Perplexed
This is just a tiny, mini-rant (no rage involved), and it's regarding Christian Fiction.
All of the men seem a little too....nice. I know, I know, Beta males are the helpful guys, right? But shouldn't they still have some sort of Man quality. You know, the thing that makes a woman shake her head, snort (you know you do it) and think, "That's just like a man."
Remember those old romances, where the man was almost to the point of jerkiness and the woman was either a fiery wildcat or a gentle waif? Things seem to have switched now, to where the woman is self-involved and controlling, while the man is a cowering, apologetic...thing.
I'm perplexed. Does anyone else think Christian romance heroes are becoming more effeminate, or is it just me? And maybe my perception is skewed? Maybe manliness is not measured by abruptness, rudeness, lack of listening, bossiness, flatulence, possessive streak? Clue me in, ladies and gentlemen, because I'm missing the "jerks" of old.
There are CBA authors, though, who really write a man well. Heitzmann, Rivers and Lessman, to name a few. What do you think about men in Christian fiction?
All of the men seem a little too....nice. I know, I know, Beta males are the helpful guys, right? But shouldn't they still have some sort of Man quality. You know, the thing that makes a woman shake her head, snort (you know you do it) and think, "That's just like a man."
Remember those old romances, where the man was almost to the point of jerkiness and the woman was either a fiery wildcat or a gentle waif? Things seem to have switched now, to where the woman is self-involved and controlling, while the man is a cowering, apologetic...thing.
I'm perplexed. Does anyone else think Christian romance heroes are becoming more effeminate, or is it just me? And maybe my perception is skewed? Maybe manliness is not measured by abruptness, rudeness, lack of listening, bossiness, flatulence, possessive streak? Clue me in, ladies and gentlemen, because I'm missing the "jerks" of old.
There are CBA authors, though, who really write a man well. Heitzmann, Rivers and Lessman, to name a few. What do you think about men in Christian fiction?
Comments
I haven't read enough CBA fiction lately to have a grip on the maleness factor. But I did purchase a couple of books yesterday and finally got Lessman's first book. So, I'm starting to try to catch up with some reading! I'll have to let you know what I think once I get through a few!
Will have to grab one of your recommendations and try another Christian romance novel.
I think you hit it on the head with the perfection factor.
So, with Heitzmann and Rivers, you thought of them because the heroes were real or because they weren't? I guess, specifically, I was thinking of Rivers's Mark of the Lion series. The men in those are ....woohoo! LOL
I love how you put that. I like a man who can stand up to a strong heroine too, not do everything she tells him and apologize every five minutes. LOL
I like Lessman's guys too. Yum!
You might like Lessman's books. They're considered edgy Christian romance because there are a lot of sparks, but there's also a lot of faith and how passion relates to God.
If you do try one of those authors, let me know what you think. ;-)
you are too young to remember, but in the fifties and sixties, men in tv shows and movies were more "manly" and jerky, as you say. Then the Feminist movement hit, and they became wimps and noodles. I think literature, unfortunatly, is a reflection of that turning.
I'd love to see it come back, in every form of media, to more traditional roles.
I once had someone ask me about my column: "You pick on Kevin, don't you?" My reply was, "Maybe, but he gets me back in his sermons!"
The tete a tete is fun and interesting for reader and listener alike.
Am i rambling?
Happy Weekend,
Jen
Jen
I don't mind strong characters at all, though when the women get real mean it annoys me. But if the man can handle it, then things are okay.
You cracked me up with the noodle comment! :-)
And Heitzmann - I have re-read the Secrets/Unforgotten series about a hundred times. I want a Lance of my own, he felt so real (because he wasn't perfect but tried to do the right thing).
I love stories with strong male and female characters - the interaction is so much better that way!
Are there any good modern Christian fantasy authors? I would try those.
Secrets and Unforgotten were about the old villa in California. It had Lance (Italian-American) as the hero and Reese as the heroine. If you haven't read those, I'll have to dig them up and lend them to you. You'll love them!
Kristin - I've read the Firebird Trilogy which is Christian sci-fi. I'm not sure of any Christian fantasy, but I've never looked for it either.
I don't read much of fantasy, so I couldn't say whether they're any good, but I do know that there are some CBA fantasy authors out there. I know of some bestselling YA Dragon authors. Not so sure about Adult authors though.
YOu know, I would really love to see a good CBA vampire story. That would be awesome.
http://thechristianmanifesto.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/eri-wilson-slated-to-release-christian-vampire-tale-with-thomas-nelson/
If you google Christian vampires, you get a few links to stuff just coming out. Very interesting.
I like them to be real too, but with strong qualities, because as we know, some guys really are weak. But I like a strong hero. LOL
Ditto on the women.
I think it's sad that men are portrayed either as jerks or wimps. Either extreme upsets me.
Julie is so successful because of the conflict and tension in her characters' relationships. They have their flaws - both men and women.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I like your last line. Very true. I've never read Siri Mitchell, though I've heard of her.
You're so right. Either extreme won't make a good hero, although sometimes I think jerkiness can have a solid motivation that will make the reader empathize.
Julie does give her characters good flaws, but I still think her men are strong in their flaws and in their virtues. LOL I just plain like her men. They make me think of my own darling hubby! LOL
I also think that it seems to go back and forth between either extreme--being a jerk or being a wuss.
I guess it's hard to balance though--if the guy is a complicated individual with a harsh past, he comes across as jerky. And then there's the other end of things too.
How do you make a well-balanced guy?
I should watch what I say--the guy in my historical fiction tends to lean towards the jerky spectrum. I'm not sure how else to portray him--he's had a rather dodgy past and it's also a society where emotions are hidden behind a stern facade.
Oh well; guess I'll have to keep working on it!
You're right, though, they need to have some quirks that drive the heroine nuts to make them real. Yet another thing to add to my editing list.
I'm not a huge romance reader though.
I don't know how to make a well-balanced guy. Yet. LOL Well, maybe my last book the guy was good. I think it's balancing out the flaws with the virtues, as well as motivation.
I wouldn't worry about your guy too much. If the reader empathizes with his past and sees why he acts the way he does, then things will probably be fine. :-)
That's an excellent point. Now that I think of it, it's the non-Christian heroes who I really learn to love. The other ones are more low-key, it seems.
Quirks. That's a good idea. I don't know if it's because we're women or not. It seems the secular market has a stronger take on manly men. I could be completely off here too. I do read inspirational romances, but it's balanced with writing so I don't get to read as many authors as I used to.
I'm stoked for that class! Don't worry, I'll share some juicy tidbits! LOL
I think you're right on. Maybe it's the imbalance that makes the man weaker...good point. The man should match the woman, or complement her.
Things are changing, thank goodness. The CBA market is opening up to a lot of different stuff. I just hope we still get the heroes I enjoy so much in secular romances. It's not too sad out there. :-)
You frequent Seekerville, right? I think someone did a post on quirks recently. Maybe Mary Connealy? It was really good. :-)
You don't have to have a lot of quirks in your character. I'd think it would depend on genre.
Maybe some others will give their definitions too?
~Silver
Reflections