GUEST BLOG: Tortured Heroes vs. Alpha Males by S. S. Turner Plus Giveaway!

I find tortured heroes far more interesting than alpha males, and far more compelling for most readers who are interested in characters with depth. The world has overdosed on one-dimensional male ego driven characters for too many years both in literature and in the real world. I think it’s now time for multidimensional, emotionally complex characters who are honest about what it takes to be a real hero. And what it takes is not alpha male macho bullshit. It takes bravery and kindness and hard work. These types of modern day tortured heroes are often female, from diverse cultural backgrounds, and they’re often just different in general. Through their differences they’ve developed far more emotional maturity than the emotionally stunted alpha males of the past. And this maturity positions them to make a far bigger impact than simply muscling their way into a scene.

Freddy, the hero of Secrets of a River Swimmer, is most definitely a tortured hero. He’s had enough of the way the modern world takes from people, planet, and environment in the name of financial gain. He feels like his gentlemanly ways aren’t valued amidst a capitalist system which is only focused on money at the expense of everything else. So strongly does Freddy feel that he’s prepared to throw everything away to escape his life, to escape the modern world. So begins his story, his journey, and his healing as he jumps into the River Tweed in all his self-deprecating glory. And the idea that Freddy is beginning a tortured hero’s journey would be a complete shock to him which is the very reason he’s worthy of attention.

Publication Date: April 19, 2022

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S.S. Turner has been an avid reader, writer, and explorer of the natural world throughout his life which has been spent in England, Scotland and Australia. Just like Freddy in his first novel, Secrets of a River Swimmer, he worked in the global fund management sector for many years but realized it didn’t align with his values. In recent years, he’s been focused on inspiring positive change through his writing as well as trying not to laugh in unfortunate situations. He now lives in Australia with his wife, daughter, two dogs, two cats, and ten chickens.

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