Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I heart Alphas
This was going to be an ode to all things Mattycakes that I love in honor of v-day. I'd launched into this whole story of how v-day had always been for me, even way back as a kid; but Hellion wrote about that yesterday. *laughing* And hers was much better than mine. So I'm going to give a shout out to my favorite type of characters today and what makes me fall in love.
Alphas.
Influence this week-
Sleep With Me- City Sleeps - Not an Angel (2008)
Before the Dawn- Evanescence- Pre-release(2001)
For You- Desperate for Compromise- Coalescence (2006)
****
I was wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. Arms like steel pipes held onto me protectively, a chest rose and fell beneath my head and our legs were entangled. Light streamed through the darkened blinds and cast bright beams into my closed eyes. I moved just enough to adjust my hips and the sheet covering them, but his arms tightened and drew me closer.
I couldn't be here when he woke up. I should've been long gone hours ago; but there was something about him I couldn't let go. I looked up at his face. Imagined the look in his eyes last night while he looked down at me. The way his eyes darkened with each gasp, with each touch. I couldn't get it out of my head.
In the quiet confines of this place, he was totally relaxed. The fine lines hugging the corners of his eyes, around the corner of his lips were smoothed. No hard lines pressed into those lips. No clenched jaw. Nothing but silence between us and I couldn't quite stop the non-stop contradictions going on inside my head.
I wanted to feel indifferent- I told myself I was indifferent- but right now, I was anywhere but at indifferent.
My hand slid between his arms and down to his hip. Emotion was dangerous, I told myself. And stupid. And I'd made enough stupid mistakes to recognize another one in the act. This had gone on long enough. Cut the tie now and get gone. Fast.
I slid my hand away from his hip and melted away from him as easily as I could. Each time his breathing changed, I held my breath as a thief might do in the middle of the night. My dress was ripped, the halter buttons were MIA, the zipper destroyed. I looked around for his dress shirt and slipped it on. It came to mid-thigh, good enough to keep me covered up enough to get to the car. I scooped up the dress and heels and went in search of car keys.
"If you're looking for your keys, they're on the kitchen counter." His voice was hoarse, sleepy, filled with promises he could keep and my heart pounded harder with each second. Don't turn back, I told myself. Don't turn around.
Even though I paused for a second, I held my head high as I padded softly to the counter and sure enough, they were sitting right on the edge. I expected to hear him behind me. Hands sliding up my arms and pulling me back into him. But I didn't. I didn't know whether to be relieved or a little sad.
"You don't have to go." I felt his eyes on me, on the backs of my bare legs and bare feet. "You'll be safe here."
God, I felt anything but safe. Everything I held onto was in turmoil, including my life. And the way I felt about this man, whom on all accounts I shouldn't even trust enough to turn my back on, had me all tore up inside.
I kept my eyes firmly on the solid wood door. In this part of the apartment, the sun had yet to shine her grace down and the only the soft glow coming from the bedroom helped illuminate the room. I squared my shoulders and turned to face him.
"That's where you're wrong."
And it took everything I had to walk out of his life and not look back.
*****
I'm a fan of alphas. I've spoke loud and proud of my love for the alpha male. There is just something about a man who can just pin you with a look that's full of all sorts of wicked promises. Who's more action than words. Who's so mysterious, so in control that you know as soon as one ounce of that control slips something so powerful and magical happens that you're life is forever changed. It's the forced kiss in the dark alley as the shadows approach you slowly. It's the look in their eyes that tell you so many things you wish you could've said aloud, but can't. It is that constant pull of emotion that keeps you coming back for more.
Alphas are the sort of characters and people who demand attention. They don't tip toe around the situation. They are the situation. They are the answer for every problem. They are the doer. And everyone loves a doer.
Today, my love not only extends to the male alpha, but to the female alpha. The woman who knows what has to be done and does it. No matter what the sacrifice. No matter the cost. She wants what she can't have. She sees everything taken away and still keeps putting one foot in front of her because she's determined to change her fortune. Girl crushes are often formed on the female alpha because she often embodies everything you've ever wanted to represent, everything you've wanted to do.
What happens when a male and female alpha meet? Pure adrenaline. Pure aggression. Pure chemistry.
Alphas won't discuss feelings. In an alphas world, there is no such thing. A woman alpha is very aware of her feelings, but finds some way to squash down to the point it no longer matters if that's what she wants. It only matters the action to get her to the point of having what she wants. Because the end always justifies the means. Sadie knows what has to be done; what she must do and what has to be sacrificed in order to stop everything put into motion but she longs for the one thing she's never let herself ever have. And that is love.
Anyone care to share their best story of new relationship? (I suppose it is almost v-day (thank goodness I don't have to blog on v-day this year *wiping sweat from brow*) and we could share a good story about the significant other). In regards to writing, how do you tend to your write your heroines? Or have a girl crush on an alpha female? What sort of mate goes good with an alpha girl?
Alphas.
Influence this week-
Sleep With Me- City Sleeps - Not an Angel (2008) Before the Dawn- Evanescence- Pre-release(2001)For You- Desperate for Compromise- Coalescence (2006)****
I was wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. Arms like steel pipes held onto me protectively, a chest rose and fell beneath my head and our legs were entangled. Light streamed through the darkened blinds and cast bright beams into my closed eyes. I moved just enough to adjust my hips and the sheet covering them, but his arms tightened and drew me closer.
I couldn't be here when he woke up. I should've been long gone hours ago; but there was something about him I couldn't let go. I looked up at his face. Imagined the look in his eyes last night while he looked down at me. The way his eyes darkened with each gasp, with each touch. I couldn't get it out of my head.
In the quiet confines of this place, he was totally relaxed. The fine lines hugging the corners of his eyes, around the corner of his lips were smoothed. No hard lines pressed into those lips. No clenched jaw. Nothing but silence between us and I couldn't quite stop the non-stop contradictions going on inside my head.
I wanted to feel indifferent- I told myself I was indifferent- but right now, I was anywhere but at indifferent.
My hand slid between his arms and down to his hip. Emotion was dangerous, I told myself. And stupid. And I'd made enough stupid mistakes to recognize another one in the act. This had gone on long enough. Cut the tie now and get gone. Fast.
I slid my hand away from his hip and melted away from him as easily as I could. Each time his breathing changed, I held my breath as a thief might do in the middle of the night. My dress was ripped, the halter buttons were MIA, the zipper destroyed. I looked around for his dress shirt and slipped it on. It came to mid-thigh, good enough to keep me covered up enough to get to the car. I scooped up the dress and heels and went in search of car keys.
"If you're looking for your keys, they're on the kitchen counter." His voice was hoarse, sleepy, filled with promises he could keep and my heart pounded harder with each second. Don't turn back, I told myself. Don't turn around.
Even though I paused for a second, I held my head high as I padded softly to the counter and sure enough, they were sitting right on the edge. I expected to hear him behind me. Hands sliding up my arms and pulling me back into him. But I didn't. I didn't know whether to be relieved or a little sad.
"You don't have to go." I felt his eyes on me, on the backs of my bare legs and bare feet. "You'll be safe here."
God, I felt anything but safe. Everything I held onto was in turmoil, including my life. And the way I felt about this man, whom on all accounts I shouldn't even trust enough to turn my back on, had me all tore up inside.
I kept my eyes firmly on the solid wood door. In this part of the apartment, the sun had yet to shine her grace down and the only the soft glow coming from the bedroom helped illuminate the room. I squared my shoulders and turned to face him.
"That's where you're wrong."
And it took everything I had to walk out of his life and not look back.
*****
I'm a fan of alphas. I've spoke loud and proud of my love for the alpha male. There is just something about a man who can just pin you with a look that's full of all sorts of wicked promises. Who's more action than words. Who's so mysterious, so in control that you know as soon as one ounce of that control slips something so powerful and magical happens that you're life is forever changed. It's the forced kiss in the dark alley as the shadows approach you slowly. It's the look in their eyes that tell you so many things you wish you could've said aloud, but can't. It is that constant pull of emotion that keeps you coming back for more.
Alphas are the sort of characters and people who demand attention. They don't tip toe around the situation. They are the situation. They are the answer for every problem. They are the doer. And everyone loves a doer.
Today, my love not only extends to the male alpha, but to the female alpha. The woman who knows what has to be done and does it. No matter what the sacrifice. No matter the cost. She wants what she can't have. She sees everything taken away and still keeps putting one foot in front of her because she's determined to change her fortune. Girl crushes are often formed on the female alpha because she often embodies everything you've ever wanted to represent, everything you've wanted to do.
What happens when a male and female alpha meet? Pure adrenaline. Pure aggression. Pure chemistry.
Alphas won't discuss feelings. In an alphas world, there is no such thing. A woman alpha is very aware of her feelings, but finds some way to squash down to the point it no longer matters if that's what she wants. It only matters the action to get her to the point of having what she wants. Because the end always justifies the means. Sadie knows what has to be done; what she must do and what has to be sacrificed in order to stop everything put into motion but she longs for the one thing she's never let herself ever have. And that is love.
Anyone care to share their best story of new relationship? (I suppose it is almost v-day (thank goodness I don't have to blog on v-day this year *wiping sweat from brow*) and we could share a good story about the significant other). In regards to writing, how do you tend to your write your heroines? Or have a girl crush on an alpha female? What sort of mate goes good with an alpha girl?
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129 comments:
Thank goodness the ship is back on course steering clear of all that sentimental Valentine's nonsense!
I love these snippets Sin. Somehow you pack a Universe of emotion and electrical charge into a few short paragraphs and achieve closure with
And it took everything I had to walk out of his life and not look back.
I love the finality of that statement, no blurring of the issues, no second chance, its the end.
You do leave me wondering what went on before though, the fore play before the end game, but I expect that will be another snippet.
I did once know an alpha girl that I admired,It was in the sixth form at school and a very explosive mix, but I need a few strong drinks before re-igniting that touch paper!
Thanks for the fabulous story Sin...another for my treasure chest. 8)
Well done, Sin! And is it bad to admit that I didn't even think about the fact that v-day was coming up until Helli's post yesterday? Seriously! AND-here's the sad part(not sad like 'awwwww' but sad like 'woah it must hurt to be that stupid')- I just read the new release a Red Hot Valentine's Day LAST week. It didn't tip me off even a little bit!
Sin - I always love your super deep POV and your characters always break my heart. Love it.
Well, my latest heroine is broken. She feels completely at odds with herself, has completely shut herself out (for a very noble reason). But she's not going to stay like that forever. She's going to toughen up, going to learn to grab the world by the balls.
I am writing an alpha girl as well. Ice has been through some really really hard stuff. The longer I write stuff about her, the darker she gets. I'm still creating the guy she'll eventually get with but he's a smart ass and he's tough, but a charmer too. And he's persistent. He's going to have to be because Ice is a "I don't need you and if you get too close I might break your face" kind of girl.
Alpha girl I like? I am really excited about the last Gardella book by Colleen Gleason. I think Victoria Gardella is fantastic. And I'm just starting to read some of the real alpha girl books.
Good mornin' mateys.
Oh, and NONE of us have to blog on V-Day. LOL! Whoot!!!
Great blog! I love the alpha male AND the alpha female. Yesterday J Perry was talking about the balance between the two and it was so interesting and now I get your post on top of it! Woohoo! And what a great scene...you have fantastic lines.
I like to write strong heroines mainly because I think I strive to be a strong person and that somehow permeates my writing. Looking back, most of my favorite romances involves alpha h/h combos so maybe it's just something that I've always been drawn to.
I can see I'm going to have to keep myself scarce today. I HATE stories about how people met and fell in love. I never make it through those things.
I'm the one dissenting voice on Alphas. Don't get me wrong, I read them. And enjoy reading about them. But they aren't my favorites. (And so help me Captain if you say that's because I'm an alpha female....)
I do love this snippet, Sin. Beautifully done. Is that from one of your stories or just made up for the blog?
Off to check out the music for the day....
Q, I'm not so sure I know what happens before this.
Sadie is hard to write. I don't think it has anything to do with the breadth of emotion that she just keeps denying and has everything to do with she's almost too mentally tough. Tough to the point I can almost feel her breaking. It's like a room with steel joints and you've stuffed it full of stuff for so long the steel starts to bulge- just a little- and you keep putting stuff in there because you have no room for it anywhere else- and the more the joints give, the more frayed around the edges it all gets until you try to stuff one more thing in there before you close it down and it backfires on you.
There are two men in Sadie's life that she doesn't want there. And the closer they get to her, the more she tries to push them away. She doesn't need anyone and she's determined to keep it that way. So yeah, I'm not sure who it was in the apartment. I have an idea, but I think I'll wait for her to show me.
And Q, I bet the alpha girl was an explosive mix. Especially if you're even the slightest bit yourself.
Kelly, if you think you're stupid you should hang out with me sometime. LOL I blow stupid out of the water and tread right into the category "and wow, she actually has a brain? Incredible."
I didn't realize it was v-day weekend until Monday night and Mattycakes said something about it. Mostly because he wants to see the new Friday the 13th movie and knows I hate those type of movies.
Marn, I was totally thinking about Ice after I wrote this. She's like one of the best Alpha female characters ever. And Baby Bang from Tara Janzen's Crazy Series. And Ivy from the Hollows (Kim Harrison).
Ter, I dunno if there will be any stories of love today. Sounds like we're going in the other direction of alphas and what not. Did you go look up the music? Whatcha think?
And it's just something that came to mind. Of course, I haven't gotten far enough in anything I'm writing to actually have a "moment". But this is Sadie. She's not ready to put out the full story but she was so.. hm, I'm not sure of the right word. Not herself the other night.
Stephanie, I think that's what draws me to alpha H/H's. I wasn't always this way and I found myself admiring the strength I saw in others. Maybe I was just destined to become an alpha. My mother says it's because my sign is a rooster and I like to strut around. LOL
Darn, I missed J Perry's blog about it. I might have to go look it up later if I've got the time. I'm interested to see what was said.
"Ricky Bobby is not a thinker. Ricky Bobby is a doer, he's a driver..."
I *KNOW* you put that line in there on purpose, Sin. And I know you know I couldn't resist it.
Also, I have to respond to this: "Alphas are the sort of characters and people who demand attention. They don’t tip toe around the situation. They are the situation. They are the answer for every problem."
Dude, they ARE the problem. I'm dating this guy. I mean, they have to be the answer because they are the problem.
Hmm. Cute stories. Hmm.
There was the time we were standing on the porch together--before we were dating, back when my policy for being around him was stand close but not too close (fire burns, you know)--and he said, his eyes dark and deep: "What if?"
And I remembered this game. We'd had this conversation before. So I laughed--though it wasn't funny: "What if what?"
"What if we'd gotten married?"
And I glanced away, then back. "You know very well. I told you. We'd be divorced." Laughing as if that would be the funniest thing in the world.
"No," he said quietly, "I don't think we would be."
And I bolted away as if the fires of hells were on my heels.
And honest to God, it doesn't take much to stress this guy out. "You're driving? What are you doing talking on the phone then?" and "What do you mean you went to the gym? You stayed home sick yesterday! You should give your body time to heal!" and on and on, as if he has any control over me whatsoever.
Alpha girls. I don't know. Most of my heroines aren't the Lara Croft kick-butt and take-names sort. Most are neurotic secretaries in need of good sex. I'm not a physical Alpha Girl, but I might be a mental Alpha Girl, if that makes sense. Quite frequently prancing along, singing, "La-la-la, you're not the boss of me!" and skipping ahead into traffic. If that counts, that's the sort of Alpha Girls I write...they're the ones I understand. I'm the sort who believes you can't be conquered so long as in your mind you're free. It's all a mental game. A battle of wits...and most men are unarmed.
I only have a question.....where is the rest of that story?
I was now getting all comfortable reading it.
But I digress.
I love alpha females. My character Marissa is an alpha female. More so because of her work environment as an FBI agent, but she uses it as a mask to hide her true feelings and messed up emotional retardation.
I also have a girl crush on Marnee's new character, Ice. I'm completely in love with this story... Stabbed puppies RULE!
And yes, Bo'sun, you ARE an alpha. *blows raspberry*
Sin - I did check them out. I like the sound of all of them. City Sleeps has a song called Bones, so you gotta like 'em. LOL! I didn't listen to too many snippets as I'm at work, but I wrote them on the list. Desperate for Compromise wasn't bad either, kind of liked their sound a little more, but they totally stole that cover from Breaking Benjamin.
Evanescence is always good, but I do hate that most the time I can't figure out what the hell she's saying. LOL! Good thing the CD comes with the lyrics!
If we ever start a band on this ship, it's going to be a toss up for the name between Stabbed Puppies and Emotional Retardation.
LOL!
I think Stabbed Puppies would be much awesomener. I mean, it could be like Kittie. I can totally handle the screaming out of control nature of girl bands.
Nic, I love Marissa's integrity and tenacity. God, she's fiery! And you write her so well. She's very kick ass.
*shrugs shoulder* And you know how I am. I get these ideas and then I just can't go any further. LOL
And you're right. I totally pulled a Ricky Bobby. Just be glad I didn't say that alpha heroes and heroines go together like cocaine and waffles. *LMFAO*
Hellie, I love that story. I've heard it before, but I love it mostly because the visual you get from listening to it is priceless. Because I know the look you must've had in your eyes (that wide eyed, OMG this can't be happening look) and I can see you bolting away like a skittish pony.
I love alpha males. I especially love alphas who make sarcastic remarks (ala Booth!). I've never tried to write a alpha female, mostly because I'm the farthest thing from it. But I am trying now. I blew it in chapter 1 by turning her into a scardy cat who ran away. lol. which is totally what *I* would have done in that situation, but not this girl. I have a feeling this is going to be a challenge for me (in a good way!).
What you said, Sin: "A woman alpha is very aware of her feelings, but finds some way to squash down to the point it no longer matters if that’s what she wants." THAT's what I was going for, without realizing it. I need to keep this in mind....hmmm.....off to go rework Naomi's emotions again....
Before the Dawn is one of my favorite Evanescence songs. I just love this part. It's so unearthly haunting. "If only night can hold you where I can see you, my love. Then let me never ever wake again."
Understanding and Breathe No More- I don't know which one I identify with more. There's a hidden chorus line in Give Unto Me that I'd kill to be able to sing. One day, I'm going to do it while my GF plays the piano.
But Desperate for Compromise's Coalescence and BB's Phoebia came out the same year, at least I'm pretty sure. I'll have to look and see. It looks more like Disturbed's latest CD cover.
I think Naomi's emotions were good. Every alpha needs a crack in their mask. The one thing that always gets to them. It's what makes them approachable as a character.
Hal, an alpha woman is harder to write because as women we're hard wired to show emotion. It's almost like an alpha woman has to become a split personality. There is the woman the world sees, and there is the woman she sees when she's looking at herself in the mirror. At least that's how I write. Sadie may look cool, calm and collected but on the inside, she's a big mess.
I feel like Naomi needs to be a little more......this is the problem. Something. She just sacrificed everything - her life, her identity, her daughter - to avenge her jack-ass of a husband, only to realize he actually is a terrorist (or so she assumes). And I have her getting scared and running away. I think Marn's right and she should be pissed. Majorly pissed. She might even try to kick his ass. But of course, there's all these other emotions because she's been grieving him and still loves him and......grrrr. If I can get this right, I think it's going to come out really cool, but it might be the death of me in the mean time *g*
Sin - All woman play two different roles. Sometimes more. :) And I think the trick with the Alpha female (and male really) emotional thing is that the character has been damaged in some way. There's a reason she stifles the emotions. Usually a sad and powerful reason. That's where you shine. Creating damaged characters that are still strong. Fine line that one.
I haven't seen the new Disturbed cover. That's one thing about getting all your music digitally, you don't pay any attention to the cover art.
Hal - I think Sin is right, every character should have some vulnerability. They're human, so not perfect no matter how strong. It's okay for her to run, as long as she gets back up and fights again. The getting back up is what will make her an incredible character. Much so than if she never ran at all.
ter - I love damaged characters. Tortured alphas can just pull so much emotions....ahhh
I get most of my music digitally too. I'm too impatient to wait for it to come in the mail. LOL
http://www.disturbed1.com/
that's their new cover. I like it. Makes me want to write something really dark and disturbing.
Everyone has issues. It's just about writing characters who have them too. If you take a deeper look into anyone you can find something that qualifies them as tortured.
Hm, I'm torn between both your comment Hal and what Ter just said. She should be pissed, but that initial emotional jolt tends to leave us more distraught than pissed. She's going to feel like she just saw a ghost, and it's going to eat at her until she focusses again and tells herself she can't let him get to her and bucks up.
terri - good point! I hadn't thought of that...off to go try to put all of this together...
Cool cover. Disturbed would definitely inspire dark writing. LOL! They're not called Disturbed for nothing.
And another thing, it's all about how a particular copes with the one thing that qualifies them as tortured. Some people move on and let it go. Others dwell on it and fall victim to it. And well alphas, they get determined it will never happen again. So it's almost like a denial mechanism. They don't really deal with it in emotional terms; but proactively as an decisive action.
I dunno. Disturbed is dark, but unlike MSD, they don't inspire much in me. MSD disturbed Matty so much he won't listen to them.
Hal - Total relatability. Truth is, few of your readers are going to be women who kick ass like your character. But every reader will relate to her moment of weakness.
That's funny, Sin, because I would see it more as them not dealing with it at all. I see Alphas as sort of closed off. Instead of putting the damage out there and dealing with it, they wear it like an armor, keeping it inside and refusing to even acknowledge it.
Of course, by the end they deal with it, that's where the resolution and HEA come in. Thanks goodness. LOL!
Have I mentioned how happy I am to be discussing this and not sweet talk and roses? LOL!
I'm getting all sorts of good stuff today. I like this idea of a moment of vulnerability (that everyone relates to), and then that alpha determination to fight. *Then* she kicks his ass :)
Thanks girls! I've been fighting with this for like a week!
I was thinking (and it helps that I'm listening to it now) that Stabbing Westward's song, "What do I have to do?" is f*cking awesome for inspiration. You wouldn't thinking it would be a good song to inspire a sex scene, but it rocks out. Not only is it good for a sex scene but to me represents a good push/shove song. There's something about it that tells me it's that song when they are right on the edge of jumping in the deep end, but they can't do it on their own. They need someone to push/shove them. Push a button. Step up to them and shove them off the cliff. A character always needs one person in their life that is not afraid to be straight with them.
See, if you hadn't slept in on Saturday, we could have resolved all this then. LMAO!!!
Terri!! LMAO!!! You're right - damn alarm clock. I'm firing it and getting a new one this weekend.
So now I'm listening to Evanescence(thanks Sin):D
Woe be unto the poor students in the library today.
Any stupid questions and they gonna get the "dark and twisted" special :D
Nic, what song are you listening to?
To me, an alpha is not afraid of anyone or anything- but afraid of themselves. Whatever made them that way is their armor which to me is the proactive mechanism. It's almost like a disease. They become so determined and focused on detachment functioning on an emotional level is almost non-existant.
Right now I'm listening to "Call Me When You're Sober"
I went the other way, I'm listening to Sugarland. LOL! I know I'm going to smack myself in the forehead, but who is MSD?
Oohhh SIN that really was Well done!
Did you read my email? I cannot help but smile.
What sort of mate goes good with an alpha girl?
A man who is at ease in a tuxedo or a pair of Carhart overalls and a hard hat.
A man who isn’t intimidated by of advanced business accounting … dynamite … or me. A man who doesn’t back down when the job gets tuff. A man who doesn’t flinch when everything around him blows up in his face. Especially if that “everything” is me. He has to have finesse and the will to finish what he starts. But he also has to have the courage and the brains to know when its time to say “enough is enough”.
I think in many ways an Alpha male has to be ‘more” than an Alpha woman if he wants to be part of her life. More tuff, more obstinate, more driven, more thoughtful even .... It has been my experience that my personality …. My intensity, my intellect, my charm even can be intoxicating and Intimating. My temperament, which runs from frigid polar ice to hot smoldering lava, is simply too much for the average male to handle. ( This is for Q…)
I’ll admit it: I AM a Dangerous Woman. So I’d have the poor soul wrapped around my little finger in no time at all. And really … what fun is that?
Just my opinion … not that I’m an Alpha or anything…
Before that Sin I was rocking out (quietly) to "Tourniquet"
All this great, non-love-mushy music is inspiring so many good stories. I love it! My mind is whirling.
*goes to find the Trusty Notebook*
I am so out of my depth in this discussion. I can certainly think of some alpha heroes I have loved in romance fiction, but I am a true beta lover at heart. The hero of my second book (or it may turn out to be book 3 since I've written scenes in two and haven't decided order yet)may be an alpha. Honestly, in book 1, I thought he was just a jerk, but then he insisted on becoming a hero when I started the next book.
I do think it's a mistake to equate strength with alphas. Not that alphas aren't strong, but there are different kinds of strength. And all deep wounds bleed red blood. I also think there is a difference in the loner and an alpha. An alpha by definition is a leader. I don't think a loner wants to lead any pack. He/she just wants to be left the hell alone.
*high 5s Julie*
Leave it to Janga to make the astute distinction. And I think Betas are totally strong too, forgot about that. Really, all characters are strong.
I think the trouble I have with alphas (which is totally my own take and not the fault of any writer) is that I equate them with uber-stubborn. And someone who is unmovable drives me nuts.
Sugarland! I saw them in concert with Little Big Town - amazing.
Janga - that's a good distinction between alphas who are leaders, and jerks who just want to be left alone *g*
Nic, "Call me when your sober" is my least favorite Evanescence song beside "Exodus". I hate them both. "The Only One" and "Lithium" are really good for inspiring all kinds of stuff. I personally use in my visual writing playlist "Snow White Queen" "Lacrymosa" from The Open Door CD. "Going Under" "Bring Me Back to Life" and "Taking Over Me" from Fallen and "Understanding". (which I heard was played live on The Open Door tour and I missed it. I wanted to die.)
Hal - I have yet to see them in concert. Dang it. I need to see if their headed this way this summer.
MSD- Ter, we've had this convo before. I found them in a bargain bin at cdbaby. http://cdbaby.com/cd/msdmusic2
Undying, Murder and Winter are my favorite writing songs.
Jules, it's funny because I just read your email. I'd say your DH is definitely alpha. He sorta reminds me of Ranger in Janet Evanovich's Plum series. Except not as tortured and able to have a relationship and trust in mass quanities.
And dearest, I hate to tell you, but you're an alpha. That's why your relationship with him is so explosive. Which I didn't use it first, Q did, so don't shoot me.
Ooooohhhh....so many things to listen to. This is like a treasure chest filled with dark and twisty goodness.
See, I love "Call Me When You're Sober". But Snow White Queen might be my favorite on that CD. Which is the only one of their's I have.
Don't remember the MSD convo (no surprise I'm sure *rolls eyes*) but I like the sound. Probably don't want to know the words, but I love that heavy, thick bass sound.
Janga, where I have to agree that betas can be strong characters too, just because a character is a loner doesn't really necessarily mean they aren't an alpha. I think a good definition for this might be Jake from Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. By birthright, Jake is the alpha were in his pack; but by choice he serves as the second in command because he doesn't want to lead. When he breaks from the pack, he's an alpha that's a loner. A stereotype of a character doesn't put the boundaries on the depth, it's the writer and what effort we want to put behind the scenes.
Sin, I love the excerpt. You were born to write Sadie. I love writing alpha males and females. And nothing gets me more excited than a bad, bad rake:)
All the blogs have been wonderful this week, and you had to remind me that I'm the one blogging the closest to V-day. I'll never measure up!
Favorite girl crush on an alpha female- Baby Bang in Tara Janzen's Crazy series.
Ter, I just feel like "CMWYS" is a sellout song. I'm so use to the non-commericial sound before the fall out between Amy and Ben that it was a tough one for me to swallow song wise. Mattycakes also likes it, so maybe it was a good move on her part to get a wider range of listeners.
Bullshit, Lis. You know you're gonna rock it out this Friday. You always do.
"Snow White Queen" is one of her darker songs. I just love it. "I can't scream. I can't scream. I can't escape the twisted way you think of me.
I feel you in my dreams and I don't sleep. I don't sleep." I love the way she sings it. It's almost like a lullaby.
Maybe it's easy to write Sadie because it's like looking in the mirror at someone I've always wanted to know but haven't met yet.
Hey, guys!!! Are you MISSING something???Because I did NOT steal ANYTHING from you!Hehehehe
I sound really argumentative today.
Janga, I just feel like not all characters who are stubborn (Ter- I'm not saying you personally, I'm just referring to your comment) and/or jerks are automatically alphas. I feel like that's an unfair judgment on a character brand. Any character, regardless if they are alpha, beta or gamma, can be a jerk or stubborn.
Maybe I should shut up. LOL
"Maybe it’s easy to write Sadie because it’s like looking in the mirror at someone I’ve always wanted to know but haven’t met yet."
Oooh that's a cool way of looking at it1
SIN, I'm too innocent looking to be an Alpha. Besides I'm too quiet ... serene ...easy going ... more subtle than an Alpha. But I'm not a Beta either. Gosh, I'm not an Alpha, a Beta, or a Gamma. Is the next letter in the Greek alphabet ... Delta? As in ... Delta Force? LOL
Just like you can have an alpha who's not stubborn or a jerk, but who steps up and takes charge when there's something on the line.
Anybody else watch CSI: NY? I think I've said this on here before, but Mack, the head detective, is to me that perfect Gamma hero. He's never stubborn, and certainly never a jerk, but there's no doubt he's the leader and he'd do anything to protect and lead his team.
And if you trust the anthropology lessons on Bones, what gives a man "Alpha Male Status" isn't having alpha-like characteristics, but rather having people who look up to you and respect you as the leader. Which puts a whole different spin on the idea than just being stubborn, a loner, or a jerk.
If that's the case, I can't be an alpha either because I barely pass for an 18 YO. It's more fun when they don't see it coming. LOL
Are we making up a new definition today? I know we have gamma for the cross between an alpha and beta male. So with that in mind, maybe we can be Deltas. Except it reminds me of this stupid crap I heard in college, "Delta, Delta, Delta, can I help-help-help ya?"
Gah.
Wow, great discussion, crew! Sin, I loved this statement, "A character always needs one person in their life that is not afraid to be straight with them."
That's one of those alpha qualities that oft gets overlooked. I have a character that to all appearances, isn't really an alpha. The heroine is all the way, but he is the only one who is arrow straight with her...with everything save how he feels about her. Because he knows it will drive her away.
I've been stuck with their story, but today has helped me define it all better. Anxious to get out there and do some writing.
I met my DH when interviewing him for the high school newspaper...and he was so blasted shy I had to drag answers out of him with a hook on a pole! (He was our new drum major. Big story!) That was beginning of Junior year. Last dance of the football season, sitting on the floor of the gym, feeling sorry for myself because I wasn't dancing...he asked me to dance. Didn't see him again until Senior year when he joined newspaper class...the rest is history!
I started out as alpha...then him...we change places. A good relationship sees that role switched back and forth...
Julie? Innocent looking? Bwahahahaha!
I'm not saying being stubborn makes him Alpha. I'm saying being Alpha makes him stubborn. LOL! But other kinds of characters can be stubborn. I guess that's a universal trait. Alphas are just more "rock of Gibralter" unmovable stubborn.
I think what y'all are referring to is simply a Bad Ass. LOL!
Hal - I love the way Bones calls Booth an Alpha. He's not the one in the spotlight always taking credit (wasn't this the episode with Booth's brother), but he's the one taking care of others and getting things done.
The Alpha may not say much, may not even stand out that much, but in a crisis, he/she's the one everyone is going to turn to for answers on what to do. That's where the leadership comes into play.
Hal, I love CSI:NY! But I haven't watched it in a while! How are Lindsey and her baby daddy doing(I like him but can't remember his name. And I was pretty surprised when he cheated last season).
What do you think of Mack and Stella getting together? And will Flack and that girl cop(again can't remember the name) hook up?
Since this IS about v-day I think these questions are pertinent.
I agree Chance. My BFF made the comment the other day while we were talking about which role she defines what happens when both partners are the same? I told her, a good partnership is when both can recognize that you can't have to alphas leading the pack. In the case of me and Mattycakes, I let him lead because I recognize he's the stronger alpha (which by all accounts is quite a feat) and I rule quietly beside him. I'm not as vocal in my alphanism.
I agree with that definition Ter.
terri - exactly! That's why I think a true alpha *can't* be stubborn or immovable, because it's not about their ego, it's about something bigger - be it the team, or their family, or justice or truth or some other idea. A true alpha puts the needs of whomever he is leading over his own ego.
And yes, ah, I love that episode of Bones - where Angela says, "No, the brother is Booth-lite." As in he could never measure up to Booth (though he *almost* did last week)
Ter, Booth is a total Alpha. And OMG! hot!! Do you think Davic Boreanaz would leave his playboy playmate wife for me??? Yeah, didn't think so...
Wasn't that a great episode, though? With Booth dealing with his past guilt ghost? Typical alpha guilt there, as if he could have made the difference with that young solier's life...
Booth-lite is giving the brother more credit than he deserves. He may have risen to the occassion when Tempe all but spit on him...but it took all but being spit on to get him going!
Sin - Yeah, when push comes to shove, the alpha position is juggled. And sometimes, neither of us want it!
Being Alpha is hard!
Kel - I haven't been watching CSI much lately, but yes, Flack and Jessie are together, and Lindsay and baby-daddy (I can't remember his name either!)are doing so-so. He proposed, she answered with a no without any explanation, so he's all hurt and offended :)
I heart Booth. *sigh* Even my kid is totally in love with him.
I should clarify, the Alpha is stubborn with his heroine, not necessarily everything else. It's that, "You deserve better than me" and "I can protect you can't possibly protect yourself" thing that gets me. The times when a flippin' brick has to fall on his head before he'll believe they really can live HEA. LOL!
But then, when the Alpha gets that look when another guy touches her or gets too close, I don't mind that kind of stubborn. LOL!
I would have said no to Danny(yep! I looked up his name!lol.) too. I mean, I wouldn't want a guy who only proposed because I was pregnant.
Ter, sometimes I think Booth knows Temp is the one BUT she's the one who just doesn't get it. Kinda like that 'so smart she's stupid' thing. Just my opinion...
(EX: Remember the episode a couple seasons back where it was Christmas and they couldn't have a Christmas tree for Temp's family in prison. So Booth showed up outside the window with Parker(outside of the prison gates as well, of course) and lit up that Christmas tree with his car!!!LOVE!LOVE!LOVE!
So I was talking to Rob about this, and he said, "Booth isn't the alpha, Bones is." Which got me to thinking that Bones/Booth may be a great example of the "alpha pair" where you have an alpha male and an alpha female working together.
That's *now that I think about it.
I just started watching Bones recently and I love them both. There is so much chemistry between the two of them but it's all sexual tension. I love it.
And I think they're both Alpha too. Bones telling off Booth's brother this past week? Yeah, that's definitely Alpha.
Hal, I agree! That makes perfect sense not that I think about it. Have you read Kalen Hughes' Lord Sin? Because she has an alpha heroine and hero(actually, he might actually be a bit more gamma-not positive.It's been a while since I read it.)
Bones is definitely alpha. And I loved when hit lit up that tree. This past week when they were on the plane and she had those glasses on and he got real close and said, "Now I want you to take off the glasses and take your hair out of that clip and swing it all around." Or something like that. She totally didn't get it. LOL! But then after he left she did it all and still didn't get it. LOL!
Hi all! I was bored today so I thought I would wonder over to your site and see what adventures you are up to. I so Love Alpha Males, hence probably why I am married to one! (although the last few days I am starting to question that logic LOL!)I have decided I should throw out all my alpha heros and just write my husbands personality. I think I would have a book completed by now.Is it a bad thing? no for the most part its quite entertaining. Am I an Alpha female? aahhh NO! I think he has made me be a much stronger woman than I was and he has given me confidence I didnt have when I was younger. His friends call me the princess, mostly to jerk his chain, but deep down I think that is the perception he wants others to have of me. A wife, protected, taken care of and loved unconditionally. Ok Im done being sappy, I have to go back to writing this damn hero of mine! He is not cooperating with me today!
Hellion this is an excellent explanation of Alpha-ism
"Dude, they ARE the problem. I’m dating this guy. I mean, they have to be the answer because they are the problem." Yep. thats def my Dh ... and my DS too. Sigh.
Terri you used the term "uber-stubborn". Then you softened it to "Alpha is stubborn with his heroine, not necessarily everything else." Uuummmm ... if you ever met my husband you'd be sticking with your first statement. OMG!
SIN said "They don’t really deal with it in emotional terms; but proactively as an decisive action." From my pov this is right on target.
Kelly, I do toooo look innocent ... ummm ... from the neck up.
And SIN, I don't look That Young. I haven't been carded for alcohol since I was 38 or 39 years old.
Sin, we are just going to have agree to disagree. I still maintain that there is a difference in the true alpha, the dominant male who is confident, tough, stubborn, aggressive and protective of his pack, and the loner, who may share some traits with the alpha but who has no desire to lead and whose primary bond is pretty much even in the HEA going to be limited to his mate and their offspring. I NEVER said either the alpha or the loner is a jerk. What I said was that I had a character who I thought was just a jerk in book 1 who insisted on turning into an alpha hero in another book. He acted the jerk in book 1 because circumstances prevented his being the leader his nature pushed him to be.
Since I haven't read the Twilight books, I can't address that point. I concede that there will always be exceptions based on individual circumstances to generalizations, but my comment was descriptive of the general patterns I see in the books I read. I could go on and on, but we would probably still end up with different povs on the issue. So I'll just say your alphas touch my heart, and when you're published I'll proudly buy your books (even as I still love betas best). :)
93 posts! Someone is popular!
Afraid I cheated and skipped quite a lot so hope I don't say anything stupid...as if I could. *grin*
Sin, perhaps Sadie needs to become more quark-like. The further quarks are pulled apart the more strongly they attract. You see, God knew all about love when he built the Universe. :wink:
As to alpha girls, I think they are quite rare. To me alphas don't need to lack emotional exuberance or anything else for that matter. They are as near perfection as is humanly possible. Their physique allows excellence at sport and ...er other physical activities. Their intellects allow them to converse with experts at the highest level. Their humour makes them a centre piece at parties and their leadership skills follow from the respect and awe in which they are held by colleagues and friends. I have known one or two personally and have admired others from a distance. Margaret Thatcher, our first prime minister was an alpha girl for me....but I would have hated being married to her!
Julie I think I'm sort of agreeing with you. The alpha man has to have that little bit extra in every department and like me, carry a thermometer at all times to cope with you!
I think you must be omega woman....defying description until the end! *grin*
I have no idea how to respond to the Bones discussion. I only watch The Biggest Loser which doesn't really apply today. LOL
Except for Jillian and she's pretty alpha.
Jules, you look barely legal. Don't front.
Lady Jane *curtsey* Always a pleasant surprise when you come aboard.
Usually guys make us stronger women because they give us trials and tribulations. LOL
Janga, my good hearted buddy, I will agree to disagree with you today. I will say that you're right and you never said they were jerks, so I apologize for putting those words in your mouth.. err, message.
And I must admit that no matter how much I'm not fond of betas, I will buy your books and love your heroes regardless if they are alpha or beta because your writing is so rich. :)
Q, dear, I hope you had a good day.
I dunno necessarily that it has anything to do with popularity but more about discussing differences between characteristics today and my big mouth.
Quark-like huh? Hm, I looked up your quark because mine is different from yours (mine is a software, obviously yours is a scientic matter or method). I'm reading about it and getting the sense of sorta opposites attract but also destroy. Are you saying that Sadie should become a Black Widow? LOL
I need a private science tutor for this. *hiding in the crow's nest*
Ooooh! If I'm fast I get to be the century post!
Quarks, I love it. Sorta like observing an experiement changes the outcome?
Sin,I was referring to the quarks that are found inside protons and neutrons, which are themselves constituents of the atomic nucleus.
They have the strange feature of attracting each other with increasing force as their separation increases. Just like a couple madly in love.
Thats just given me an idea for V-day.....Mrs Q is going to love this!
Thanks for the inspiration dearest one. :D
" You must be omega woman?'
Quantum My dear Sir, you are much to Charming.
And really ... I think that you described me to perfection. Starting with your line
"They are as near perfection as is humanly possible. " LOL!
Second, you just beat me to the 100 mark you rogue!
I believe you are thinking of the quantum theory of measurement.
Dear me, I can see that I should start a course on the Quark Theory of Love to try and educate you all in these fundamental matters! *grin*
Does this mean we're going to find Mr. & Mrs. Q in the crow's nest on V-day?
That quark thing totally works in real life. Come on, you cling to a guy, he'll fun faster than you can snap your fingers. You push him away harder and harder, he chases harder and harder.
So. Freaking. Annoying.
Oh, too true, Terrio. Though with two alphas, isn't it more they end up walking away from each other, wanting to cast that longing look, but too proud to do so?
While the beta friends stand by, arms crossed, "Idiots!" And they end up making sure the HEA actually happens?
Beta friends are terribly precious.
SIN "Jules, you look barely legal."
That's because you've never seen me in the cruel light of day," said the woman whose family is from Transylvania. Gosh I guess we Transylvanias just don't age like the rest of you. Plus I eat a healthy diet ... full of nice , rich blooo-errr protein. Yah. I eat well.
And
2nd Chance i have to agree Beta's make very good friends, and I do cherish them. But I would be married to one. I'd drive the poor man crazy! IMO! Funny though ... all of my siblings are married to BETAS! Go figure.
The quantam theory of measurement...? OK.
I was thinking along the lines of my stress class instructor, who tells you to observe your breath, but don't change it. Dude! If I observe it, I'm naturally going to change it. If I don't do it purposefully, I'm going to end up doing it anyway by being too aware of how I'm not breathing deep enough...
Spins me up, this observe, but don't change. Right. I don't think it's possible. And from what I've read on the microscopic level, it works that way, too. Observers change the outcome... Sort of fascinating...
Ha! That should be "But I would NEVER be married to one." I'm not that cruel!
Oh, fudge. I thought the idea of marrying a beta so you could drive him crazy was a bit inspirational. And psycho, of course. ;)
Though I had a bro-in-law that I swear, had that idea in mind when he married my sister... He's a model for a new vilian I'm building.
Let's break out the rum and toast Sin! For a century+ blog day!
Hoohaas for everyone!
Uh, villian... Man, OK. I admit, I got into the hoohaas earlier today!
(Man, I don't like how that sounded...)
*snort*
Ever notice how I get all talky about the time everybody else is going home from work?
I feel so alone...
LOL! You probably are all the way over there. I admit, I'm leaving work in about five minutes. But Sin and Hellie are an hour behind me. They should be around here somewheres...
I'm here. I just always get busy about this time of the day. I'm not leaving for another couple of hours.
Good lord, I just noticed how many comments there actual were today. Whew. We're a chatty bunch today. LOL
I love that my science idiocy has inspired a v-day love fest for the Q's. *wry look*
Jules is a vamp. You heard her say it first.
Ter, I love that about people. Mattycakes did that to me. My hand to God, I swear. I didn't want to really have much to do with him but as soon as he started to act like he didn't want anything to do with me, it drove me insane. Nothing like someone who knows how to play the damn game when I'm the one playing it in the first place.
Chance, did you really say that you're modeling your villian after your new BIL? *laughing* I'm prone to doing things like that as well. It's much more satisfying in the end when you get to hurt them. :)
Nah, the old and discarded BIL... But he's still a sh*thead. Manipulative, nasty, power-hungry...perfect villain material.
But my MIL has made it into my pages often...
Hee, hee. You're going to break records today, Sin!
Especially if I keep babbling... I need to eat. Yeah, I'll go have a late lunch. Been too long since the cheerios...
Oh, man I just saw how I entered my e-mail earlier. Whoa! Too much hoo!
Sin, Julie is a LOT of things...The word 'crazy' springs to mind...LOL!J/K.
LOL. I can't believe you just called Jules crazy. LOL. She's wild.
Crazy? KK thats Rather FUNNY coming from YOU!. Like the bvowl calling the saucer a dish!
and
WILD? This from a woman named SIN? You must have meant to say MILD spelled M-I-L-D, Lil' Miss SINnister. Seems like there is a Lots o type-oh-nos today! Speeking of type O's I gotta go make some dinner! LOL! Get it? Type O's?
Um...I ALWAYS call Julie crazy!! Facts are facts, ma'am.lol. And she is WILD!
PS: A 'bvowl'-as far as I know- is NOT a dish. IN FACT, a 'BVOWL' doesn't exist!!!LOL!
I*heart* you, Julie!!
"Seems like there is a Lots o type-oh-nos today!"
= bad Typo joke
A bvowl does exist my Dahlink Kehllee. "bvowl" = bowl when I'm speaking with my Transylvanian accent,yes?
And what do you mean Wild? Seriously, you can't be serious. I've never Even had a speeding ticket! Or gotten arrested. Or gotten a detention at school. Or lied about my age. Or dyed my hair. Or stuffed my bra. Or tried to use an expired coupon...
Jeez
And there is a perfectly Resonable explaination for... darn look at the time! Time for bed y'all! Gotta go!
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