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Katee Robert | Embracing the Crazy
February 5, 2012
When I first began writing the book that would become QUEEN OF SWORDS, it was a
completely different story. I had it in my head that I was going to write fairy
tales in space. My heroine, Roselyn, was strong and curious and was perfect for
a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Except I never made past the halfway point. For the longest time, I couldn't figure out what the issue was. I had my Alpha
hero (the yumastic Boone) and my devious villain (the too-pretty, sadistic
Kristian). I had a universe created, just waiting to be explored. The problem was my heroine. Oh, she was completely functional, but there was
nothing about her that wowed me. I know there is a lot of talk about
heroes—which ones drive us nuts, and which ones we would kidnap and tie up
in our basements (er...maybe that's just me). However, the thing that makes or
breaks a story for me is the heroine. If I don't love her and root for her, the
book is dead in the water. My saving grace came in a somewhat unexpected form. I had just received a Nook
for Christmas and I was completely sold on the ability to read a sample of a
book before I bought it. One night, I stumbled across Shelly Laurenston's books
(to this day, I have no idea if I was just browsing or how exactly I found
them). I enjoy paranormal romances, so I downloaded the sample and started to
read PACK CHALLENGE. By
the end of the first chapter, the drunken heroine pulls a knife and stabs the
man attacking her, then proceeds to grope the hero (who had run out to save her)
before she's pulled away by her friends. She was, to put it nicely, completely
off her rocker. And her friends were no better. I'd never read a book with this
level of insanity in the main characters—these were women who had no
problem taking a chair to the head of a guy who won't leave them alone. And, just like that, the solution to my issue fell into my lap. My heroine
wasn't spicy enough. She was *gasp* BORING. So I set off to make her more
interesting. Several days of research later, I had my tarot card reading,
snarky, gunrunner Diviner—Ophelia. The perfect woman to put Boone through
his paces. What is it about a heroine that puts you firmly in their corner, rooting for
them to win the hero's heart? Comment to win an e-copy of QUEEN OF SWORDS!
Comments
23 comments posted.
Re: Katee Robert | Embracing the Crazy
It helps if one can identify with the heroine. I've read books where the actions of the heroine are so inane that I can't put myself in her place.
(Monica Vargo 1:11am February 5, 2012)
I like it when the heroine has a strong personality but also has some kind of flaws and that they are not perfect so that I can relate to them or sympathize with them.
(Chelsea Knestrick 2:22am February 5, 2012)
I think the heroine should be strong willed and sassy but yet still isn't totally independent that she needs a man by her side but at the same time not showing or admitting it!!
(Dawn Staniszeski 9:55am February 5, 2012)
How great that you found just the right inspiration. I agree, I would take crazy over boring any day. Can't wait to see where you ended up taking your heroine.
(Maria Munoz 9:59am February 5, 2012)
I think if the heroine is smart and stands up for herself... It helps if she has a sense of humour...That's all I need...
(May Pau 10:29am February 5, 2012)
To me, I like a heroine who is stong of heart. She has to be prepared for the unexpected, and be capable of dealing with it. She also has to have her tender side, as she was created to be. She should be smart, and be able to go toe-to-toe, so to speak, with a man, should the need arise - not strengthwise, necessarily, but to be able to show she isn't a wilting flower. She can be a lady when need be, but she can take on the big boys as well. I hope that made sense. Love the cover of your book, and would love to read it as well. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:52am February 5, 2012)
I like Shelley's books too, but I'm not sure why some of her heroes put up with the heroines.
I Like heroines I can identify with to some degree. I like them strong, confident and the type to do what needs to be done, but complaining while doing so is ok. Weak, whiny, shopping obsessed (couture name dropping)heroines turn me off.
(Anne Muller 12:08pm February 5, 2012)
I love a heroine that lets her personality show... her quirks and flaws too... I want her to be a great match for the hero...
(Colleen Conklin 12:43pm February 5, 2012)
Well, I think a heroine (or hero) should be strong, but kind. They should need their friends and get lost sometimes. I think it's amazing to watch them go from meek and unsure, to confident and cool. Tragic heros, that know loss and pain, but work through it, are my favorite.
(Tayn Sicel 1:02pm February 5, 2012)
I prefer a heroine who is more than just a damsel in distress.
(Pam Howell 1:13pm February 5, 2012)
I like a heroine who is self-sufficient and completely competent that doesn't even begin to realize how much the hero will enhance her and/or her life. I like it when she takes a little convincing. I've never been a fan of the heroine who is desperately seeking that man to protect her or complete her. Blaaaaa :)
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 3:52pm February 5, 2012)
I like a heroine that doesn't fall for the hero right away. She shouldn't be too easy or desperate. She should be self relient but willing to take help from a man when needed.
(Kathleen Yohanna 4:13pm February 5, 2012)
I want the heroine to be feminine and strong.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:13pm February 5, 2012)
Can't wait to read the encounter between Boone and Ophelia. They sound like an interesting set of characters.
(Robin McKay 6:56pm February 5, 2012)
I like a heroine with spunk. This one seems to have it. I'd love to read her story and how she gets her man. I think the names are great: Ophelia, in Hamlet, was a dainty old-fashioned woman; Boone sounds sounds like a modern rough and tumble guy.
(Sigrun Schulz 7:11pm February 5, 2012)
Have to admit I've never read a romantic Science fiction novel. Interesting idea.
(Marilyn Legault 7:37pm February 5, 2012)
I love a strong heroine that can stand on her own two feet and I can identify with.
The book sounds like a great read!
(Ashley Applebee 10:57pm February 5, 2012)
I like a heroine who knows her own mind with a few flaws to be relatable.
(Jan D 10:57pm February 5, 2012)
I like the heroine to be strong and feminine. Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 11:23pm February 5, 2012)
I love a strong heroine who fights for what is right...even if she fights for what is right only eventually.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:35pm February 5, 2012)
They have got to be relatable and confident. There is nothing worse then being stuck listening to someone second guess themselves the entire time.
(Kristin Bingham 12:15pm February 6, 2012)
The closer to naturally human the heroine is the better I like
it. People are full of flaws and the heroine should be too -
she should also (like most of us) be willing to try and correct
those flaws.
I cannot read a book with a heroine that is just too perfect,
without any redeemable human flaws in figure or character. It's
what makes humans interesting and characters in books worth
reading about.
(Ilona Fenton 1:18pm February 6, 2012)
I like a feminine heroine with a few flaws. Too much perfection is unreal and puts her too high on an impossible pedestal to be reached.
(Alyson Widen 8:44pm February 7, 2012)
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