What Would Your Heroine Do?

In my latest romantic conquest (of which there are so many, ::rolls eyes::), I found myself out to dinner with a lovely gent at a dee-lish restaurant talking about may different topics, when our food arrived and I exclaimed over my pasta, “There’s so much CHEESE. I LOVE cheese.” He looked back at me kind of like I was insane, but then proceeded to begin what became a lengthy discussion of our favorite types of cheeses, when different cheeses are appropriate for different foods, cheeses we dislike—we talked a lot about cheese. And guess what? I’m going out with him again.

Why am I talking about cheese and dates? Because believe it or not, Casa ladies, this very cheese discussion was influenced by YOUR books. I know, none of you have written a scene about two people learning about a common affection for dairy, but you all have written about women, who, at some point or another, speak their mind, don’t hold back, and are not shy about who they are as a person. They’re confident (or become confident) in their own skin, which includes their insecurities and idiosyncrasies that eventually, the heroes realize make them each special and incredibly sexy. Let’s hope cheese works to my favor. ;-)

As authors, I wonder this—how much do you think about the influence the characters you create have on your readers? Sometimes, these characters are direct reflections on you the author (intentional or not—looks like my Psych 101 class did come in handy) or possibly reflection on how you would like to have acted in a situation, or your subconscious peaking it’s head out to remind everyone that it’s there. Whatever the reason, I hope you know that even on your busy publicist (who is taking the time to read everyone’s books, tee hee) finds herself wondering what Susannah Sanderson would do on her first date with Ryan, or how Tisana would react to the proposition of inviting Leo inside after an awkward pause, or what spell Jazz would cast if Nick decided he needed a night with the boys…or what would Rosalie Ronaldi would say if her “Romeo” thinks Provolone cheese is the most boring of all (seriously though, I love provolone cheese).

I think, even though it’s just me and my over-analytical brain, that the one thing Deb always talks about in her blogs, having a heroine women can relate to, is perhaps most important—I know it’s had an influence on me!

**Please be forewarned that I will only answer questions pertaining to mentioned date in the most vague of terms, because I know I’m going to get grilled. But you are all friends, so I hope you won’t make me blush too much all day…Bring it on!**