EAT YOUR HEART OUT KEN & BARBIE

Once upon a time in a land far, far away all our favorite romance characters were from the Ken and Barbie School of Romance. You know what I mean, don’t you? Tall, dark and handsome hero’s with strong, broad shoulders and sexy dimples framing their devil-may-care-smiles. They usually had a smattering of soft dark curls on their chests, throbbing body parts, and really, really deep pockets. (I’m talking a place to put their massive wealth now.) This described nearly all the hero’s from doctors to cowboys to bad-boy pirates and everything between.

And heroines, oh my goodness. They were always petite and gorgeous with long flowing hair and tightly fitted bodices, nurse’s uniforms or stewardess dresses. These garments covered their voluptuous bosoms and tiny waists. Often these women were penniless orphans in need of a big strapping man to take care of them. We rooted for these ladies, envied them and sighed when they finally got their happily-ever-after.

Well, that's old school romance and there's nothing wrong with that. We read to escape reality so it is perfectly okay to curl up with the beautiful people. But now we have a choice. We have broadened our horizons as readers and writers. No longer do hero’s and heroine’s have to look like cookie cutter characters. Today, they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be vampires, chefs, construction workers or athletes. They can be wheelchair bound or blind or poor, plus-sized people who get swept up in a romance that moves us to tears. Remember, we are limited only by our imagination.

Anyone ever read Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards? The heroine described the hero as Frankenstein for the first half of the book? Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer? The hero was dirt poor. Who are some of your favorite characters who are a bit different?

Whether you’re old school or new school always try to write compelling characters that readers fall in love with. In the end, that really is all that matters.

Hugs,
Reese