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I’m taking part in the Mistletoe Madness Blog hop. The hop is a huge one, involving oodles of authors, and goes from 16 – 23 Dec. Plenty of time for you to explore new-to-you author websites.
What am I giving away? How do you enter?
I’m going to pick four names from all the people who answer my question below. International entries are welcome. The books I’ll be giving away are:
1 x Lessons in Seduction by Sandra Hyatt (This is my friend Sandra’s last book. Sadly, she passed away earlier in the year.)
1 x Reclaiming His Pregnant Widow by Tessa Radley (Another NZ writer friend. These ones are autographed)
1 x Summer in the City of Sails by Shelley Munro
1 x Sex Idol by Shelley Munro
A few months ago I wrote this post on heroines for Savvy Authors. I’m going to reprint it below, but as a quick aside, if you’re a writer, either pre-published or a more experienced one, do go and check out Savvy Authors. You can join for free or if you’d like to take advantage of more of their resources go for the premium membership of $30. They run workshops, have chats and agent/editor pitches and are an excellent community. I highly recommend them for writers at all stages of their career. Right! Back to business. Heroines. One of my heroines wrote me a letter, and this is what she said…
Dear Author,
I realize your job isn’t the easiest one. You sit in front of a computer hour after hour, day after day creating me, along with my hero and the cast of characters who populate your stories. You spin a plot as you write the first draft, then you spend even longer polishing the story until it’s ready for submission to publishers. Without you, I wouldn’t exist.
Mostly, you do a great job, but I’d like to remind you of a few things pertaining to writing a good heroine:
1. I know popular opinion says heroines are slender and pretty, but how about making me stand out from the crowd? Make me sexy–sure. I like sexy as much as the next girl, but I can be sexy and an average size. Give me a few curves. Don’t you know I enjoy food? Oh, and if you give me curves, don’t go on and on about my size. I’m happy this way, really I am.
2. Don’t make me go down to the basement when there is a killer on the loose. Credit me with a little common sense and help me do something intelligent. I don’t want readers to snigger at me and call me Too Stupid To Live. I deserve more than that, don’t you think?
3. Don’t foist a stereotype on me. I’m not a hooker with a big heart. I’m not an ice princess. I’m not a geeky librarian. I’m a combination of a lot of different things. Give me individuality.
4. I like alpha men–really, I do, but give me a spine so I can stand up to them. Readers don’t like wimps who can’t handle their man. Let me best him now and then. It’s good for his ego if he doesn’t get his own way all the time.
5. I’m not perfect. I know that, but do you realize it too? Give me some flaws and balance them with some of the good stuff. Make me human because readers will like me better that way.
6. Give me a snarky voice. I’m cool with that, but don’t make me snark all the way through the book. Readers won’t like me if I do that. They might call me a bitch, you know, and wonder what the hero sees in me.
7. Likewise, if my hero is going to be a bastard, let him fall off his high horse at some stage. Make him see the error of his ways or at least let me use my knee in his private parts. It might hurt him, but it would make me feel better after all the verbal abuse.
8. If you want me to behave badly, give me proper motivation. Dig into my past history, exploit my emotional baggage and make the readers want to cheer for me. Believe me, I’ll forgive you if I end up with Mr. Spunky plus a diamond ring on my finger.
9. Match my personality with my actions. Make me act consistently…unless you have a damn good reason to make me look stupid.
10. And finally, if you’re into kink and want to paint me the same way—authors look away if you’re easily offended—if you’re gonna make me have anal sex, please, please, please give me lots of lube.
Yours faithfully,
A Heroine.
Now dear visitor, you’re welcome to add your fifty cents to the above letter, but what I’d really like to know is this…
If a hero wrote a letter to you what would he say? Finish this sentence and go into a draw to win one of the above books. Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…….
This link will take you back to the central Mistletoe Blog Hop Page
Check out these other contests while you’re here!
I’m giving away a copy of Reclaiming his Pregnant Widow by Tessa Radley. Details on my contest page. Closes 24 Dec.
Win a print copy of Sex Idol at Goodreads. Sex Idol giveaway closes 18 Dec.
And finally, I’m visiting Maria Zannini’s blog today and talking about a project to make for Christmas. I’m also doing a giveaway. Drawn 22 Dec.
December 16th, 2011 at 3:58 am · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero need a worthy opponent. Of course i will win in the end but i need to show off a bit before that so the ladies will be at my feets.
all the best and thanks you for this great giveaway ( international)
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:11 am · Link
Good one, Miki. A hero shouldn’t have things his own way.
December 16th, 2011 at 6:37 am · Link
Savvy authors is a great group. I’d encourage all to join.
Great post, Shelley. Not that I’m surprised. :)
December 17th, 2011 at 12:18 am · Link
I recommend Savvy Authors to everyone. I think it’s such a great and supportive group.
December 16th, 2011 at 6:40 am · Link
I remember reading this. A great post, Shelley.
As for my hero advice, hmm…
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero doesn’t always have to be a big ol’ alpha male.
December 17th, 2011 at 12:19 am · Link
Thanks, Maggie. Good point. Heroes don’t always need to be alphas.
December 16th, 2011 at 7:07 am · Link
HA! Glad I’m alone in the house, this about made me fall out of my chair laughing!
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…… does have TWO heads and that the one above can see the beauty behind a flaw or two.
December 17th, 2011 at 12:20 am · Link
I’m glad you enjoyed my post :)
I love your advice to the hero!
December 16th, 2011 at 7:31 am · Link
What a hilarious post!
December 17th, 2011 at 12:20 am · Link
Thanks, Joanne.
December 16th, 2011 at 9:28 am · Link
Tanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.
Much appreciated.
My answer:
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero does not always have to win the fair maiden, sometimes he can just help a friend do so and sometimes a hero can even DIE in the end.
Hope I haven’t schocked anyone with a weak heart !
Thanks.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:21 am · Link
You’re welcome, Carol. Killing off the hero, huh? You’re treading dangerously.
December 16th, 2011 at 12:00 pm · Link
Dear Author,
You do a good job with me but remember that a hero isn’t always a millionaire prince with a perfect smile!
Love the post, and thanks for the giveaway!
aimeelavalle (at) gmail (dot) com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:22 am · Link
Good point. I like to read about heroes that aren’t drop dead gorgeous. Give them a scar or two or a limp or a plain face but a pretty smile.
December 16th, 2011 at 12:29 pm · Link
What a great post, very humourous.
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero hasto have a few bumps and bruises along the way before he gets his girl.
skpetal at hotmail dot com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:23 am · Link
Thanks, Jean. Definitely! I think every hero should have a few obstacles in his way!
December 16th, 2011 at 2:22 pm · Link
…a Hero can be flawed and tortured as well and strong and brave.
miztik_rose@yahoo.com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:23 am · Link
Definitely, Mary :)
December 16th, 2011 at 6:03 pm · Link
LOL, awesome letter from the heroine. I think I would add to please let me be a little sassy and stubbern ocasionally to show the hero I wont take crap from him – LOL
As for the hero – I would end the sentense -
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero……. is not only strong and goodlooking but he likes his women a little fiesty and challenging, a woman who is not helpless, who can take care of herself.
Merry Christmas!
Ronda Tutt
mrsqueentutt@yahoo.com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:24 am · Link
Thanks, Ronda.
December 17th, 2011 at 12:25 am · Link
Oops, hit send too fast. I totally agree :)
December 17th, 2011 at 12:26 am · Link
Feisty is good.
December 16th, 2011 at 6:09 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero..doesn’t have to always be smart and strong. He can be extra considerate and just plain kind. susan L. garysue@dejazzd.com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:25 am · Link
Good point, Susan.
December 16th, 2011 at 6:40 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…….needs a leading lady who will give him a run for his money.A strong woman with a snarky attitude and mabe some butt kicking skills .
flanagan@mebtel.net
December 17th, 2011 at 12:26 am · Link
True, Wanda. A hero should never have an easy path.
December 16th, 2011 at 8:08 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero……is not your heroines personal punching bag. Give me a chance to recover from the knee she planted in my privates before you have her try to rip my heart out with her talons. I promise to not take the agony you put me in out on her, if you just give me a glimmer of hope that she doesn’t really want to castrate me.
drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:27 am · Link
LOL Kathryn. I just wrote a heroine kneeing someone in the privates.
December 16th, 2011 at 9:15 pm · Link
Hubs keeps coming in to tell me new jokes his friend is sending him in the email so in the spirit of laughter and fun . . .
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…… must always have good hair and remember to bring me my favorite hot cuppa :)
Thank you for participating in this Mistletoe Madness fun:)
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:27 am · Link
Good hair is very important :)
December 16th, 2011 at 9:50 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero.. needs a great lady behind him. :)
December 17th, 2011 at 12:28 am · Link
Of course! That’s so true, Traci.
December 16th, 2011 at 10:43 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…… isn’t a hero if he is spending all his time in the bedroom, shower, and working out!
lol I couldn’t help it, that’s how my mind works =/
Emily T
December 17th, 2011 at 12:29 am · Link
Emily – he needs to take out the trash sometimes.
December 16th, 2011 at 11:42 pm · Link
Dear Author,
You do a great job with me, but there will be times, I won’t be so perfect catering to my lady love with everything she wants and desires Just every once in a while, I should show a real dumba**, moment. You know, waiting until she asks to take out the trash, scratching inappropriately, or picking my teeth, etc….
Thanks for the post. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com
December 17th, 2011 at 12:29 am · Link
Love it, Lisa. A hero needs to be human.
December 17th, 2011 at 12:04 am · Link
Awesome letter from the heroine to the author, Shelley!
Nowq a hero would say….. I can be sexy hot and alpha but please make me sensitive too. I have feelings and I cry too, though it may not look like it! I hide it behind my gruff exterior!
December 17th, 2011 at 12:30 am · Link
Thanks, Nas. Sensitive is good. :)
December 17th, 2011 at 1:49 am · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…….
Needs to have some common sense. Lets face it, yeah I love having an emotional interest in the story but its not going to make me stupid. I’m not going to charge headlong against a battalion of goons with nothing more than a pocket knife and expect to walk out of it.
Don’t get me wrong I’ll do a lot for that true love moment, but hey, I’m not suicidal. At least give me access to a handy arsenal full of rpg’s, mines and of course the perenial favourites to help even the odds, like say a heavily fortified remote control tank.
Likewise remember that I have vulnerabilities, yeah, I might come over all rough tough and like nothing upsets me, but I’m a softy for animal films and my kitty means the world to me, oh and whilst we’re on the subject make sure that the love interest doens’t have an allergy to my pet. It’s my fur baby and if you tell anyone I’ll kill you.
Your’s
A Hero.
December 17th, 2011 at 11:34 am · Link
Garth – you’re quite right. Every hero should have an arsenal of weapons along with his common sense! Taking notes….no allergies. Check!
December 17th, 2011 at 9:29 am · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me, but remember that a hero sometimes adores a voluptuous woman that isn’t ashamed of her figure, and isn’t afraid to eat whatever she wants in front of him! And that he likes a sassy woman, it keeps him on his toes!
Thanks for the generous giveaway op!
Happy Holidays!
December 17th, 2011 at 11:37 am · Link
I think a hero needs to be kept on his toes by a sassy heroine! Thanks for stopping by Gena.
December 17th, 2011 at 2:21 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…should be both passionate and compassionate.
Ho, Ho, Ho…
Catherine
@capefearlibn
catherinelee100[at]gmail[.]com
December 17th, 2011 at 9:32 pm · Link
I totally agree. Thanks for stopping by.
December 17th, 2011 at 2:37 pm · Link
I joined as a member of Savvy Authors about a month ago and have learned so much from the workshops I’ve taken. I am finishing up one by Jodi Henley and it is amazing!!
Anyhoo…
Dear Author, You do a good job with me but you need to remember that a hero isn’t perfect!
books4me67 at ymail dot comn
December 17th, 2011 at 9:33 pm · Link
The online courses are excellent. I highly recommend this group.
December 17th, 2011 at 4:48 pm · Link
dear author you do a good job and need to remember i am a person that you made up in either a present or past tense and then give me more power if it sex give me more all the more i can handle
desi the blonde@ msn.com
December 17th, 2011 at 9:33 pm · Link
Lol, Desi. Thanks for stopping by.
December 17th, 2011 at 7:52 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero needs to know his limits. Even a hero can’t keep up with me.
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com
December 17th, 2011 at 9:34 pm · Link
Hi Mary,
We definitely need to give the hero a run for his money.
December 18th, 2011 at 5:19 pm · Link
Dear author, remember that a hero loves his heroine more than life itself. Well he should anyway. Sometimes I get a tad annoyed when you keep her away from me for long periods of time. While you expound on my development, or hers. Let us be– together. Oh yeah!
December 19th, 2011 at 6:51 pm · Link
Good point. Nodding. The hero and heroine should be together for most of the book ’cause this is a romance.
December 18th, 2011 at 6:44 pm · Link
Isn’t always perfect, and doesn’t have to be strong all the time. Some vulnerability is actually pretty awesome.
Thanks for the giveaway!! These books sound awesome.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:52 pm · Link
I agree, Jess. I like seeing the hero with a few vulnerable spots too.
December 19th, 2011 at 12:31 am · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero does not always have to be a white knight. You could put a little evil/naughty in me to spice it up a little. Please remember I do not have to be perfect all the time.
December 19th, 2011 at 6:52 pm · Link
Ooh! A little naughtiness. I like it!
December 19th, 2011 at 12:17 pm · Link
Dear Author,
You do a good job with me, but sterotypes for heroines aren’t always bad. Sometimes the geeky librarian might be what I want.
ainfinger@comcastDOTnet
December 19th, 2011 at 6:53 pm · Link
Hey, I wrote a geeky librarian in Summer and the City of Sails. She drove the hero crazy *grin*
December 19th, 2011 at 2:33 pm · Link
Dear Author,
You do a good job with me, but remember a hero is always vunerable even if he tries to hide it.
mcv111@hotmail.com
December 19th, 2011 at 6:54 pm · Link
Ah, a few readers have mentioned this vulnerability. I totally agree. In a way this makes the hero stronger.
December 19th, 2011 at 9:29 pm · Link
I remember this post on Savvy Authors… enjoyed it.
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero challenges traditional views of the world, even if it makes me disliked.
December 19th, 2011 at 11:33 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero is just a man: Strong yet sometimes vulnerable, brave but sometimes scared. I am human, I will make mistakes but as long as I continue to grow and develop, I, my heroine, and the readers will be happier.
Thank you for the giveaway. Have a great Christmas, New Year, etc.
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
December 20th, 2011 at 1:58 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero……. should be a little mysterious, don’t make me bear my soul completely on page one. Keep the readers guessing and let them know I’m “human”, I have a past I’ve made mistakes and we all learn from them, if we’re really smart we learn from the mistakes of others as well.
Also we like out Heroines to make us work for it, it’s not fun if they swoon over us immediately, on the outside at least, I want to work for her affections and prove myself as she proves herself to me!
pypercharmed@yahoo.com
December 21st, 2011 at 5:54 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero doesnt always start out good. Even a villian can turn sides and right a wrong. We deserve happy endings too!
Thanks for the fun giveaway! Happy holidays!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
December 21st, 2011 at 9:00 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember the hero can sometimes be the underdog!
Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Holidays!
pkbw28(at)gmail(dot)com
December 21st, 2011 at 11:18 pm · Link
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero……must suffer some for his arrogance and, though valid,(history, painful past, blah blah blah) for his assy attitude before winning the heroine and living with the sometimes bumpy, but happily ever after.
Thank you participating in this.
Happy Holidays!
Sonia
mamaelk1113 at gmail dot com
MAMAELK1113 Twitter3
GFC Mamaelk
FB sonia remo ait
December 22nd, 2011 at 7:45 am · Link
Does not have to know martial arts and look like young Arnold S.
December 23rd, 2011 at 2:35 pm · Link
is not always secure in their looks or confidence. We are normal people (most of the time;)) too, and as such we have our insecurities.
Happy Holidays to all!!
thewildtwo {@} sbcglobal {DOT} net
December 23rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm · Link
Hi, I love your list… esp. the part about lube (grins).
Dear Author, you do a good job with me but remember that a hero…….needs to be sexy, caring, and all the things a woman need and craves in a man. He also must know how to please a woman. Her ideal fantasy guy… christina_92 at yahoo.com