Yes at the time I thought it was pretty good idea. One book, two heroes, two heroines. But now as I write it I have to wonder if I was insane when I decided to do it. The title of the book is Phoenix and it's the third book in my Star series. The story centers around Zander, who is Shaun's son (Stargazer)and Boone who is Ruben's adopted son (Shooting Star) Best friends, both after the same end, but something terrible has to happen doesn't it? (Add evil laughter here)
The problem is how do I make them different. Don't hero's have the same genetic make-up? Won't the reader get bored reading the same hero type Point Of View from chapter to chapter? And what about the heroines? One is Elle, Zander's twin. The other is Mara who so far has only been seen in Zander's dreams and only briefly. As I said I must be insane. Wish me luck.
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Cindy, I feel your pain! :-) I just sent GAMES OF COMMAND (working title) to Bantam for final edits and I swear I will never do dual H/H again. And my H/Hs were unrelated and somewhat to vastly difference in pesonalities.
ReplyDeleteTwins: my huz's sisters are identicals. I can tell you from experience that while yes, they're very much alike (an ex of one used to call them "two bodies one brain") they're also very different. One twin is the more businesslike, more direct. The other is softer, more maternal. I think you (and readers) could have lots of fun playing up the areas where the twins DO clash--which would be somewhat surprising to the twins, I'd think.
One may want to do something NOW (the more impulsive one). The other might want to wait and see...
Also, how do they feel about being twins? Are they tired of people (including their author--::evil grin::) assuming they walk alike and talk alike, a la Patty Duke (showing my age here)? Will one sometimes do something bizarre just to prove she's unique?
Yes, you are insane. So am I. Hazard of the authorly occupation. :-) ~Linnea
Thanks Linnea
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know that we're not alone as we flounder about in an unknown world. My twins are very different. One is headstrong, the other very cautious. Which leads to trouble for both of them. (insert more evil laughter)
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI think two heroes is an excellent idea. Go for it!!!
In fact --strange how this happens-- I shall be very interested in your progress because my next book (the one after INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL) looks like it is going to have two heroes, one quite young and very, VERY horny, the other only twenty-seven or so, but sexually a cold fish.
If it doesn't seem right to me for the Adam Adamantine 'Rhett to have his HEA just yet, at least some guy has to get his rocks off.
I probably should not go on the record as saying that!!!!
Rowena
Hi folks!
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled to be invited to post on this blog! Before I do an introductory post, though, I want to comment on this fascinating thread.
The trick to shoehorning two heroes and their S.O.'s into the same novel is THEME.
If each of the POV characters is living one or another version of the same Life Lesson, the reader will see them as two sides of the same coin and understand one from understanding the other.
For example, if one man is messing up his life because he can't make a commitment, then the other leading man might well be over-committed. It might not all be with regard to Relationship -- some commitment problems could be with jobs, -- or even just deciding which car to buy.
Then they each see themselves in the other and are irritated by the trait they own but can't admit.
If one main character is messing up his life because he's really an artist but is trying for a Law Degree and failing, the obverse main character is trying to make it as an artist but is really a Lawyer (or merchant or doctor).
The one who can't admit to being an artist envies the one who is living as an artist (and failing) -- and this is all resolved when they go into business together supporting their women who are opening a pottery shop on the internet to sell the pottery they make.
The two potter women spend most of the book vying for a contest prize - State Fair or something. The men make peace between them when they see profits to be made by combining the talents of the women.
You are right, this is not an easy thing, even when the themes and Relationships are carefully constructed before you write and truthfully I don't envy you the task.
You can judge whether I managed to pull it off the first time I tried it (with converging plot threads and two pairs of characters) in Molt Brother and City of A Million Legends, two of my novels now out in e-book on fictionwise.com
And Cindy, I can't recall reading anything of yours so put me on your review copy list.
http://www.simegen.com/reviews/rereadablebooks/