Male Inspiration

 

I’m not a crazy stalking fan, but I do appreciate the looks and talents of certain men.  Most are actors but some are real people from history.  I even keep pictures of them in a folder on our computer, a folder my husband labeled, “K’s Boy Toys.”  (In case you can’t tell from that, my husband’s not the jealous type.)  Any of these men are likely to become the hero of a novel, several already have.  

 

The only person who’s been in all of my novels is Tom Berenger.  When Berenger was in his 40s, he was the epitome of masculinity and sexuality.  I don’t think anyone was better in love scenes, but he also possessed  a characteristic that he exuded better than anyone: vulnerability.  I like vulnerability in my characters, especially the men. In fact, I like imperfect characters—men and women who are caring and sensitive on the inside yet strong on the outside.

 

All three of the main male characters in my novel, Lily's War, were based on real Confederate soldiers (very much altered). Not only do I find much inspiration in true stories, I find it’s easier to be historically correct.   

 

All of this brings me to the latest addition to my folder:  Charles Lindbergh.  I just read the most marvelous book, The Aviator’s Wife, by Melanie Benjamin.  Benjamin made Charles and Anne Lindbergh so human—heroic yet weak, irritating, sexual, and more.  Many women who read about Lindbergh don’t like his cold and demanding ways, and in this day and time, it’s almost impossible to understand why anyone would stay with someone like that.  However,  such habits are more easily excused (expected?) in the right time and place.  Even before I read Benjamin’s book, I’d done some research on Charles Lindbergh and learned why he was the way he was.  I’m not excusing it but all of his characteristics make him good fodder for one of my future heroes. 

 

See how it all comes together?

 

 

(I highly recommend The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin and Biography’s DVD, “Charles and Anne Lindbergh: Alone Together.”)