For the past two months I’ve been splitting my writing time between two very different stories. Normally I avoid this because it tends to cut down on my productivity. Last night I finally decided to focus on the characters that I was having more fun writing. The choice wasn’t as difficult as I had anticipated. I chose the hero who is an outrageous flirt and the heroine who is struggling to resist him.
Flirting is fun. In a romance novel it’s practically essential. My hero Wes does it all. He teases Gillian with prolonged eye contact, deliberate yet innocent touching, and not so innocent jokes. It isn’t easy. The flustered target of his affection wants to reciprocate but isn’t sure what, if anything, lies beneath the banter. He’s a player. She’s an onlooker.
I think most people can relate to that tingly feeling you get when someone flirts with you. In that one moment there’s a special bond – complete focus on the other individual. It might lead to something more or it might just be a sparkly encounter. Either way it feels good.
Just yesterday an elderly gentleman sprinted past me on a sidewalk in an effort to reach the library door we were both headed toward. As he proudly held the door open allowing me to pass, he made some comment about the pretty weather and my pretty smile. We exchanged a few more pleasantries before going our separate ways. His gentle flirting brightened my day.
Do you flirt? Do you have a favorite character that stands out as a flirt?
About Rita Oberlies
I love to flirt! And old guys are some of the best out there–they’ve been around the block, they’re witty, and hilariously good fun! They make you feel good, you make them feel good, and there’s no threat of misbehavior. Good time had by all!
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RIta Oberlies Reply:
October 20th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
So true, Kym! I told him that I thought his sneakers were cool (purple Reeboks) and he grinned from ear to ear.
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I am terrible at flirting! Always have been, but I love to write characters who are good at it. Or read it! The witty banter, the looks, the touches. It’s the spice of romance books if you ask me.
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Rita Oberlies Reply:
October 20th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
I could never flirt when I was a teenager – my face would turn bright red. It probably still does but now I’m too old to care
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I love writing heroes that are outrageous flirts! You can have so much fun with them!
I’m writing one now and working out that pivotal moment when he accepts and is happy to put his flirting days behind him. Lucky woman =)
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Rita Oberlies Reply:
October 20th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
I absolutely love when a guy realizes his flirting days are over. That is usually my favorite part of a story
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