Talking with Constance Phillips

A Hero’s Voice

Whether the hero of a romantic story is alpha or not-so-alpha, misguided or misjudged; I think readers look for one common element. They want him to have a moral compass, and make choices that are just.

Or maybe that’s just me.

Sometimes it isn’t as obvious. I’ll admit some of the heroes from my favorite books and movies are the ones who walk a thin line between good and evil. They are fighting their past or some inner demons. Or maybe they are fighting the angelic voice inside them and will cross the line for the greater good or the ultimate goal.

If I had to pick a favorite heroic archetype, it would probably be the wounded alpha. You know the guy: he’s strong, but cold. He has defensive walls in place because he’s been hurt—maybe from a past woman, maybe it was a past circumstance—and he’s not going to let anyone in.

Not ever.

Until he meets the heroine. And she chips at those walls until they crumble around him.

I’ve also been known to get a little woozy for the anti-hero.

Have even written a few.

In the end, however, my favorite kind of hero does what’s right, even if it’s a sacrifice.

Even if it costs him that ultimate goal.

Such is the case with Tristan in Council Courtship my novella follow up to Fairyproof.

When I decided that the rest of his house had been banished or had fled the realm because of their support of Eero (from Fairyproof) I knew that he had to be committed to something. Anyone – hero or not – that remains loyal to something when everyone else in his entire family walked away has to have conviction to that cause.

When your motives are questioned, it may be easy to succumb to what other’s believe about you. Many humans – and even a few fairies – would be tempted to give up on the cause of their heart, but ultimately a hero will stay the course, even if he stays down a side road here and there.

Do you have a set of guidelines for your favorite type of hero? Can an anti-hero make your heart go pitter-patter?

Council Courtship

When Tristan Ipsly becomes eligible to fill a vacated Council seat, he thinks his chances are non-existent. Especially since he is the sole member to a house the fell to the revolution and his contender Edwin Vettore is an elder from a house that adheres to Canon teachings.

If fairykind has a chance at survival, it will come on Tristan’s wings of change. Or so Quinn Vettore believes. But voicing her support for Tristan will anger her grandfather, and he’s the one man who can stand in the way of a courtship between Quinn and Tristan.

Will Edwin successfully keep both Quinn and the position out Tristan’s grasp, or will the Council yield to change.

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An Excerpt From Council Courtship

From his chosen perch high on the steps to Council Hall, Tristan took another bite of the round, red fruit he’d purchased earlier in the day and then wiped away the sweet juice that escaped down his chin.

Though there was more traffic milling around the square and marketplace than he’d seen in many cycles of the moon, it felt empty compared to a few short seasons ago.

Fairykind was on the brink of extinction, and he knew that issue alone was the most important one on everyone’s mind.

He had answers. Real solutions. If only they’d give him a chance.

As he scanned the crowd, his gaze zeroed in on Quinn as she entered the square side by side with Edwin.

Tristan took another bite of the primson, hoping to satisfy the hunger no food could sate. He tried to tear his stare from her, but his lust would not be denied. He found himself looking at her again.

If Tristan believed Edwin would allow him Quinn’s company at the festivities, he was a fool. Nor would Edwin ever let a near outcast bind with a Vettore. Clean and pure bloodlines: that was what most elders still longed for.

Funny how it was the message behind Eero’s revolution and the sin for which his house had been punished.

Midway across the square, Edwin turned to Quinn and appeared to say his goodbyes before separating and continuing toward the hall. He climbed the steps but breezed by Tristan without even acknowledging him.

Turning back, Tristan hoped for one lingering look at Quinn. Her gaze was fixated on the hall behind him. After a moment, her focus zeroed in on him and she approached.

His palms began to sweat and he rubbed them against the light fabric of his pants. She couldn’t be seeking him out. Yet she stopped in front of him, blocking the warmth of the sun and casting a shadow.

“Tristan Ipsly, I should be angry at you.”

“What did I do now?” The sharp, defensive tone was habitual, so many included him in his family’s crimes. Still, it was more than what this situation called for and he regretted it.

She laughed as she sat down next to him, nudging his knee with hers. “You didn’t buy that primson in my family’s shop. It’s the only food we don’t grow.”

Her laughter tickled his ear and the tightness in his shoulders eased. “You caught me!” He bit the last bit of flesh from the pit and then held it up and twisted it in his fingers. “I only bought it for the seed. I can’t figure out why I haven’t been able to successfully grow one.”

“It’s difficult to cultivate. Only the Pachett house seems to have any luck with it.”

It didn’t make sense—he’d studied it from every angle. “But why?”

“What I don’t understand is why you’ve taken up farming.”

“To learn.” And a means of protection. If the Council’s favor ever changed, he needed to be self-sufficient.

Constance Phillips

Constance lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and four canine kids. Her son, now on his own, is planning a wedding, reconfirming that romance still lives and breathes.

When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, she spends the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip with her husband for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.

Fairyproof and Resurrecting Harry are available now through Crescent Moon Press. The Novella sequel to Fairyproof, Council Courtship is also out now. My first contemporary romance, All That’s Unspoken will be released by Turquoise Morning Press Dec. 15 of this year and The Ultimate Catch from Whiskey Creek Press will be available in 2014.

You can also follow her on Twitter or friend her on Facebook. She also has pages on Goodreads and Pinterest.