Myra Johnson, Love Inspired author gives her hero answers today. I can’t wait to get my hands on Myra’s newest novel, Romance By The Book, It sounds like something right up my alley. Sweet, romantic, wonderful hero. Sigh. Anyway, Myra happens to be one of the lovely Seekers too.

If you’d like to learn more about Myra’s books, visit www.myrajohnson.com

To take a peek at Seekerville, visit http://seekerville.blogspot.com

 So, Myra – what are your top three hero characteristics?

Hmmm, had to think about this for a couple of days. Here’s what I came up with:

1. Intellectual intelligence

2. Emotional intelligence

3. Quiet courage

 Oh, what fun. She used big words!

Who doesn’t like a hero with smarts? Really. No one wants to read about a dense hero, unless it’s the vulnerability of social awkwardness – as in Siri Mitchell’s new novel She Walks In Beauty. The hero, Harry, has spiritual and emotional insight, but he doesn’t quite ‘get’ the social nuances of high society rules, which makes him all the more endearing.

Intelligence, both intellectual and emotional, is a hallmark of a hero. Think of some of the most memorable heroes and try to imagine them without ‘smarts’ or emotionally insight for the heroine or his family.

Mr. Darcy without his quick wit or concern for his sister – eventually  his concern for Elizabeth.

Rhett Butler without his brilliant schemes and wooing charm.

Sherlock Holmes without his unprecedented intellectual prowess

From some more recent examples,

Mary Connealy’s hero, Red, in Montana Rose  has emotional intelligence toward Cassie – which is a catalyst for her growth.

Justin Wells in Margaret Browley’s book A Lady Like Sarah has spiritual intelligence, even if he fumbles taking out a man’s bullet and building a campfire. It’s this spiritual depth and compassion that shocks poor Sarah into contemplation about her own soul.

Okay, so to be perfectly honest, I love the socially clumsy sort, who are trying to figure their ways into their lady-loves hearts There’s something endearing about a guy who is trying to do the ‘right’ thing and fumbles about with a little bit of nerves. Even Mitch Dennehey in Julie Lessman’s book A Passion Redeemed gets a bit shocked by the daring and passionate Charity O’Connor. 

but smarts are definitely a plus, in whatever form.

What is one of your most brilliant heroes? Why?

Hero Quote:

It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.” – Rene Descartes

Inspirational Quote:

We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it’s not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes.

You don’t find it lying around on the surface. It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven’t a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn’t have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross.

That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you.
I Corinthians 2:6

True wisdom comes from God. True ‘smarts’ – and the best inspirational heroes either start out knowing this, or learn it along the way. The PERFECT hero is the best teacher for increasing intelligence.

Blessings,