Comments on: Cindi Myers guest blogs on the imperfect heroine

By: Emily McKay

Emily McKay — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:23:34 +0000

Welcome, Cindy!
I’ve been out of town on vacation, but I’m so glad I made it back in time to read about your wonderful new book!
I love flawed heroines, especially plump ones. I think it makes them so identifiable. I mean, who hasn’t needed to lose a pound or two? Btw, anyone read Meg Cabot’s Heather Wells series? They’re mysteries about a now-plump former teen sensation. Really great books.
As for imperfect heroes, I can think of several that people just love. The heroes from Lord of Scoundrels and the Ravin Prince come to mind.
But I think the key to making it work is to have the imperfection be something that makes the hero tougher, more alpha, than he otherwise would have been.
I do think it’s tricky though. You notice, I haven’t tried it yet either.

By: Cindi Myers

Cindi Myers — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:55:23 +0000

Yes, Cindy, I agree with you on the jerks — I have no patience for them.

By: Cindy Kirk

Cindy Kirk — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:12:06 +0000

Cindi,

I like reading about flawed heroes and heroines as long as they aren’t “too” flawed. Because I end up identifying with the heroine, I want her to be stronger, faster prettier and smarter than me.

I hold the hero to even higher standards. One sign that he’s a jerk (without sufficient motiviation) and I close the book.

Great topic!

By: Cindi Myers

Cindi Myers — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:31:50 +0000

Frana, I think you’re right about the fantasy of the perfect guy. Minor flaws are okay, but I think we want that fantasy.

But the idea of writing a book about a homely guy with sex appeal — like Mick Jagger — is intriguing! I don’t think I’m up to the challenge, but it might be fun to read.

What makes a guy sexy? For me, it’s being totally into the woman — she is everything to him and he lets her know it.

By: Shana Galen

Shana Galen — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:30:26 +0000

I think I could like a flawed–bald, ugly, overweight–hero if the author made him likeable enough. It always seems strange to me when a less than perfect heroine is with this perfect-looking guy.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:45:28 +0000

Kristan you are so right about Mick Jagger… but just think, the exact same physical characteristics can be applied to Keith Richards and I don’t find he has a smidgen of sex appeal!

I think it is easier for us to identify with the flawed heroine because we recognize our own flaws and sympathize with hers. I notice more authors giving heros endearing physical flaws… a scar, slightly crooked teeth that make an appealing smile, too long hair, even bald but there just doesn’t seem to be a really flawed hero out there. Maybe it’s because we really hope there is a perfect guy for everyone.

By: RobynDeHart

RobynDeHart — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:59:01 +0000

Thanks for joining us again, CIndi, and congrats on your RITA nomination!

I think it boils down to that fantasy. What woman can’t relate to the dream of wanting the best looking guy in school asking her to prom? I think it speaks to our most inner desires when we were girls. There’s just something so appealing to think of the hot guy just falling head over heels for the least likely girl.

My first book with Avon, Courting Claudia, had this scenario with a heroine who was overweight and didn’t change that to win her man. It’s a very appealing fantasy which is why to this day I’ve still received more fan mail for that book than any other.

Great blog, Cindi, I’ll definitely be picking up a copy of your book!

By: kristan higgins

kristan higgins — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:59:48 +0000

Congratulations on the new book, Cindi!

I’m with you…I love ordinary, flawed heroines because I think everyone deserves a big love story, not just billionaires and beauties. As for a homely hero…I don’t mind! Homely doesn’t matter; sex appeal does. How else can one explain Mick Jagger?

By: Frana

Frana — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:03:49 +0000

Hi Cindi! I had such laugh when I read about bald and overweight heroes I like not-so-perfect heroines because I can identify with them. Also, it’s a nice thought that even though you’re not perfect you can have a perfect man (a lest perfect to your eyes, other people eyes are a totally different thing). And that is a reason why the readers (in my opinion) can’t accept imperfect hero. We identify with heroine but her hero must be perfect for them to have a happy ending. And usually we see hero through heroines’ eyes and to her he is perfect (love is blind )