Authors: Do you find writing Boring?

In the most recent issue of RWR (Romance Writers Report published by Romance Writers of America), I was reading an article “The Five Qualities of a Successful Writer.”  

1. Generosity. (check)
   
2. Discipline. (check)
3. Patience. (double check)
4. Joy. (double check)
5. Writing. (triple check)

Generally speaking, I was agreeing with the article (and was relieved to discover I'm not the only writer on the planet who fantasizes she's being interviewed on a daytime talk show while in the shower...lol), when I came across the following statement under Joy:

 “We all know how writing can be scary, difficult and (gasp!) boring.”

Whoa, back up there, Nelly!

Boring? The author actually considers writing to be boring?

I finished reading the article, yet for the rest of the day, I couldn't get that statement out of my mind. Maybe it's because I'm a Gemini, and boring is the bane of my existence. Seriously. Just ask anyone in my family, and they'll tell you one thing I can't stand is boredom...(the other is repetition...but that's another story).

So I started going over all the things writing is to me:

• Challenging
• Inspiring
• Frustrating
• Exhilarating
• Exhausting

But boring? Never! I've tried many different things in the past, and all them were dropped because I found them boring. But to me, writing has to be one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. I can't get enough, I'm obsessed! And I think the reason is because every story is completely different from the last, even if you're writing about the same characters, there's always something new and exciting to discover. I love taking that unknown journey into my characters' world. Like reading, writing is an adventure for the mind...

Which explains why I was flabbergasted to even think a fellow author might find writing boring. In fact, I would hazard to guess that if you find writing boring, so will your readers. Writing is what you make it.  

But then, maybe she didn't explain herself. Maybe she was talking about revisions, rewrites or edits. I can certainly understand finding that boring (although I must confess that I love rewrites and edits—there's something about cutting out the “deadwood” and tightening up your prose until the story shines...or maybe I'm just nuts. lol).  

One problem I do have—I can only read one of my manuscripts so many times before I'm ready to run screaming from the room (there's that repetition thing again). Hell, I still haven't read A Knight of Passion since it was published in paperback in 2006. Oh I pull it off the shelf from time to time, and leaf through it to read a sentence here and there, and to inhale the lovely, lovely scent of the glue, ink, and paper...*sigh* Actually, I'm saving my “re-read” of AKOP for when I'm ready to write the two sequels (Garrett & Sir Richard's stories)—at least that's what I keep telling myself.

So if she was referring to edits, revisions, etc., I can understand. But writing itself?

To me, writing is never boring. Never, never, never, boring! I don't think I can stress that enough.

Authors, what about you? Do you ever find writing boring, or an aspect of the writing/editing process boring?  

Readers, what do you think?

How do you like your heroes? Grunting Alpha? Or Romantic Beta?

We're having a discussion on the Amazon Forums about Alpha heros and I realized there are two classes of Alphas: Grunting, and the Cool, Dangerous, Sophisticated with the occasional Grunt on the side.

Grunting Alpha:

These are the guys who charge into the fray with swords in hand and slaughter the enemy first and ask questions later. They're a bit stubborn, and just a little wild (to put it lightly), demanding complete possession of their women. They are the leaders of the pack who don't take crap from anyone, and if you mess with them, you'd better watch out because they'll steam roll you if not hack off your head...

Examples:

Gavrael McIllioch, otherwise known as Grimm from To Tame A Highland Warrior is a perfect example of a Grunting Alpha. Besides the fact he's a beserker, he is definitely more likely to hack the enemy to pieces and ask questions later type-of-guy. And demands FULL possession over his woman. In fact, I'd say most of Karen Marie Moning's heroes are Grunters.

Marsha Canham likes to write about grunting Alphas, as does Bertrice Small, Virginia Henley, Keri Arthur, and Sue-Ellen Welfonder.

Sophisticated Alpha:

When he steps into a room all eyes turn towards him, sensing his commanding presence. He is handsome to a fault, but he never shows his true feelings so you never know what he's thinking. He plays it cool, but there's a dangerous edge to him -- cross the line and you just might find yourself on the field of honor. Women flock to him, adore him, and tend to beg for one tantalizing night in his bed because he KNOWS how to pleasure. He's the sophisticated Alpha, but the moment his woman is threatened, he'll become a Grunter.

Examples:

Rothgar from Jo Beverley's Devilish is the PERFECT example of a Sophisticated Alpha. He's cool, he's dangerous and knows how to dress to kill... LOL He's so aloof, you've just GOT to learn more about him.

Wulfric Bedwyn from Slightly Dangerous (Mary Balogh) is definitely a Sophisticated Alpha. Similar to Rothgar, he's cool, dangerous and very much reserved, until the heroine pulls him out of his shell.

Jane Feather, Teresa Medeiros, Julia Quinn, and Eloisa James, all love to write about Sophisticated Alphas

And then we have sweet, romantic Betas...

Romantic Beta:

Though these males often show Alpha tenancies when the going gets tough, they are generally speaking very romantic, shy, and may patiently wait years for their chance to woo the woman of their dreams. You may not notice them at first for they do not stand out in a crowd, but once seen they capture your interest. They are highly intelligent and want nothing more than to sweep the heroine into their arms and hold them tight for the rest of their lives.

Examples:

Julian Hampton from The Romantic by Madeline Hunter, waited years before finally wooing the love of his life. He did not let his feelings show until the day she came to him, needing his help. He is truly one of the most romantic heroes I've ever had the pleasure to read---the book was aptly named.

Sir Marmaduke Strongbow from Sue-Ellen Welfonder's Bride of the Beast is another favorite Beta hero of mine. Though scarred, he has the tongue of a poet, the heart of a romantic, and the sensuality of a god. He is a classic Beta/Alpha hybrid, the perfect sweet Beta to heal the heroine and sweep her off her feet.

I admit, I love them all: Grunt-o-licious Alphas, Sophisticated Alphas, and Romantic Betas. Tell me, what's your favorite type of hero? Who would you like to sweep you...er...the heroine off her feet?