Were-animal books are quite popular at the moment. Some of the combos would have strange end results. The were-fox/were-owl combo could lead to some interesting moments, don't you think? Then there's the real origin of cat-dog, the were-collie/were-panther couple. Personally, I think that perhaps a were-elephant/were-chimpanzee combo might be interesting.I like the idea of overcoming differences in their backgrounds so that true love runs smooth. It's just that I get this glimpse of difficulties that could be awkward to say the least. Take the were-owl... she lays eggs? So how's that gonna work with a little fox?
Or the collie/panther couple... really will lead a dog and cat existence. In romances, the writer always glosses over the nature of the were-animal, but isn't that what makes the story interesting? Who and what they are is the very reason we read the book. To gloss over the very thing that makes them different denies the reason for the tension in the story.
It's kind of funny, but in my experience, writers spend more time discussing the nature of the beast when only one half of the pair is a were-animal. It's as though the animal nature is negated if both halves of the pair are were-animal. They'll supposedly automatically know what drives the other person will be dealing with. I'm not so sure that would be true.
In reality, we as humans barely perceive what makes us tick. How much more difficult must it be if one is a carnivore by nature and the other a real vegan. What drives are there that would lead to real conflict? Wolves, for instance are very different from say, lions. Not just in physical characteristics, but in social order. How would ultimately play out in the long run? Talk about in-law problems...
So, these are just a few things I think about in the middle of the night. And you thought that romance writers thought about sex.
Anny
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Hmmm. You've given me lots to think about, as usual. You have a very twisted mind but I LIKE IT!!! Honestly though, figuring out a way to make differing species form an understand and acceptance would be very challenging. A certain favorite writer friend...ahem ahem...challenged me to write about a were-tiger and a were-rabbit. Scared the bejeezus outta me but I DID end up writing my very first shifter story. A nice little hurdle for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Twisted but GREAT!
Hugs!
Yes, very deep and meaningful...oh, and I thought we did only think of sex...I know you'e too pure of course
ReplyDeleteWait, sex wasn't the drive you were referring to?
ReplyDeleteExcellent points, Anny. I still managed to think about sex when I read about each of the oddly paired couples... :D
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation Anny. I hadn't thought about the double were single were issue in writing about the nature of the animals. But come to think of it, your experience is similar to mine.
ReplyDeleteInteresting topic. I certainly hope I don't do that...shall have to watch for it.
ReplyDeleteI do find the research into the animals one of the most inspiring and intriguing parts of writing Weres. Exactly how does a wolf pack work? How is power transfered in a wolf pack? How can you have a happy ending for a Were Cougar when Cougars are not the kinds of animals that form lasting pair bonds? Male cougars are solitary and only associate with others to mate or vie for territory. Not exactly a romantic hero.
I do think it's very important to incorporate the basic drives of the animals into the actual sex. Is this a creature for whom scent marking is important? Then the olfactory stimulation will be very important during mating and sex...
Sorry, got carried away. Maybe I'll blog on this sometime.