Writing a Kick Ass Heroine with Sandra Sookoo

Writing a Kick-ass Heroine

Thanks for having me on your blog today!
Since the theme of this post is writing a kick-ass heroine, what better time than now to talking about my heroine from Ricochet, Willa Rayes?
During the planning stage of writing, I knew I wanted the heroine to be strong.  I wanted her to be able to stand up to the men around her and to take chances.  Nothing puts me off a book faster than reading about a heroine who's got the personality of a wet noodle or who don't stand up for themselves and develop "doormat syndrome".
Besides, Ricochet is set in a sci-fi world, which calls for a gal with enough backbone to take on the rigors of the world.  So, Willa was "born".  She's got four brothers, all of whom are older than her, plus she's the only daughter of a famous fighter pilot from her planet.  Big credentials to fill and compete against.
Willa's always been under a shadow, of her brothers, of her father and of other males competing in her line of work.  She's chosen to be a Lingorian pilot like her parent, but she's doing it on her own terms.  She's got her own brand of swagger because she knows she's one of the best.  She wants respect.  She wants attention.  She wants love.  Unfortunately, as in many cases like Willa's, these sought-after things don't come simply because the men in her life aren't wired to give it.
One of my all-time favorite lines from this book sums up her philosophy:  Not that she cared. She wasn't here for a hookup. She was here to crush egos.
And then she meets Stratton (Sin), who makes no apologies for his chauvinistic, "all about me" attitude.  The urge to prove herself and then some to him is strong.  And she's smacked down a few times.  Two big egos crashing against themselves nets explosive fireworks.  To make matters worse, she's paired in a race with him.
Also during her encounters with Stratton, she's taught that maybe she doesn't know all there is to know about the male/female relationship, and that her ego does tend to get in the way of her interactions with other people.  Above all, she's horrified to discover she's been trying to gain male attention in all the wrong ways.
Overall, Willa's one of my favorite heroines.  She compromises without losing her identity.  She argues, but when she's wrong, she owns up to it.  She supports an idea different than her own with the same passion as she would if it had been hers.  And she's not afraid to show an emotional side and be a "girl".
She's the type of gal you want to invite over for dinner, play video games or go to an amusement park with.  I can totally see her doing shots at a bar or watching football on Sundays.  Just don't ask her to go to a tea-tasting or clothes shopping!
So what about you?  What type of heroine do you prefer reading about?
Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances in full-length books as well as shorts and novellas. No matter if the heat level is spicy or sweet, she loves to blend genres and often times will add humor.
When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It's where dreams come true and the soul can play. If she's not writing, she's keeping things interesting at her Believing is Seeing blog or spending time with her husband, who patiently answers questions she has about men and/or sci-fi-related subjects.
You can write to Sandra at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com, visit her website at www.sandrasookoo.com or look her up on Facebook and Twitter. All links are provided on the front page of her website.
Website:  http://www.sandrasookoo.comBelieving is Seeing blog:  http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/Twi...  http://twitter.com/sandrasookooFacebook:  http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo
Willa Rayes, only daughter of a legendary Lingorian fighter pilot, can fly any ship in the galaxy. Better than her brothers, in fact. But does that get her any respect? Not as long as she has breasts. Winning the Nebulon Trike will not only force her family to notice her, it'll be her declaration of independence from men in general.
Then she meets her race partner, Stratton Sinnet. Arrogant and chauvinistic, he ignites her libido like no man ever before. And threatens to send her well-planned strategy straight to hell.
A bounty hunter by trade, Sin enters the Trike for one reason: money. Somewhere among the racers his quarry is hiding, but he's not worried. He always gets his man, and winning the race will be a nice bonus. It sure would be a hell of a lot easier, though, if he wasn't saddled with a know-it-all navigator who's getting on his last nerve—and under his skin.
As the checkpoints go by and the danger escalates, the fight for control, the lead—and satisfaction—approaches supernova heat. Burning away their resistance, and the tough shells that protect their one vulnerability…their hearts.
Excerpt At the moment, he to see how far he could push her, find out what she was made of. "Go for it, kita. I love a good challenge."
Her eyes narrowed.
Stratton grinned. He'd called her bluff, and she had nothing to back up the words. Even so, a tiny twinge of disappointment caught him off guard. Why did women only want to interact with him on a carnal level? It might be nice to have a heated discussion or argument that had nothing to do with what he could give them physically. "Well, I guess we know which one of us deserves this seat, huh?" He swiveled the chair around to fully face her, and the tip of his nose came dangerously close to her bust line.
"You deserve this." Before he could react, she stomped down hard on the instep of his right foot. "For now, I'll let you have your way, but from here on out, you'll have to fight me for the privilege of pilot. I've worked hard, struggled for every achievement I claim, and I refuse to let a louse like you take that away. Do you understand?"
Pain radiated through his foot and shot up his calf. Not for worlds would he show her the juvenile action had hurt. Swallowing down a string of vulgarity, he gave her what he hoped was an insolent grin. "Perfectly. If you don't get your way, you'll have a hissy fit. Gotcha. Typical spoiled little rich girl."
"Bastard." She spun on her heel, bending slightly to retrieve the handheld device.
"At your service."
 Sandra will be awarding a gift bag of travel sized Bath and Body Works products in Charmed scent to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US/Canada only please) Be sure to follow the tour here.