My Cyber 'sister' is here - Joanna Aislinn, yay!

Welcome, Joanna! So happy to 'see' you again. Joanna and I have really got to know each other over the last couple of years and we find it amusing how our hair is so similiar...what do you think? LOL! Great, isn't it?

Can't wait to read what you have for us today, Joanna!

Good day everyone! Thanks so much to my good friend Rachel for having me here today—I am honored.

Before we go on, can we take a moment to remember and/or pray for the folks in Japan and anyone and everyone dealing with the current or residual damage from natural disasters everywhere in the world? I thank you.

Rachel: Amen

Now: Alpha or Beta?

This past weekend I did an interview at Roses of Prose. Among the questions—which sent me scurrying to the net for a quick answer—was one re: my hero being an alpha or beta male? Being a pantster, I never really took the time to think about it. (For the answer to No Matter Why’s male lead as an Alpha or a Beta, click the above link and scroll down to Saturday, March 14^th’s post. Come on, folks! We writer people need to promote each other!)

Back to Alpha or Beta:

That angry, brooding, closed off tough-guy is usually your alpha guy. Guess I’m boiling this down, but here’s one classic example: Brandon Birmingham, from Kathleen Woodiwiss’ debut, The Flame and the Flower. The Wolf and the Dove’s Wulfgar, also fits that bill. Glen on Fox Television’s Glee and Pretty in Pink’s Ducky fit the beta bill, according to a website I found (and unfortunately, couldn’t find again in order to link to it—sorry L). And if I flip things around: I’d say ABC’s Castle reverses the male/female deal. Rick Castle has got to be beta; Ms. Beckett is definitely the equivalent of the alpha male but with awesome legs I’ll never have.

A quick aside: betas are definitely gaining more favor and lead roles in romances. Those nice guys-next-door who are the friend-turned-lover are making their presence known more than ever before. Why? I’m thinking, they’re as relatable as guys come. And, yes, I’ll stretch the imagination to believe any story in which I become invested, but if I feel like I could really meet a guy like that, why not write a honey I might actually meet?

So here’s the age-old question: Which type do you prefer? And, those of you who share any part of your life with a guy, I’d love for you to take the time and share about yours and where he fits in? My hubby of sixteen-years-next-month is most likely a beta. He’s an all-around nice guy who happens to be handsome and has the heart of a hero. (Even when I forget my keys he makes a big display of getting them to me, lol.)

Anyway, those are my thoughts.

For those inclined, there are excerpts and free reads at my website and blog. (You’ll also find excerpts, recipes, buy links and more. Do stop by!) And I’d love to add you to my growing list of Facebook and Twitter friends, too!

Thanks so much to Rachel for hosting me and to all of you who took time out of your busy lives to stop in!

Have a wonderful day!

Joanna

Well, for me, it's the Beta male all the way, Joanna. I have only ever written Beta males, completely unable to put the Alpha male to paper. The reason? How can I possibly create a strong Alpha male that women would want to love if I am completely put off by them myself. I know they don't have to be overpowering or chauvinistic anymore but I am yet to find a Alpha hero that I 'liked' yet alone 'loved'. If you want to challenge me, I'd love to hear you recommendations!

As for my hubby - Beta all the way, yum!

Joanna and I are waiting to hear from you...