Writing Tip of the Day-Characters

A heroine can and should have flaws. She can be klutzy, scarred or handicapped, have issues from previous trauma; be timid, abrasive, cynical or afraid to trust; be too self-protective, too quick to act, too ready to condemn and a thousand other things. Her given flaw should serve a purpose in the story, however, usually one which interferes with the attainment of her goal. Change in it can illustrate the evolution of her character.

Writing Tip of the Day-Characters

A romance heroine doesn't have to be drop-dead-gorgeous, but should be attractive in her own offbeat or non-trendy fashion. She is the stand-in character for the (predominantly) female reader, the one with whom she must identify, and few women consider themselves completely unattractive.

Writing Tip of the Day

The motivation for your main character should never be self-serving. If your romantic heroine's goal is marry a rich man, for instance, it should be for an altruistic or sympathetic reason, something beyond her own wants and needs.