Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Julia Knight | Bad Boy Boogie
Author Guest / January 20, 2011

I love a bit of bad boy. I’m know I’m not alone either. But I am intrigued, especially given my latest character, pirate Van Gast, what turns a man who should be someone you run from screaming into a lovable rogue? In short, why is he lovable not undatable? In the interests of research (obviously I would not trawl literature and film for examples of sexy men just for myself) I think I may have the answer. Or rather, answers. First and foremost, they are fun. Hans Solo with his laconic wit, Mal Reynolds’ one liners, Captain Jack Sparrow’s grin. Sinbad, Ali Baba, Aladdin. Every character Errol Flynn ever played…They reduce the gravest danger to something that’s fun, exciting, thrilling. Different. Then you have to add a dash of charm. James Bond’s ability to talk a woman into bed in about three seconds flat. The Marquis De Carabas’ languid grace, Richard Sharpe’s élan. Without charm he’d be just another thief or womaniser. The third element is, I think, the most important. What elevates our man from just bad to rogue. Bravery, especially for others. His moral code maybe different, but he has got one. Hans Solo risked everything when it…