Letters from Readers - An Unlikely Hero

Not too long ago I blogged about my sojourn to the Romantic Times Book Lover's Conference in Chicago, Il. There, I met with fans who greeted me with wide eyes and books* clutched to their chests saying things like "I just looooove Alex Grace!" (the hero in some of my novels), or "is there going to be more Vlad? He's so sexy!" (my sour-puss, 113 year old teen vamp). Even, "I just started reading about Will. Hawwwt!" I figured I might get some reader letters swooning over Alex's dark curls, Vlad's brooding charm, or Will's soccer-God sculpt, which was why I was so surprised to find the following in my inbox one morning:

"Dear Ms. Jayne,

I really love your Underworld Detection Agency books. They are terrifically funny and original, but what I'm really writing about is your portrayal of Trolls in the book. It's not very often that you find a paranormal book as pro-troll as yours. I found it refreshing. While I found Alex Grace appealing in a stereo-typical (sic) romance novel hero kind of way, I was really drawn to Steve, the lichen covered troll. Will he be featured in more books? Have you considered writing a book from his perspective, or maybe making him more of the hero? I would love to discover more books that give trolls the credit they deserve.

Sincerely,

A Fan"

Though I still get scores more letters referencing my novel's "Hot Squad" of vampires, fallen angels, and Guardians, a solid trickle has come in swooning over Steve the Troll -- snaggled teeth, bleu cheese odor, and all. Steve's fans never cease to make me grin. And that's just another reason why I write: so even the underdog can be a hero.

 

*Okay, so the "books" they were clutching to their collective bosom were generally from romantic hard-hitters like Julia Quinn and Jill Shalvis, but this isn't their blog, now is it?

Comments

[Camille Minichino]

Congratulations on offering something for everyone, Hannah! I hope you'll come through for the Troll Lovers Assoc. :)

[Jacee James]

I thought I was the only one who had a total soft spot for Steve. Pro-Troll! Lol...