My Rules For Writing Kick-Ass Heroines

I’ve now written dozens of books with strong heroines.
For what it’s worth, here are my rules…

Rule One. “Of course you realize, this means war.”

I also call this the Bugs Bunny Rule. If your character strikes first, then she is the bully. But, if your character is patient before defending herself? That’s something else. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Rule Two. Get rid of the ‘archy’

And here, I mean hierachy. If someone’s the top dog–and therefore feels so entitled, they can boss everyone else around–then they’re just ANNOYING. Exception: if the character is acting in self-defense (see rule number one).

Rule Three. You, me, we.

What’s interesting about writing about a couple (to me, anyway!) is how the you and me make a we. How are these two characters better together? And what’s a unique way to show how that we impacts the world?

Rule Four. All that is strong does not carry weapons.

In my writing, characters don’t have to be a warrior in order to fight like hell. In fact, I like having some some folks fight with weapons beside others who battle via intellect or emotion.

Rule Five. Being an asshole is not a sign of strength.

Again, this really goes back to item number one. If a character mouths off at someone just for looking at them funny? Not okay.

Rule Six. No Whining.

If a character doesn’t like something, they need a scheme to fix it. At least, that’s my plan

So, there you have it: my six rules for writing kick-ass heroines who aren’t a**holes.

Now, back to my latest manuscript!

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