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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Buffy and the Modern Heroine

One of these days I would like to write about a medieval slayer, a petite, attractive, but not overly sexualized woman who saves the day from the forces of darkness. Obviously, Buffy would fit like a gooseskin glove into the medieval world of demons and angels.

To me, the first such character was Princess Leia in Star Wars, but the archetype really took root in popular culture with the Vampire Slayer in the 1990s. Many other authors have taken a Buffyesque character into their worlds. You can see the “Buffy effect” on heroines such as Katniss from The Hunger Games or even Kim Possible from Disney.

Like most women, they are passionate, smart, broken in places but stronger for it. What sets them apart is their ability to take care of themselves in places where girls are told not to go, i.e. dark alleys and fraternity houses.

And as an author I want to write characters in this mold. When I started writing Beyond All Else (my short story in One Winter Knight, the new holiday anthology from Prairie Rose Publications) I thought I was writing a kick-ass heroine, a Buffy for the Middle Ages. After all, when we meet Alais of Roundtree she’s about to steal the hero’s sword.

Except she isn’t kick-ass.

In one afternoon, Alais lost everything: Her family, her home, and her trust in the social precepts that had defined her world.  Chivalry is dead. Honor is meaningless. Greed and cruelty rule.  To my disappointment as I wrote the scene, she had no intention of using the sword to right the wrongs done to her. She planned to sell it for money to buy food, clothing, and shelter. 

She’s practical, resourceful, and determined—but no super heroine.

She’s well aware that her size and upbringing as a noblewoman puts her at a disadvantage in this new world she inhabits. She can embroider, read, and run a household, but she can’t fight, fish, or grow food. Yet—and I love this about her—when she gets an unexpected chance for revenge, she’s all in for the fight of her life.

So what are you thoughts about kick-ass heroines?

Here's an excerpt from the story. Leave a comment below for a chance to win a free copy of the anthology.

For the first time in weeks, her heartbeat steadied. The more she thought through the plan, the slower her blood pulsed. Just having a plan made her feel better, more in control. If she planned for it, she could control it. “The sword, too.” 
“That sword is almost as tall as you. You will not be able to swing it.” 
“I do not want to swing it. I shall sell it.” She blew curls out of her eyes. Gold trim meant gems; gems prised free meant money; money meant security.  
Silence held for a few steps, then Jo asked, “You do not think the sheriff will give up the hunt, do you?” 


14 comments:

  1. Keena,
    I haven't read your short story yet, but I like that Alais is practical. I love those type of heroines. I think young girls these days have grown up with this archetype, and what a wonderful thing that is. Great post.

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    1. Kristy, I think you're right. The empowered heroine is everywhere. I find it interesting, though, that about the same time we get Buffy, the 'princess' phenomenon took off. No opinion on it. I just find it interesting.

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  2. Nice. I live your thoughts on Buffy as a medieval heroine.

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    1. Hi, Connie. Unfortunately, I doubt if Joss would get me the rights to do that. :-)

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  3. Regardless of whether a woman is kick-ass or not, I love when they are independent enough to think for themselves and take a much control of their lives a possible. Enjoyed the post and idea of the 'strong' woman.

    You may leave me off the drawing, I have the book. Doris

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    1. Hi, Doris. By the time the story was finished, I'd come to like Alais precisely because she wasn't kick ass. I could never be Buffy, but I could be Alais.

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  4. I like strong heroines who don't realize they are strong until circumstances bring it out in them.

    My favorite 'kick-ass' movie heroine is the Charlie/Samantha character played by Geena Davis in the movie "Long Kiss Goodnight".

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    1. That's a great movie, Kaye. And I agree. There is something spectacular about watching a heroine come into her own and realize her strength. Romancing the Stone is another great example of this.

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  5. I loved Buffy The Vampire Slayer! The thing that made me love it so much was the dialogue. Josh Whedon was a genius at taking an intense scene and throwing in some quirky/funny dialogue.
    I think this anthology is going to be very popular with readers. I like that your heroine intends to do something unexpected with the sword. Will she really sell it or will this be the turning point in her life?
    I wish you the very best and an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving, Kenna.

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    1. Thanks, Sarah. Sorry for the delayed response, the holiday took over my week/weekend. Yes, Joss is a genius with dialog. I like how he didn't bothered trying to incorporate the slang of the day into the show, but made up his own.

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  6. I never saw Buffy, and I think I missed something because so many people are still talking about that show. Interesting to think of it as the inspiration for later heroines. I enjoyed your story in the anthology as I did all of them! I love how your character Alais went in her own direction! Sometimes these character have their own agenda. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks, Patti. Buffy is on Netflix, if you're of the mind to watch. It holds up extremely well, and in my opinion, Hush and The Body are two of the best hours of TV period.

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  7. Connie is the winner of the free book. Connie, if you have already the anthology, let me know if you'd like another book.

    Thanks, everyone.

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