Aug
Would you forgive her?
Wow, what week! We kicked things off with Sophie Jordan, author of Once Upon A Wedding Night. Thanks again for hanging out with us, Sophie, hope to have you back in the future. On Friday, our own Michelle Merry asked us about how our friends and family really feel about the books we write. Then to bring back fun and laughter, Haven encouraged us to think about new romance sub-genres, you ladies are so creative. 
Now on to my topic for the day. Last weekend, I was in the middle giving fellow RI Lady, Emily, a glimpse of my current WIP, when she stopped me. “Your heroine is going to do that? Are you going to let her get away with it?” It stopped me dead in my tracks, actually. You could tell, huh, Emily? LOL
Anyhow, it turns out what my heroine is about to do, will help her grow as a character. That’s what I’m aiming for.
So then, I started thinking, what are some of the things a heroine could do that would cause me to put down the book and seriously dislike her? Or, if she’s done something I don’t agree with, with the right motivation, would I forgive her and continue reading the story? I think so.
But.
I wouldn’t forgive a heroine who consciously hurts and betrays her family, friends, and the hero. A heroine who is too self-absorbed to realize she’s missing out on the love of her life. Speaking of heroines missing out on love, I like heroines who show their love rather than just say they love the hero - at the end of the book- on the last chapter, on the very last line. A heroine who feels so sorry for herself (who remains the same, doesn’t grow as a character), I feel very sorry I bought the book in the first place. One who fails to makes me feel any sympathy for her. I don’t want to end up at the very end of the book saying, “how I wanted the poor hero to end up with her best friend instead! Or better yet - alone.”
In case you’re wondering what books I’ve read which may feature heroines I’ve just described? I have not recently. It’s been a few good years since I’ve read heroines who have me yanking my hair out. Although, Scarlett’s Gone With The Wind comes to mind.
Back to my own WIP, in talking with Emily, I could see how I could end up with problematic heroine if I’m not careful. So I’m back to exploring motives for my heroine.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, friends 
About what I said of GWTW’s Scarlett. It’s been fourteen years since I’ve read this book.
When I mentioned Scarlett as a heroine who had me banging my head against the ball, I’m not saying she’s weak, or doesn’t grow as a character. She does, IMO. The story itself, is a classic, a very good story. I just didn’t feel any sympathy for Scarlett however, she was just too selfish. If we’re looking at this novel as romance novel (although, some would scream at me for calling GWTW a romance novel), Scarlett doesn’t really “fit the bill” of a romance novel heroine. (Or does she?) That’s how I’m looking at Scarlett for the purposes of today’s blog. Hope I make sense.
Isabel
August 27th, 2006 at 10:07 amIsabel,
I don’t think you’ll have any problems with your heroine. You just wait and see, it’ll all fall into place
And I find that as long as there are reasons behind why people act certain ways, I can usually forgive them (though of course a little bit depending on what they did *lol*)
Sometimes I do read a book where the characters are acting very oddly, and you can’t see their reasonings behind it very well. I actually read one recently, but it was a book written more than 10 years ago. I was so annoyed throughout most of the book because both the hero and heroine acted in such stupid ways that I wanted to bash their heads against each other. There was just no good reason for the stuff they did and said.. Pfff!
And Isabel, I’m still here if you ever want to do a brainstorming session. Heck, we should have RI brainstorming sessions. I know I could use some help brainstorming about a couple of things! *lol*
Emily
August 27th, 2006 at 11:12 amI agree Emily, that’s a good idea. We have a room, open and ready hehe.
Anyhow, Isabel, isn’t it wonderful to have someone able to help see points of a story that you might overlook.
I’m sure your plot is wonderful and perhaps your herione has a few surprises up her sleeves. We wont know until it’s published (or at the very least typed out).
But back to the help of others. It’s nice to know that someone can help point out a scene that may or may not work with the general story. I’ve helped Michelle out a few times, just like a few ladies have helped me out. This is what this web group is suppose to be. We all understand and can give a fresh look on each others stories.
Yayyy, my evil plan is working *rubs hands and laughs*.
Truly, I’m glad Emily pointed out something to make you think of where your story is going before you ended up hitting a brick wall but then again, we just don’t know…this might allow you to push her further in all the wrong (err….right) directions hehe.
Best of luck.
August 27th, 2006 at 2:42 pmThank you girls, and also a big thank you to Andrea and Michelle for helping me out as well.
Haven, you’re righ,t that’s why I wanted to be part of this group. All of you, the authors, and people commenting have help me out so much.
Isabel
August 27th, 2006 at 8:26 pmYes, I certainly know all about this! It’s nice to know some people have similar problems–there were quite a few people who outed themselves on my blog last week.
It’s recoverable, Isabel, I’m sure. It just might take a LOT of rethinking
August 28th, 2006 at 7:25 amIt’s recoverable, Isabel, I’m sure. It just might take a LOT of rethinking
Absolutely, Lacey, I’m doing a lot of rethinking this week. I’m actually very excited about this new an improved heroine of mine.
August 28th, 2006 at 9:03 amIsabel