I’m on an alpha female kick again this week.
Not just because that’s the type of female protagonist I like to write. And not just because I feel so very distant from my personal alpha female side due to another stupid back injury.
Nope, I’m on this kick because alpha females make for great protagonists in every walk of fiction no matter the genre. The assumption is alpha females only show up in contemporary novels, paranormal romance novels, or hard-boiled detective novels.
But none of that’s true.
Alpha female heroines show up in every genre in fiction – thank goodness!
Eloisa James, the marvelously talented bestselling author of historical romance novels regularly features alpha female protagonists.
Her heroine, Jenna, is just one example. The character is a duchess full of independence, attitude, and determination to reach her goal, making her a real, bigger-than-life alpha female of her time.
The latest Nora Roberts romance Bed of Roses, is a classic romance, but the leading ladies are all alpha females.
Emma is a true romantic at heart, but she’s also a successful business woman and she’s not afraid to take a stand, even if it hurts. She knows her value and her priorities and she refuses to settle – even if it means walking away from the man she believes is the hero of her heart.
Alpha female protagonists can come from every background, and showcase myriad personality traits. Not every heroine can or should be a martial arts expert or lethal with a knife or gun. And that’s the bonus!
Being an alpha female is not just about being the toughest girl in the room. It’s not about being the smartest girl on the block.
Authors who give us dynamic and lovable leading ladies understand how to bring out the alpha female traits that make heroines strong and determined enough to overcome their weaker traits in order to reach the goal.
Live the adventure!
