Have you ever fantasized about writing a kick-ass heroine who saves the day?
If you found yourself nodding, then write your heart out!
Insight Directly From the Publisher
According to the eHarlequin guidelines section, Silhouette Books has launched the long-awaited, new Bombshell line. Now there's finally a home for the "strong, savvy, sexy heroine who always saves the day."
In her online article, Your Guide to the Silhouette Bombshell™ Heroine, Editor Julie Barrett explains that "[b]ecause the Silhouette Bombshell books are meant to have a much more mainstream attitude and feel than category romance, the heroine can curse, spit, play poker, have erotic sex, you name it, as long as female readers can identify with her actions. What makes her tick should be compelling, too."
As a good rule of thumb, the experts are saying you should base your female lead after such characters as Sidney Bristow in Alias, Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, or even Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She should definitely be someone who is emotionally complex and with whom female readers can identify and empathize with. She should possess some special skill or talent which she must use to get herself (and others) out of a "precarious and often high-stakes situation."
Ultimately, though, don't forget that the Bombshell books are still romance. There must be an exciting romance subplot where, in the end, the heroine gets her man.
Insight from a Bestselling Bombshell Author, Debra Webb
WWR asked Bestselling Author, Debra Webb to give us a little insight into the new line. Here's what she had to say:
"Bombshells are women who take charge of whatever is happening in their lives. Yes, they can be tough, kickbutt FBI agents or cops, but they can also be everyday, ordinary women thrust into extraordinary situations. My December Bombshell, Justice, a part of the Athena continuity, is about a cop. But, in sharp contrast, my next Bombshell is a deaf woman whose only formal training is as an elementary school teacher. Her sudden physical impairment changes her whole life and leaves her feeling as if she is no longer a significant part of society. But what does a Bombshell do? She takes charge! My heroine decides to make herself count. Wow! Does she. Look for this Bombshell, Silent Weapon, in March of 2005.
"Writing for Bombshell is a natural extension of my writing since many of my heroines are very strong ladies. A pretty strong lady myself, I truly enjoy writing heroines who show what they're made of! And I don't mean just sugar and spice...."
Insight From a Bestselling Bombshell Author, Vicki Hinze
When WWR asked Bestselling Author, Vicki Hinze to tell us why she agreed to write for Bombshell, she said:
"Simply put, I love the books. They're exactly what I've wanted to do in series format for years and finally, I have a place to do it. I love stories about strong women. Empowered women—meaning, women with smarts, who are savvy and skilled and capable of—and courageous enough to take care of business."
Vicki went on to tell us that the best insight she could give into writing for the Bombshell line is simply to read Bombshells. However, she did outline a few highlights of what the line is all about.
"First and foremost," Vicki said, "Bombshell novels are not romance novels. They're action/adventure novels with a romantic element. Important distinction because the novel focus is on the heroine's journey, which includes a romantic subplot that remains a subplot.
"Bombshell heroines are strong, capable women who are skilled to handle the challenges they confront or who obtain the needed skills as a direct result of what happens to them during the course of the novel. The heroines do the rescuing. They are not weak, hopeless, nor victims who are rescued by others.
"Bombshell heroes are men worthy of the heroine. They can range from the nerd to the alpha male, but there is no doubt that they deserve this woman. She admires and respects him, and he admires and respects her--and her abilities.
"The heroes do not take over. They assist.
"Bombshell plots are diverse. They are action-oriented—adventures—and they take place anywhere in the world. Some contain paranormal elements, some take place in the near future, but for the most part, they are non-paranormal and take place in contemporary times. Historical settings would be particularly difficult because of the social mores surrounding women in historical times.
"So, right now, your best odds of selling to Bombshell would be with a non-paranormal, contemporary novel, set somewhere on planet Earth.
"Bombshell romantic elements range from the book ending with a commitment to explore a relationship to a commitment. There is no set requirement or even a suggested one. Because during the course of a novel a writer must depict growth and change, the relationship naturally must be taken to the next level.
"The story and writer dictate what that next level is.
"As I said at the opening, the best way to get a firm grip on Bombshells—they are decidedly different from other series novels—is to read the books and absorb the nature of them. Some, like Body Double, are heavy on suspense. Some are heavy on mystery. All are action-oriented (mostly physical action though one comes to mind where the action is strongly emotional) and adventurous."
Don't miss the first book in Vicki's Bombshell series, War Games, Body Double, out in September. Followed by Double Vision, Smokescreen (an anthology containing a War Games related story), and then Her Perfect Life. Also check out Vicki's latest book, Lady Justice (August, 2004).
A Look at Silhouette Bombshell's Writing Guidelines
Read more about Silhouette Bombshell's guidelines.
