An Equal Opportunity Heroine
Lately I’ve been doing a lot of prepping for the coming year. 2011 will mark a return to classrooms for me—I’m teaching a writing workshop in person and quite a few online for various RWA chapters. What that means is a return to my more—ahem—organized days. I’m compiling lesson plans and designing worksheets and illustrations. It’s fun, and it’s opening a whole new world of short, (hopefully) interesting blog posts. I mean, let’s face it…how many times can you visit my blog(s) and read “I’m busy writing!” or “I hate writer’s block!” without wanting to gag just a little?
One of the first workshops I’m presenting next year is based on a graduate school class I took that focused on Joseph Campbell’ s famous work “The Hero’s Journey,” but this time I’m taking it an applying it to the average romance heroine.
Now, I’m not saying I have any clue what makes up the average romance heroine, per se, but I do understand that as writers, we need to treat them as we do the hero of our story. Today we’ll focus on the “Call to Adventure.”
Can you think of a movie or book that doesn’t have some inciting incident or catalyst that changes everything for your characters? It’d be tough to find one. Everything from Star Wars (Lucas himself a student of Campbell) to the latest Lisa Kleypas novel has that moment where your characters can either continue on as before or answer the call (usually delivered by some sort of Herald, but not always.)
My request, however, is to make your heroine’s call just as important and life-changing as the hero’s call. I say this because I’ve been reading a lot of historical romances lately and all too often, our damsel is nothing more than distressed. She is not savvy. She is not wise until later in the story, after some time with Mr. Charming. She rarely chooses (consciously decides) to pursue the new path that lay open before her.
I think the rule applies to everything from paranormal to contemporary, too. There is a moment that easily changes the hero’s daily life, but did you apply the same effort to changing her life, as well?
Changing the heroine to an active participant in her story (versus a victim just along for the ride) opens new plot ideas and gives us, as readers, more insight to just who she is and why she’s that way. Define what’s at stake for her, and you’ll find your story unfolding bit by bit on its own—and with a lot less authorial prodding!
Happy Monday, and happy writing!!
I want to come on your workshop, Harper!
Nina Croft(Quote) (Reply)
Awesome Harper.
You've got a great idea and a wonderful presence, too!
I went to a workshop that hti on Campbell's Hero's Journey. I still use it skeletally on most wips. It really helps me see the end from the beginning.
You'll be a huge hit.
Penny Dune(Quote) (Reply)
Cool beans, can I come?
Seriously, my heroines are often wussies and it annoys me.
I'll take a close look at my writing, that was a great prompt.
Silke(Quote) (Reply)