A Note:

6/2/13

I once told myself: IF I am accepted into grad school, this blog would no longer be updated. As it turns out, in April, I received news of my acceptance for the Fall 2013 semester, where I will attain a Master's degree of Science in Nutrition.

Running a blog, as many of you may already know, is a demanding side job once the excitement wears off. And once I fell out of the blogging community's loop (have you SEEN how many blogs there are now? Wow!), it was like the kiss of death. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't get into a blogging routine once this happened due to the disconnect I felt from the community.

So I took a break. I struggled with the loss and with missing my blog. And then I realized I didn't have to run Book Faery to still be a book reviewer; I could read my books and post reviews online. I'm still a book review blogger, just not in the traditional sense.

I'll still be online. You can chat with me on Twitter, where I'll be posting links to my reviews and talking books. I'll also be posting links to nutrition articles. And if you'd like to connect with me where I guarantee I will post reviews, just add me as a friend on Goodreads.

So that's all, folks! It's been a fun and amazing journey, and I thank you all for listening to my thoughts about books. I hope we all can keep in touch elsewhere :)

Tori

Thursday, August 19, 2010

(Day 19) Guest Post: Lindsey Leavitt

Photobucket
Click on the image to check out all other available/upcoming giveaways/events.


So most of the authors participating are paranormal writers.  I thought it'd be interesting to see what non-paranormal authors thought about alpha males and heroines, which is why Lindsey Leavitt, author of Princess for Hire is stopping by to talk with us today! 


"Lindsey Leavitt grew up in Las Vegas and now lives in Alabama with her husband and three small daughters. Although she has been a substitute teacher and a homecoming princess, she has never been a substitute princess. Yet. She’s still scanning the Want Ads…"

Bio obtained via Lindsey's website.

Connect with Lindsey:



What qualities are heroines required to possess in order to be deemed a strong female lead?

I don't think there is an exact list for this. "Strong" has so many meanings. It's often used to describe outspoken, opinionated, kick--butt women. Yes, Buffy, or if we're going old school, She-ra. These women are oft called, well... rhymes with fitches (i'm a big fan of fitches. Thanks for giving me the opp to use that word). And I love me some main characters who are "strong" in the more conventional sense. But strength isn't exclusive to these traits.

I have a friend. We'll call her Sugar. She is humble, funny, and thoughtful. In a large group, Sugar is the quiet observer. I'm pretty sure her kick boxing skills are sub-par at best. Yet she is the strongest person I know. She's grounded, and I personally feel more whole after being around her. Were she a fictional character in a carefully drawn novel, I believe Sugar would empower many a reader.

You see, the trick in creating any strong female lead is to make that girl REAL. She doesn't have to be witty or fitchy. She absolutely needs to be authentic, and as the reader, we need to know her and understand her, no matter if she's slaying a dragon or pining for a first kiss. These are the characters that become a part of us, who reflect our own struggles, and thus provide strength for the reader.




Want to win a copy of the YA novel Princess for Hire?


When a well-dressed woman steps out of a bubble and wants to know if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you:
 

A) run
B) faint
C) say yes?

For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for some glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C). Desi has a rare ability: with the help of "Royal Rouge," she can temporarily transform into the exact look-alike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?


Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras.... In this winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.


Giveaway Guidelines:
  1. Open to US-only.
  2. Fill out the form below.
  3. Giveaway ends 9/4.  Be sure to check back after that and see if you've won!  I will not be emailing winners after they are announced on the blog.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is picked.
Extra Entries:
  • [+1] Tweeting about this giveaway

Being a blog follower is not required, yet is extremely appreciated!



3 comments:

  1. Fabulous post! Realistic, kick ass heroines are the best to read about.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like a funny read!

    Btw, have an award for you!
    http://melissawatercolor.blogspot.com/2010/08/another-award.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. Okay,

    What has been sad to me is how many of us women want kick but heroines and admire their strength and cunning, but never find the confidence inside themselves. No matter your personality I feel we can all be great heroines in our own lives, but it can be scary and facing that is an admirable strength as well.

    Lindsey Leavitt makes a great point that a strong real character can inspire strength in the reader, what is a cheap and unfulfilling stereo type in a lot of the books is the woman finding confidence based on the appreciation and validation of the hero. Let's face it, not all men are Mr. Darcy. Mostly an a-- is an a-- and the ideal put forth that strength comes from that external source is not the best message to present to inspire strength in the reader.

    I am really looking forward to reading Lindsey's book. I like her take on feminine characters.
    Thanks Tori!
    Terry Kate
    Romance in the Backseat

    ReplyDelete