(Day 19) Guest Post: Lindsey Leavitt

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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:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

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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.

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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.

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