I have spoken previously about Kickass Heroines (http://helenwoodallfreelanceediting.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/kick-ass-heroines.html).
Today I want to reassure writers and aspiring writers that it’s okay for heroines and heroes to be flawed. By flawed, I don’t mean so damaged by previous backstory and adversity they’ll need counseling for the rest of their lives. But everyone has problems, worries, failings. These are normal and normal is okay in a book. The reason readers resonate with a book is when they see a flawed person overcoming adversity to save the world/solve the problem/ gain their happily ever after.
Nothing is more romantic to a reader than a hero who doesn’t see the heroine’s flabby thighs, but her sparkling personality. Who doesn’t notice her tendency to stumble in her stilettos, but does notice her love and care for plants/animals/children.
Much can be forgiven the hero who loves and cherishes the heroine and puts her first, caring for her as together they achieve whatever is needed.
The days when all heroines were stunningly beautiful—and usually blue eyed blondes or redheads with jade eyes—have gone. Today’s heroines are all sizes and shapes. What they have in common is tenacity, spirit, and a can-do attitude that endears them to the hero.
Helen Woodall
Helen is available to line edit and/ or content edit fiction and non-fiction. Rates on application.
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