Paranormal romance heroines kick butt and I love that about them. This is why it's my favorite genre. I love to read and write about strong and intelligent women who aren't going to wait around to be rescued. It will take me out of a story if the protagonist is whiny, weak willed, shallow, or a victim.
The heroine doesn't always have to have paranormal powers herself, but it does make it more fun. I love that she can fight dirty one minute and then be sexy the next. I love that she has flaws and how she finds the strength to overcome them. I love that she's living on her own terms and refuses to suffer injustice. I like that she can be feisty and savvy, and refuses to meet the hero on his terms. She's a woman he has to work for, but she's worth the effort.
Yet be careful when you're writing this sort of heroine. It's easy to cross the line and make her look ridiculous or idiotic. Don't make her so determined that she defies all common sense. If the hero has a good plan and she's still angry with him for not making their last date, don't let her defy him just for defiance's sake. Also, don't make her so strong that she has lost her vulnerability. No one can relate to a character who has no weaknesses.
I tried to find some articles or sites that might offer some advice on writing a great paranormal romance heroine, but none really caught my attention. This genre allows you a lot of flexibility with your protagonist. She can be sweet and stumbling unknowingly into trouble, or she can be dark and searching out danger on her own. All I can say is write a heroine that you want to read about. Don't be shy about it. She's not going to be!
Who are your favorite paranormal romance heroines?
It is a fine line between being sweet and kick butt, and I struggle with that sometimes. I think someone on Goodreads called my last heroine kinda whiny, so I'm still working on that. Great post!
ReplyDeleteVery true Christine! I'm a big fan of paranormal romance too and it's all about the kicking butt Heroines.
ReplyDeleteHope your having a great week so far! :)
I'm just re-reading Anne Rice's 'Queen of the Dead.' She's not a heroine but I like the vampire Pandora. Actually I love the Queen, too. She's so evil.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of strong heroines in any genre, but agree with you about finding a balance. If she's no longer vulnerable, it's harder to care about her. Equally, if someone doesn't even try to save themselves, I get a bit miffed ;).
ReplyDeleteAwesome post about paranormal romance heroines. I like ones that have a good balance too. I think that's why I loved the Sookie Stackhouse series. True, she is sweet and has her weaknesses, but she can be smart and find ways out that the others can't.
ReplyDeleteAubrie, thank you! I don't think she's whiny. I love your heroines.
ReplyDeleteAmy, the heroines make me wish I was more apt at kicking butt!
Deborah, I love that book! I like the Queen too. Sometimes it's fun to cheer on evil!
C D, I get ticked off too. I know what I'd do in a dangerous situation and it's not waiting around to get rescued.
Cherie, thank you! Sookie is a good example.
I like strong female characters, too. Although, I'm working on a piece now where I take the female lead from whimpy to kickass. It's been a lot of fun to write.
ReplyDeleteI confess, I don't think I've read any! I've loved all of the strong female characters in Anne McCaffrey's books though.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Jill Kismet's series written by Lilith Saintcrow.
ReplyDeleteM Pax, I like heroines that grow like that. Sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteDiane, Anne McCaffrey is fabulous!
E. Arroyo, I've not read that series yet. I like the Dante Valentine series by Saintcrow, though. I'll add that one to my TBR list! :)
ReplyDeleteGood advice. There has to be a balance. And those characteristics in a protag ruin a story for me too -- whiny, weak willed, shallow, or a victim. Yuk.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine. I just wanted to say thanks for your kind words over at my blog. And congratulations -- you've got a really interesting blog here.
ReplyDeleteAs regards your topic, I'll freely admit that paranormal romance is not my genre. But in general I'd say what I want in a female protagonist is strength of mind and clarity of purpose. I can't bear to read protagonists who are slow to catch on and three steps behind the reader. A dash of wit and a lack of fear regarding her own sexuality wouldn't go amiss either!
great points to keep in mind - no matter your genre. Glad to have discovered your blog! New follower here:)
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