GO RAYS! My hometown team, just last year the laughing stock of the major leagues, starts Game One of the World Series after trouncing the Boston Red Sox. (Okay, maybe they didn’t TROUNCE…but they won!) See what a change in uniform can do? It must be a Tampa thing…the year the Buccaneers changed uniforms, they went to the Superbowl. Now the Rays, with a new uniform, went from the lowest ranking team in the league to champions! No kidding. Fashion sense=winning. Love it.
Old uniform:
New Uniform:
Note to Tampa teams: Stay away from rainbow or orange sherbet colors. Crisp, manly looks only. (And yes, Evan Longoria is a cutie.)
Okay, sports talk over! I’d like to introduce our Plotmonkeys readers to romance author, Michelle Monkou! Michelle and I “met” online after Harlequin bought Kimani Press, the line she writes for. She’s super-sweet and SUPER BRAVE: She’s also the president-elect of Romance Writers of America! She’s here to talk about heroines…one of my favorite topics! Please give a warm, Plotmonkey jungle welcome to Michelle!
The 21st Heroine: Past, Present and Future
Last night I pulled out one of my favorite movies to unwind after a long day. Before long the familiar music marking Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 played to the opening of that classic movie.
Someone described that movie as a retro-feminism. And I wholeheartedly agree. Three heroines with familiar archetypes: sexy, buxom blond, the tight conservative, and the brainiac. But they all break out of their stereotypes to show their strength and independence. Granted this storyline wasn’t a romance, but these characters have been around for years, evolving to match the norms of the day.
Let’s take a look at the history of the Romance Heroine.
The average romance reader has heard of Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer. These authors placed their stamp on the historical romances. Then authors like Johanna Lindsay, Laura Kinsale, and Kathleen Woodiweiss contribute to the genre with their own magical blueprint.
In the 70s and 80s, we had women in jeopardy – remember those gothic novels, powerless women who were pawns in medieval intrigues – the Vikings stealing the woman of another clan, and women who were forcibly seduced – well, I don’t think I have to explain that one.
Politically and socially women’s roles developed and integrated into more facets of society. Doesn’t mean that classic romances have no continued relevance or a die-hard fan base, but change was in the air. Women were impacted by Enactment of Title IX, seeing increased number of women in workforce, and enjoying the significance of strong female role models like Billy Jean King’s victory over Bobby Riggs.
Welcome Nora Roberts, Eloisa James, Linda Howard, Brenda Jackson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jenny Crusie, and so many other She-ros. They brought a diverse cast of heroines who can take on the world, bring home the bacon, and love her man.
Today’s heroine has to be equally capable of rescuing hero. She makes love on her terms.
She doesn’t need the hero to complete her. Even the historical romance heroines often have something of the 21st century feminist about them.
And on a final note, another feature that marks the modern romance book is diversity. By the mid to late 90s, publishers took the step to introduce heroines that reflected our communities from all walks of life. Commercial fiction successes that woke up NY Publishers came from African American author: Terri McMillan – Waiting To Exhale; Latina author: Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez – Dirty Social Girls Club; Asian author: Amy Tan – Joy Luck Club. Now there isn’t a publisher who doesn’t have a number of authors and books that reflect not only society, at large, but their readers.
Share your thoughts of the future. What do you want to see in your heroines?
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
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We all know for me it’s the Mets first, Red Sox second. Given the dynamic of this series, I want the RAYS to kick Phillie’s butts!
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I am NOT getting into the middle of the World Series War that will most likely start.
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I like that not all H/H are white these days- ok, not PC, but I can’t be bothered to type big words at this hour of the morning.
I am much more concerned that the heroines can take care of themselves, be true to who they are, and not let stupid preconcieved ideas hamper them. I like strong women.
I think, looking back, one of the first really strong women characters I remember were Lindsay McKenna’s. The beginning of the Morgan clan took place in Vietnam. She was a nurse. I still love those books.
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I should expand- she was an Army nurse. It wasn’t pretty.
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I like my heroines to be strong. She can take care of herself, and the man of her choice only makes her stronger.
As for the World Series, GO RAYS!!!
I hope the Rays wipe the floor with the Phillies.
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Welcome to the jungle, Michelle. :banana:
The following is just my opinion so please don’t throw rotten fruit at me.
As far as heroines are concerned I’d like to see more of a balance between the I’m-gonna-kick-your-ass-like-a-man heroine and the I’m-a-woman-I’m-strong-and-ultra-female-and-I-have-to-be-a-bitch-slut-to-get-the-job-done-and-get-my-point-across heroine and the I-am-woman-who speaks softly-wears makeup-and heels-but-don’t-cross-me-or mess-with-my-cubs-or-I’m-gonna-stick-a-needle-in-your-eye heroine.
Women who celebrate being a woman, a heroine who radiates strength and confidence without resorting to male tactics to do it. Please understand that I’m in no way suggesting that she should be a doormat for every swaggering testosterone laden man who comes along, wear a burka and do the I-must-respect-a-man bull s**t. These men definitely need to be put in their place.
I think this is why I love watching The Closer so much. Kyra Sedgewick’s character definitely celebrates womanhood. She is strong and confident and has no problem getting her hands dirty, going head-to-head with men who get in her way but she never resorts to acting like a guy to do it. She is still a woman. This is the kind of heroine I’d like to see more of.
I’m off my soap box now,
Cher
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Cher,
I love The Closer. Have a question for you, how about Amazing Grace?
I like the soft edge to Kyra’s pitbull character in The Closer, but the other lady (name escapes me at the moment) in Amazing Grace is so rough. And yet I look at it. But that Alpha trait is so over the top. And I know I’m probably committing the double standard prejudice with her because…dare I say…she’s too much like a (nasty) man.
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Off topic, I knew they were the “Devil Rays”, but somehow became the “Rays” (I actually told hubby this and he had no clue and thought I was crazy for even bringing up the topic).
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Welcome, Michelle!
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Ev, I agree a strong heroine has appeal. And even if they don’t have the tough career, the reader still wants to see backbone.
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Michelle,
Are you thinking of Holly Hunter in Saving Grace? I tried watching that show but I did not like her character at all! Your description “too much like a nasty man” hits the nail on the head. :-) But apparently there is a viewing audience who likes her. Go figure.
Cher
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Julie, I hope the Rays get the job done!
Cher
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Thank you to the Plotmonkeys and Jungle Crawlers for your support yesterday while I had my little whine and sniveling pity party. You’ll be happy to know I got over it in under 2 hours. Then I went back and re-read Brenda’s e-mail again. I showed it to my husband and he said, “I think this is a positive thing. She really cares about you.” And he is right. He told me, “She’s trying to get you into a winning combination”. So I look forward to her phone call on Friday where we will come up with a new story and I will learn what I did right and what I still need to learn as far as writing for Blaze. I’m so, so, so lucky to have her in my corner. She is fabulous and when I get my head around what she wants I’ll be on my way to becoming a Blaze author.
So, again, kudos to all of you for putting up with me yesterday. You’re the best!
Cher
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Welcome to the Jungle GO Rays I’m more of a football fan (I’m going to the Suoperbowl) just had to throw that in but living here in Florida we’ve been to some Rays games this year so I’m behind them. I love the Heroine who can take care of her self even if she isn’t financialy secure and along comes the hero who makes her better (in my perfect book the hero is a Athlete) ok that is my thoughts
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Cher…I am glad you are feeling better…have a pity party anytime.
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GREAT TOPIC, Michelle! I like a strong heroine…from emotional strength to real kick-ass, I love them all. I don’t mind heroines who are sexually experienced, either, as long as it is motivated. (Clearly, since I’ve written quite a few). I also like heroines who have a gentle strength. As long as the heroine isn’t a doormat who rages about how strong she is (but then fails to prove it over and over) I’m a happy camper.
Cultural diversity in heroines…love it. I’ve written both a Latina heroine and Latino heroine in my upcoming Blaze, the first for the line. Brenda Jackson just sold to Blaze and we’re all VERY excited about it! I truly believe that readers really don’t care about the race/culture, etc. of the characters as long as you give them a great story.
Shari Shattuck had a hottie-Mc-Hot-Hot Asian character (not the hero, but one of sexiest most compelling male characters I’d read in a LONG time) in her Callaway Wilde series that I really, really, REALLY wanted to see more of. The series ended after three books, though and poor Callie never hooked up with him. Darn it.
He was like an Asian Rourke (for all you JD Robb fans). 
(You know, we need a drooling icon!)
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Sorry for the rant. More on topic – heroines. The ones I can’t stand are the “Mary Sues”. I want my heroines and heroes to be real and manage to overcome despite the odds. That said, when writing urban paranormal, there has to be a little Mary Sue-ism but it needs to be tempered with either personality flaws or troubles she CAN’T overcome. In “regular” romance, I want a lady who can take care of herself, and the hero if necessary, but who would rather have a partnership. Part of the tension in every budding relationship is that delicate dance establishing the “rules of engagement.”
Michelle, welcome to the Jungle! Congrats on the election. May you have a great year at the helm.
Julie? GO RAYS!
Since my Cardinals aren’t in the series, I’ll root for the Rays. (Partly because my good friends down there are Rays’ fans.) 
Happy Hump Day!
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Eep? The soapbox icon doesn’t work. And yes, Julie, we DEFINITELY need a drooling icon!
Asian Rourke? *SWOON* *DROOL* (We need a swooning one, too.
)
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Hi and Welcome! It’s funny, but I’d never really thought much about the “type” of heroine I liked reading about until I started writing. That made me aware of the fact that I really like strong heroines. They don’t have to be kick-ass, but they definitely have to be able to hold their own. And like you said, they don’t need a man to complete them, but life is oh so much better with that special hero around!
Cher, glad you’re feeling better today!!
Have a great day, everyone!!
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Thanks Katie, thanks Allanah.
If so much crap hadn’t happened to me lately I would have sighed once and promptly shrugged it off. But sometimes things build up and you just have to let it out or you’ll explode. Unfortunately it’s your friends who have the honor of listening. :giggle:
Cher
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I have a new saying taped to my computer monitor: F*** It!!!!!!!
Cher
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:wave: Hi Michelle! Welcome to the jungle.
I love the fact that heroines and heroes are more complex theses days. I think that makes them more believable and draws me deeper into the story.
The variety of characters adds another dimension of interest for me. I love reading about people who look and sound like ALL of the people around me, not just one group.
The romance genre seems to be leading the way, again, in expanding the range of main characters in fiction.
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Julie, you have no idea how happy I was when the Rays beat the Red Sox. Since I don’t really have much of an affiliation with either team, I’ll root for the Rays to beat the Phillies and wrap up an awesome season with a big win!
I’m with all of you in disliking Grace. I tried to watch an episode of the show and just couldn’t get through it. Holly Hunter is a good actress, but I just can’t stand the character.
As for the heroines I do enjoy, it’s pretty much the strong heroine others have mentioned. The one who is not a doormat and can take care of herself while also embracing her femininity.
I think this is what has always drawn me to Jane Austen’s heroines, especially Elizabeth Bennett and Anne Elliot. Both of those characters are definitely women who aren’t afraid of their softer sides, but they are also unafraid of speaking their minds. I have always loved Elizabeth’s sharp wit and cutting comments when she deals with Darcy. She never turns into a simpering woman who needs a man to take care of her.
Given that that type of heroine has only become more refined and given more power in the last 200 years, I can only see that continuing in the future. With all of the changes to illuminate the capability of women to help their men, and even save them when it’s called for, that partnership that Silver mentioned is definitely what I look for when a heroine finally meets her hero.
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Silver J
What is a Mary Sue-ism?
Ok, explain that one to me. I love the term and once I know what it is, I plan to use it all over the place.
Cher, yes, SAVING and not AMAZING Grace – LOL.
Michelle
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Julie
Your Latina heroines rock. Well, your writing rocks anyway, regardless of character’s ethnicity.
And there is still more lands to conquer with our rainbow of characters, if the publishers would relax and release.
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Michelle, I’m glad you asked…I’ve heard the term “Mary Sue” many times, but I’m never quite sure what it means. I’ve even looked it up, but the definitions seem contradictory. I just know it’s not good!
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WELCOME MICHELLE! I can’t believe I didn’t read past Julie’s Rays / Phillies comment.
My only excuse is that it was 6 AM when I posted at first.
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AMEN!
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Welcome to the jungle, Michelle! It’s great to have you here! :wave:
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Michelle, what I’ve always understood a Mary-Sue to be is a female character who is just too much of something, always an extreme. The perfect Mary-Sue has no flaws and everyone likes her and is drawn to her. Almost a bit like a written Barbie doll. Of course, there’s also the opposite of that. The bad Mary-Sue who had all the worst characteristics possible and is disliked by everyone. I’ve generally seen more of the first type, the perfect, but I’ve seen a few of the other as well.
There is also a male version of the Mary-Sue. He is Gary-Stu.
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Sorry for the double comment, but I forgot to mention that fact that the main problem with Mary-Sues and Gary-Stus is that they’re so extreme that they’re completely unbelievable as a ‘real’ character. They’re just not someone you would come across in reality, and that is they’re problematic.
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Michelle, the Wikipedia article – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue – is a decent description. There are also several “litmus tests” out there on the net to make sure your character is NOT a Mary Sue. (They can be fun to take just for the
factor. Current examples, IMHO only: Mary Sue = Anita Blake. A strong heroine = Eve Dallas. The difference? Anita can do no wrong and every male in her sphere wants to have “teh sexxors” with her, and the parallels between the character and the author’s life is fairly apparent. Eve, on the other hand, is kick-a$$ but she is wonderfully flawed. FYI, I’ve read most of LKH’s books but had to quit when Anita/Mary Sue were interchangeable names.
My personal definition is that a Mary Sue is a cliched character, whether too good or too bad or too kick-a$$, and as a reader, I just want to smack ‘em up side the head with a clue x 4.
Hope this helps.
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Thanks for the link, Silver. I’d never actually looked it up before but dealt with it on a site I help run. Now I can just send new users to that site when they have questions about MS.
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I just realized I referred to the show as “Amazing Grace.”
It is “Saving Grace”. The show is not amazing nor should it be saved. Just sayin’. I also need to like, you know, actually EDIT my comments before posting to make sure they make sense. :doh:
Karin has a good take on the term. A Mary Sue/Gary Stu just doesn’t exist in RL, or if they do, you don’t want to meet them and from the comments here, I don’t think most of us would want to read about them either, except to make fun of.
BTW, Cher? You go, girl! I have an icon of a computer keyboard with a “fu** it” key. I should send it to you. :grin1:
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Congrats to Julie on her fave baseball team, the Devil Rays!
Congrats to Michelle on being President-elect of RWA!
I most enjoy a heroine who stands up for herself, who doesn’t let anyone
walk all over her. She’s not tough but is strong!
Pat Cochran
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Hi Michelle!
I like my romance characters multi-faceted. They may have some cliched characteristics but there has to be something about them that I just don’t expect. Even better when it plays into the story in a major way.
Truthfully, I think women have always been multi-faceted, even if they were singularly appreciated or acknowledged.
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Great discussion.
Now I know what a Mary-Sue and Gary-Stu is and it all makes sense. I think I went to school with a few Mary-Sue characters – grrr.
Saving/Amazing Grace…doesn’t matter. Yucky girl. I think they were trying to start a campaign of Finding Your inner Grace – I don’t think so.
And I do like flaws. And those flaws don’t always have to be resolved at the end. That just makes them more human. Like Kyra (in The Closer) and her craving of all things sweet. She makes eating those Hostess Twinkies/Ho Ho/yucky sickingly sweet stuff look delicious.
Thanks for the congrats!! I’m trying not to think too hard on that commitment The Oh My What Have I Done factor. LOL
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Question – we’ve talked diversity.
What types of heroines do you like to read: Tall, petite, the average jo-sephina, big boned, call it like it is, overweight.
Do the physical descriptions make you form an opinion and then you wait for the story to prove or disprove it.
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Hey! I have been out very :sicksick: Now everyone has it. Lots of cloroxing later. lol.
Just wanted to thank everyone for the birthday wishes on Monday. Also, wanted to tell Leslie I also love dark suspense books…can’t wait to hear more.
Michelle, great guest subject.
Hepoe everyone has a super day….and thanks again for all the love. :wub:
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Michelle, GREAT question. I really don’t care what a heroine looks like unless it important to the storyline. So if the heroine has red hair, one or two mentions are great for me…unless it is crucial to something. I don’t need heroines to look ordinary…in fact, I want them to be attractive–and that’s a subjective word.
I hate heroines who make a big deal about how they are NOT beautiful, who think they are too fat, who have problems with their looks, consider themselves plain, etc. That’s just me. I suppose it’s because while I don’t think I’m gorgeous by any means, I do know how to make myself look presentable to the world and I take pride in my appearance (on most days!) and I can’t understand women who revel in their plainness. I guess I don’t want to read about a heroine who is that self-conscious or lacks self-esteem. I want to read about a woman who is proud of what she has. Maybe she’s not svelte, but she has pretty eyes. Or a great smile. Or great hair. Or something.
If a heroine has humor about her outlook on her looks (as long as it’s not too self-deprecating) I’m okay with that. I mean, I joke about stuff like that, too.
And of course, it all depends on the book.
In Leslie’s latest (I’m so totally enraptured by this book) when the heroine first meets the hero, she’s wearing a really snarky sleep shirt, hasn’t brushed her hair and has been working all day from home. She doesn’t put herself down, but she’s aware she looks a mess. But she’s kind of, “Oh, well.” She doesn’t totally freak out because, “Oh noes! The cute guy is seeing me not perfect!” The hero still finds her intriguing and that’s a man I can love!
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Julie, I’m with you. As long as the heroine’s physical appearance fits her personality and the story, I have no real preference. That said, I do get a little “put off” by drop-dead gorgeous heroines. I am a “sexist” though. I have absolutely no problem that the heroes are all total man candy!
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Michelle, welcome to The Jungle. Congratulations on being President-Elect of RWA, I’m sure that is a huge job. Have a great year while you are at the helm.
I’m not a baseball fan, football is my game! However, my team just can’t seem to get it together and they just fired the head coach! Yep, the 49′ers. I don’t think the York’s have a clue how to own/run a football team. However, I’m still hoping that somewhere in time they will be back on top again! :pray:
My heroines can come in any size/race/color as long as the character is believeable, same for heroes. Yes, she should be strong but as already stated, life can be better with the “right” man!
One thing I would love to see is more mature h/H in books. Just because we are no longer young doesn’t mean we don’t experience love/life. Characters in their 40′s, 50′s and even older still could give us a good story.
Great subject today. Thanks for an interesting blog today, Michelle.
Halloween is coming!! :ghost: :pumpkin: :vampire: :bat: :angel7: :pumpkin:
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“She makes love on her terms. She doesn’t need the hero to complete her.”
Michelle, to me, that’s one of the things I like about modern day romances. Women (no matter what race/size) tackle real life issues.
The three dimensional character has flaws and even with the challenges she faces, she allows her heart to open up to love.