heroes are exactly what you just described–strong men who’ll die for the women they love; men who put others before themselves. That leads to my sentence: A hero is unselfish.
So glad to have you here at P&P! Making a deadline always calls for a celebration. Congratulations!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 6:44 am.
Renee,
how fun to have you as a filly now! Great list–it was easy for me to picture heroes for each requirement. Although I must admit for looking good in a cowboy hat, I left the west a bit for Doctor Who. “I wear a stetson now. Stetsons are cool.”
;)
For me a hero must have a sense of humor. And no matter his size or shape, he must still be larger than life.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 6:56 am.
Welcome Renee. And thanks for your description of the perfect hero. I agree with Lizzie above that the hero needs a sense of humor–and I like my hero’s humor to be ironic, maybe a bit twisted.
So great to have you among us!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 8:05 am.
Hi Renee,
A hero must protect his loved ones at all costs.
A hero must always attain his HEA.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 8:31 am.
So excited to have you join us at the Junction, Renee! And what a great first post! I love heroes. It’s why I read, after all. Who doesn’t want to fall in love with a rugged cowboy hero while between the pages of a great book? I totally agree with all your characteristics as well as the others already mentioned. I favor heroes who are confident but not cocky, and those who respect a woman for her own skills and abilities, not just viewing women as damsels in need of rescuing.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 8:55 am.
Good morning!! I’m still out of town at a plotting retreat. I’ll post again at our lunch break, but wanted to stop in and say HOWDY.
More later!
~Renee~
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 9:00 am.
The hero has principles and strength of character. I enjoyed reading the list which is so perfect.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 9:21 am.
Welcome Renee! So good to see your first blog up as a Filly!
Modern day hero:
A hero does the dishes…Ha!!
A hero gives up the remote to his lady love
A hero will endure a chick flick with you just to see the smile on your face.
Just some! Have fun today!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 9:55 am.
First, can I give new web design a hand. Yes, it is worthy of applause.
Renee, so glad to see you here at P and P!
Can’t wait to see you at Moonlight and Magnolias!
Heroes ultimately make the world a better place even when they think they don’t. It is that insecurity in the strongest of men that gets me.
Peace, Julie
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:07 am.
Your requirements for a hero are excellent. Charisma and selflessness are always important traits.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:09 am.
Welcome Renee!
The hero in the end always listens to the woman he loves.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:21 am.
A hero cowboy does not mind cooking
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:27 am.
Great prize!
Welcome! I’ve said it before, but I’m saying it again. It’s great to have you with us.
I laughed about how you’d used up all your unique and different thought for the month. Boy do I know how that feels. But I’ll bet after you clean your office, you’ll be itching to move to the next project. :-)
My office is such a shambles after a deadline, and right now it’s pretty bad–with two deadlines.
Yee haw!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:28 am.
Welcome Sister Filly to Wildflower Junction! We’re so glad to have you. To me a hero has to deserve what he gets … he has to earn it. Look forward to your future posts. Hugs, Phyliss
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:43 am.
Hi Renee, and welcome! Welcome!
Okay, if I were going to fill in that blank — I’d say that a cowboy in one of my books must love the heroine so much that he’d not only protect her and honor her, but he would show her by little things each day that she is his one and only. Sometimes men forget this — they get so involved in the day to day keep the family going…and to me it’s so important that a man remember to show his sweetheart that she is in his heart — truly…
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:01 am.
Great post today and so important and special. A hero who is there for you in illness and through all the tough times.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:08 am.
Hi Nona, we’re in agreement. I’ve always been such a fan of this blog. It’s truly an honor to be a contributor, too!
Vicki, unselfish is a MUST. Waving to *lizzie! I agree. A sense of humor is key. Who wants a hero who can’t laugh? And, yes, Elizabeth, as the little sister to three older brothers twisted humor is very realistic.
~Renee~
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:14 am.
Hi Laura G! A man who loves his family is soooo heroic!
Waving to Karen! A confident hero is soooo appealing!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:16 am.
A man who can wear chaps…
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:33 am.
The hero feels manly enough not to mind when his love wants to learn how to shoot. On the contrary, he will use these lessons to seduce her… :D
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:38 am.
I love a hero with a good sense of humor! Great first post and I’m loving the new blog design!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:43 am.
Hi Diane, I love your suggestion of a hero having principles and strength of character. Awesome additions.
Charlene, funny suggestions! And let me just say, Amen, sister!
Julie, sooooo looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta this weekend. Lots to chat about. ;-) I love the idea of a hero making the world a better place even if he doesn’t realize it. Now that’s a special guy!
Ellie, charisma is a definite must-have!
Lori, I didn’t think about a great hero being a good listener but that is soooo true!
Waving to Cheryl and Phyllis!!! Yes, Cher, I always think of cleaning my office after a deadline as a symbol for clearing the cobwebs out of my head. So true, Phyllis, a hero’s gotta earn it!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:39 pm.
Hi Karen! Thanks for the welcome. I so agree. A hero needs to show love in the little ways, too. My hubby knows I like to start my day with a big glass of water. So every morning he wakes me up and then hands me a glass he’s just pored for me. Yes, I married a great hero.
Anne, so true! He’s there when the going gets tough.
LOL, CateS, a man who can wear chaps well is my kind of guy! Woot!
StephanieD, I can so see the scene with our hero helping the heroine hold the weapon properly. Fun stuff!
Liz, I always think a man with a good sense of humor is also someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously. And, really, who wants a man who takes himself too seriously? Yikes!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:46 pm.
It’s been said before but a hero must have a sense of humor. Not be a funny man – that’s different. And empathy for others.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:24 pm.
Howdy Renee! We’ve been cyber friends for SO long. What a joy to meet you in Anaheim, and an even BIGGER joy to welcome you to our corral. What a wonderful post. Looking forward to so many more!
My response: The hero MUST LOVE DOGS.
Love and hugs, filly sister! xoxox
Ps. Our daughter and sil didn’t make it to Savannah…soon though.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 3:43 pm.
from the Westerns I have read I learned that the hero always wears boots and swears but never in front of a lady. The hero loves apple pie and women who bake them.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 4:42 pm.
Love the new web design!
The hero must have a sense of humor. I totally love a good sense of humor. The hero definitely must be very patient.
Love Charlene Sands answer.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 5:02 pm.
Welcome the the P&P! The hero must always stand up for his women and treat them right.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 6:36 pm.
Congratulations!I love P&P! It’s in my Favorites, and I visit it often.
I think others have said what I wanted to.. but I will say a Hero must be a little insecure.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 7:35 pm.
Hi Renee!!!!! So glad to have you here with us! I’ve been away for most of the day but had to stop in and say howdy. Love your list. My addition would be “Carries heavy scars from his past but never lets them show”
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 8:30 pm.
Loved your post, Renee! I’ve enjoyed your books for awhile now! I happen to love heroes – especially the Western kind – maybe because my last name is Western…ha ha! But, I married into that name so I can’t take credit for it! But I think I hero is anyone who puts his needs AFTER the woman he loves. Her needs come first! I like the other responses too! It’s great to welcome you to the Junction!
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 8:32 pm.
So many great comments! Thanks everyone for sharing my first official blog day with me. I look forward to hanging with old friends and make many new ones.
~Renee~
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 9:05 pm.
Great Post..looking forward to many more.
My hero is kind to animals be it his horse or a kitten or puppy.
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 9:51 pm.
Welcome Renee to P&P….I love all your books. My hero has to be Native American or a cowboy and be nice to animals. I know you are going to be great here.
Melinda
Posted on October 4, 2012 at 12:56 am.
Welcome,welcome Renee,,glad to have you with us,,
The hero: always gets the girl
Posted on October 4, 2012 at 8:19 am.
Hi Renee! I was out of pocket yesterday so I couldn’t comment but I wanted to welcome you to our little family. Your first blog was great. A body can never go wrong talking about cowboys. Loved your list. My addition to it would be to mention the form-fitting jeans that show off his tush and muscular thighs. Another thing on my list is that he is always honest and carries a deep tenderness for animals.
Anyway, welcome aboard. You’re going to like it here.
Posted on October 4, 2012 at 10:25 am.
P&P is a great find. So many wonderful writers to learn from. i plan to return often.
A hero is a man who knows he’ll probably never fully understand his woman, but loves her anyway.
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 12:36 pm.