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I'm not sure I could write a wimpy heroine if my life depended on it. Okay, maybe if there were a gun to my head, but that would be the only reason. I just can't relate to women who don't want to solve their own problems.
That's one of the reasons I love the Caruthers sisters so much. They are tough chicks, whose job it is to save the world. That doesn't mean they don't have screwed up love lives, or that things are easy for them. Life is messy, and no one knows that better than the Caruthers sisters.
In the new book, "Dragons Prefer Blondes," Alex Caruthers is responsible for keeping the dragons under control. It's one of the toughest jobs for the Guardian Keys, and it's somewhat warped her outlook on life. She has a difficult time trusting people, and she's one tough chick.
But there's another side to her, one where she gives those down on their luck, a second chance. She also has a soft spot for old people, and a certain security chief who is after her heart.
I think as women that we have to be pretty tough to survive in this world, but at the same time if we don't allow ourselves to love and care for others, we become hallow shells of nothingness.
When I look back over all the books I've written, tough chicks with soft hearts, is the one constant. From Bronwyn the witch in the "Charmed & Dangerous" series and psychic lawyer/librarian Kira in Like A Charm, to the art gallery owner Gillian and club owner Alex in the Caruthers sisters' books, they are chicks who kick butt mentally and physically.
I'd like to know about some of your favorite tough chicks in literature, film or television. Are you a Buffy fan? La Femme Nikita? Alias? What about Anita Blake? Or even Sookie Stackhouse? Who are your favorite tough chicks?
I'm doing a treasure hunt contest on my Big Summer Blog tour. All you have to do to enter is make a comment here, or visit and make comments on any of the blogs on the list at www.candacehavens.com.
Candace Havens, 
Dragons Prefer Blondes, 
paranormal romance, 
Berkley, 
Penguin Books
tough chicks!!
I'm sooo for Anita Blake.She knows how to take care of herself.Mercy Thompson and Joanna Archer are on my top list.I love Sookie,too,even though she's not really a physically badass like the others,she's still tough!!Oh and Beth,Wrath's shellan,Bella,Zsadist's shellan,Elhena,Rhevenge's shellan and tough badass Xhex.Wow that Xhex should have a series of her own!!!
Kicking butt
My favorite tough chicks are Riley Jenson and Buffy.
delitealex
I love kick-butt heroines.
I love kick-butt heroines. You mentioned two of my favorites, Buffy and Sookie. I also love Kate Connor from Julie Kenner's Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom books. In YA, my favorites include Alanna and Kel (girl knights) from Tamora Pierce's Tortall books and Cimorene (a princess who refuses to be a damsel-in-distress) from Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede.
Definitely Mercy Thompson!
Definitely Mercy Thompson! Also Kate Daniels. In fact, together the two of them occupy the top tier of my Urban Fantasy kick-a** female protagonists.
Tough chicks
I'm pretty partial to tough chicks myself. There's the ultra tough chick--Xena, or course (and yes, I can make that sound...but I promise not to do it at RWA). I also liked Zoe on Joss Whedan's Firefly series. And all your heroines of course :-)
My favorite tough chicks
My favorite tough chicks were the ladies from Charmed. Nothing beats the Power of Three.
Margay
Candace- Contest
Hi Candace :) I want to read your book Dragons prefer blondes your books are amazing. Yes I am a really big fan of Sookie Stackhouse keep rereading the books over and over and love the show.
Sookie is one of those who
Sookie is one of those who are tough because she has to be and always rises to the occasion, Anita is just a hard as nails chick who as time goes on is find here soft side! I love them both. Then there's Betsy Taylor Queen of the Vampires, ready to kick some butt,as long as it does scuff her shoes or breaks her nails. But threaten her annoying hubby or and of her friends and all bets are off! There are many others, I've got a major soft spot for tough chicks! I haven't even mentioned any of Candace Havens heroines and they're incredible. Keep on writing!
Anita Blake is my favorite
Anita Blake is my favorite tough girl. Jane Whitcomb from Lover Unbound is pretty tough. A lot of Sherrilyn Kenyon's heroines kick but, too.
tough chicks
Vicki Pettersson's JoAnna Archer, Terri Garey's Nicki Styx, Candace's own Bronwyn, and a plethora of other phenomenal Authors that have strong female characters. It is one of the reasons I am often drawn to an author. And oh yeah the often very hot descriptions of the heroes don't hurt.
Favorite Tough Girls
I love Sookie Stackhouse, Charlaine Harris doesn't disappoint! Another great tough girl to follow is Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs.
Great blog post, Candy! Just
Great blog post, Candy! Just showing my support. I LOVED Buffy. The first two seasons the best because of her challenge of figuring out how to balance everything in her life. Sookie is definitely growing on me. Congrats on the release!
Candice Havens
I love your characters - they are full of life; but I am running out of sick days when I take them off for your release dates!
Tough Chicks
I love Charlaine Harris' books. Sookie is a tough girl, but not as tough as some. Mercy Thompson kicks butt, but (lol) no one kicks butt like Anita and Bron. And add a new fave Gillian. Saweet brunette woman who kicks butt first and takes names later. One thing I like most about Gillian is her creator. How awesome is it that you can chat and email and befriend your favorite authors on the internet. One day I will meet her creator. :D And we will chat about all things sci fi and chicky!!
Megan Jelken
Tough Girls
I can't imagine enjoying a wimpy heroine, truly not for me. I enjoy ones who take charge.
reply
I love Sookie too. I've only read one of the Mercy books, but I really enjoy that character too!