define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); define('DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', true); Learn how to write your story - MyBookTherapy

I have my reasons…

By on February 9, 2010 in Heroines, How to write a Romance, Protagonists: The Basics

Part two of of Creating a Heroic Heroine. Yesterday, we talked about how every heroine needs to have a goal – something tangible and specific that they are shooting for in the story.  A goal is your target, and give you a place to aim for in the story. But, of course, we can’t let her get there, at least not without a struggle. Which means our heroine also needs a FLAW. We know women aren’t perfect. But we try, oh, we try. And the key to a great flaw is something that can be overcome – with the help of a good hero. It doesn’t have to be a huge flaw, maybe it’s a tendency to run away from her problems, or better, a tendency to push men out […]

Share this Post...Pin on PinterestShare on Google+Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someone
Read the Rest
Continue Reading • Comments { 0 }

Subscribe / Connect

Sign up to get Susan May's 5 Secrets of a Best-selling novel, and the articles you need to help you Get Published and Stay published!

Why are you here?

By on February 8, 2010 in Heroines, How to write a Romance, Protagonists: The Basics

Part One of How to create Heroines who can take care of themselves! (but still want a good man!)   I used to hate romances. Why? Because I didn’t respect a woman who had to have a man to save her. BUT, I did respect a woman who allowed a man into her life to make her better, stronger, more noble, more complete.   Which is why, probably, all the heroines in my books are strong women, — CIA agents, and K-9 Handlers, and bush pilots and fire chiefs.   But for all the toughness of my heroines, they need a good man. So what makes a strong heroine?   The first element is that your Heroine must have a Goal.  And that Goal must be measurable, and specific.    Now, both your characters need […]

Share this Post...Pin on PinterestShare on Google+Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someone
Read the Rest
Continue Reading • Comments { 0 }

Subscribe / Connect

Sign up to get Susan May's 5 Secrets of a Best-selling novel, and the articles you need to help you Get Published and Stay published!

What are you so afraid of?

By on February 5, 2010 in Hero, Heroes, How to write a Romance, Protagonists: The Basics

Creating a Hearthrob Hero…continued.    My husband used to hate to dance.  Last year, because he’s a hero, he gave me dancing lessons for my birthday.  Now, this flaw kept him from dancing for years because…he was afraid of looking foolish.  (which is why we have to make sure our dancing is perfect. It’s like dancing with a drill sergeant.) I finally figured this out and helped him conquer this fear by buying us dancing tapes and letting us learn the basics in our kitchen.  Then, when we enrolled in dance class, he looked like he knew what he was doing.  (And wow, you should see him now!)   Behind every hero’s flaw…there is a fear.  Yesterday we talked about flaws…those problems our hero has that makes him less than perfect.  […]

Share this Post...Pin on PinterestShare on Google+Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someone
Read the Rest
Continue Reading • Comments { 0 }

Subscribe / Connect

Sign up to get Susan May's 5 Secrets of a Best-selling novel, and the articles you need to help you Get Published and Stay published!

Aw, he’s not that bad!

By on February 4, 2010 in Heroes, How to write a Romance, Protagonists: The Basics

We’re talking this week about building a heartthrob hero into our stories – if you want more about building a hero – and characterization in general – go to our archives.  There, you’ll learn how to build a hero from the inside, out.   Yesterday, we talked about a hero having a Noble Cause – that thing that makes him likeable and drives him through the story, through all the obstacles and conflict.    Today, we’ll touch on the next element….  Your Hero must have a Flaw    Your hero has to be less than perfect. Something about him that makes him real. Maybe he has issues with recklessness, or perhaps he trusts too much and has gotten burned. Maybe he’s jaded and mean on the outside (but of course tenderhearted on the […]

Share this Post...Pin on PinterestShare on Google+Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someone
Read the Rest
Continue Reading • Comments { 0 }

Subscribe / Connect

Sign up to get Susan May's 5 Secrets of a Best-selling novel, and the articles you need to help you Get Published and Stay published!

MBT Menu