Comments on: Susan Lyons & the Plus-Size Heroine http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/ it's not chick porn Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:58:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 by: heather (errantdreams) http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18865 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:28:29 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18865 <blockquote>If you pick up a sexy romance, do you want to read about a heroine like Rina who has serious body image issues or do you want to read about the more fantasy-type heroine</blockquote> Both. Either. Sometimes I just want the full-bore fantasy, while at other times a dose of reality makes the whole thing that much sexier and believable (and frankly, believable is where the emotions come in, which means I enjoy the book that much more). Mostly I just like variety---if all the fantasies were the same, they'd get boring!

If you pick up a sexy romance, do you want to read about a heroine like Rina who has serious body image issues or do you want to read about the more fantasy-type heroine

Both. Either. Sometimes I just want the full-bore fantasy, while at other times a dose of reality makes the whole thing that much sexier and believable (and frankly, believable is where the emotions come in, which means I enjoy the book that much more). Mostly I just like variety—if all the fantasies were the same, they’d get boring!

]]> by: Susan Lyons http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18859 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:57:56 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18859 This is so cool that people are still here leaving comment, though the contest ended yesterday [g]. Obviously this topic is one lots of us have opinions on! Limecello, congrats on your win. Your book will be in the mail tomorrow - and I hope you enjoy it. BTW, if anyone else would like an autographed excerpt book (with that gorgeous turquoise cover with the mini-blonde on it [g]), I'd be happy to send you one. Just drop me an email at susan@susanlyons.ca. And if you're interested in keeping up with what's happening with me and my books, you can sign up for my monthly e-newsletter. Just go to my website at www.susanlyons.ca and go to the Contact page - enter my contest (to win more great prizes!) and that'll sign you up for the newsletter as well. This is so cool that people are still here leaving comment, though the contest ended yesterday [g]. Obviously this topic is one lots of us have opinions on!

Limecello, congrats on your win. Your book will be in the mail tomorrow - and I hope you enjoy it.

BTW, if anyone else would like an autographed excerpt book (with that gorgeous turquoise cover with the mini-blonde on it [g]), I’d be happy to send you one. Just drop me an email at susan@susanlyons.ca. And if you’re interested in keeping up with what’s happening with me and my books, you can sign up for my monthly e-newsletter. Just go to my website at www.susanlyons.ca and go to the Contact page - enter my contest (to win more great prizes!) and that’ll sign you up for the newsletter as well.

]]> by: deemer http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18855 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:49:30 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18855 I know I missed the day yesterday. . .but I kinda have the opposite wish. Being a small girl myself, I'm sick of reading about tiny waifs that are curvy as well. I'm small, and not curvy. Well, except for my J. Lo butt, but that's another story. I think one of my favorite books is from Lynne Graham, where the heroine is flat-chested, but the hero doesn't even seem to notice. I know I missed the day yesterday. . .but I kinda have the opposite wish. Being a small girl myself, I’m sick of reading about tiny waifs that are curvy as well. I’m small, and not curvy. Well, except for my J. Lo butt, but that’s another story.

I think one of my favorite books is from Lynne Graham, where the heroine is flat-chested, but the hero doesn’t even seem to notice.

]]> by: azteclady http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18854 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:21:21 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18854 Woo hoo, limecello, you go! Enjoy it, woman. Woo hoo, limecello, you go! Enjoy it, woman.

]]> by: Jill Sorenson http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18853 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:09:39 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18853 Just wanted to add that I also wish the covers matched the woman inside. I don't want to look at waifs all the time. Renee Zelwegger looks better with a little meat on her bones, IMO. I think if I were a man I would rather touch something soft. As for heroes, I'm shallow. I like tall, dark and handsome. But six pack abs and overdeveloped pecs freak me out. I don't want to fantasize about a guy who would rather kiss the mirror than me. Just wanted to add that I also wish the covers matched the woman inside. I don’t want to look at waifs all the time. Renee Zelwegger looks better with a little meat on her bones, IMO. I think if I were a man I would rather touch something soft.

As for heroes, I’m shallow. I like tall, dark and handsome. But six pack abs and overdeveloped pecs freak me out. I don’t want to fantasize about a guy who would rather kiss the mirror than me.

]]> by: katiebabs http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18852 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:08:45 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18852 I also get sick with the hero hacing 6 pack abs and face that could stop traffic. Not sure if I would want him to have a beer belly, but maybe a bit more normal. Maybe one ab instead of 8? How about a guy with glasses or bald? Yum. :) I also get sick with the hero hacing 6 pack abs and face that could stop traffic. Not sure if I would want him to have a beer belly, but maybe a bit more normal. Maybe one ab instead of 8?
How about a guy with glasses or bald? Yum. :)

]]> by: rebyj http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18851 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:54:51 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18851 Oh this issue is near and dear to my heart. I don't mind at all if the heroine is overweight or otherwise " flawed" it makes her HUMAN. My favorite Kenyon novel is the one with Bride and Vane. Bride is a big girl. Her beauty shines thru in the eyes of the hero and in the eyes of her friends. I love it when an author can take the fears, angst, issues of real women and have the heroine dealing with the things a big percentage of the readers deal with every day. we're not all skinny sassy butt kickers with acres of lush full hair. I want to read She's On Top! the size two cover? puhleeze. it may appeal to 17 year olds but I think most readers could handle a size 12 (ha) on the cover. In fact , most would be more apt to pick it up to see what the heck is this book about? I think more hero's need to be flawed. A paunch, a bald spot,big nose, butt pimples, ya know.. HUMAN. Regardless, a well written book is appreciated and I look forward to reading She's on Top soon! Oh this issue is near and dear to my heart.
I don’t mind at all if the heroine is overweight or otherwise ” flawed” it makes her HUMAN.
My favorite Kenyon novel is the one with Bride and Vane. Bride is a big girl. Her beauty shines thru in the eyes of the hero and in the eyes of her friends. I love it when an author can take the fears, angst, issues of real women and have the heroine dealing with the things a big percentage of the readers deal with every day. we’re not all skinny sassy butt kickers with acres of lush full hair.

I want to read She’s On Top! the size two cover? puhleeze. it may appeal to 17 year olds but I think most readers could handle a size 12 (ha) on the cover. In fact , most would be more apt to pick it up to see what the heck is this book about?

I think more hero’s need to be flawed. A paunch, a bald spot,big nose, butt pimples, ya know.. HUMAN.

Regardless, a well written book is appreciated and I look forward to reading She’s on Top soon!

]]> by: Rachel http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18850 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:18:10 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18850 Susan, Rina sounds like a real woman and that's what I want to read about, whatever her issues, size, eye colour…. Body image issues, can't see what's reflected in the mirror, doesn't believe her best friends…sounds like so many women I know. It always bugs me that characters in novels will believe men when they won't believe their female friends, but that too is often a dose of reality. Sigh. That said, I can't wait to get a copy of She's on Top! Wouldn't it be wonderful if the publisher did two covers – one that they think will sell the book (the size 2 girl) and one that reflects the actual book? I'd love to know which one sold more copies! Susan, Rina sounds like a real woman and that’s what I want to read about, whatever her issues, size, eye colour…. Body image issues, can’t see what’s reflected in the mirror, doesn’t believe her best friends…sounds like so many women I know.
It always bugs me that characters in novels will believe men when they won’t believe their female friends, but that too is often a dose of reality. Sigh.
That said, I can’t wait to get a copy of She’s on Top!

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the publisher did two covers – one that they think will sell the book (the size 2 girl) and one that reflects the actual book? I’d love to know which one sold more copies!

]]> by: Susan Lyons http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18849 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:34:02 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18849 Denni, thank you SO MUCH! I love it when a reader loves my books so much she recommends them. JSL, I’m so glad you’ve started the series, and hope you enjoy them too. Lleeo, it’s interesting you mention America Ferrera. I did an interview where I was asked who I’d like to see play Rina if “She’s on Top” was made into a movie and America is who I named. (And Josh Groban for Giancarlo. Not a super-muscular guy, but I think he’s gorgeous.) LOL re heroines in sweats, Denni. Personally, I agree with you – but I’m guessing there are a lot of readers who like it when the heroine sometimes wears sweats. I do like it when they sometimes wear glasses rather than contacts (or rather than having the perfect vision heroines always used to have!), and don’t pile on the make-up. Re Renee and Bridget: I heard she gained 20 pounds, but I don’t know what weight she ended up with. Sure looked different than in Chicago, though! BTW, did you know Robert DeNiro (one of my fave actors) gained 60 pounds for Raging Bull? Yikes! As for heroes, Lleeo, I’m with you in liking a more beta hero. I can’t write what some readers think of as a pure alpha because I find them overbearing. Personally, my idea of a great hero is Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. A leader, a guy who fought for his principles, a person people turned to when there was a problem – but all in a very understated way. Quiet confidence. That’s the “alphaness” I like. But I know some readers don’t find those heroes super-masculine. I guess the same goes for the hero who’s balding or not perfectly buffed. I think some readers want a hero who’s, mmm, how to phrase this? Who’s like a fantasy super-hero and would never really be attainable (like the paranormal heroes – vampires, shapeshifters, guys with super-powers). Whereas other women, me included, prefer a guy who’s a really good version of the men we meet, or hope to meet, in real life. The kind of man we might actually find and fall in love with. Irene, re “there is no law saying you have to be thin to find love” – thank heavens! I’m so glad that in real life we get to be pretty much any shape and size and still be loveable! Denni, thank you SO MUCH! I love it when a reader loves my books so much she recommends them. JSL, I’m so glad you’ve started the series, and hope you enjoy them too.
Lleeo, it’s interesting you mention America Ferrera. I did an interview where I was asked who I’d like to see play Rina if “She’s on Top” was made into a movie and America is who I named. (And Josh Groban for Giancarlo. Not a super-muscular guy, but I think he’s gorgeous.)
LOL re heroines in sweats, Denni. Personally, I agree with you – but I’m guessing there are a lot of readers who like it when the heroine sometimes wears sweats. I do like it when they sometimes wear glasses rather than contacts (or rather than having the perfect vision heroines always used to have!), and don’t pile on the make-up.
Re Renee and Bridget: I heard she gained 20 pounds, but I don’t know what weight she ended up with. Sure looked different than in Chicago, though! BTW, did you know Robert DeNiro (one of my fave actors) gained 60 pounds for Raging Bull? Yikes!
As for heroes, Lleeo, I’m with you in liking a more beta hero. I can’t write what some readers think of as a pure alpha because I find them overbearing. Personally, my idea of a great hero is Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. A leader, a guy who fought for his principles, a person people turned to when there was a problem – but all in a very understated way. Quiet confidence. That’s the “alphaness” I like. But I know some readers don’t find those heroes super-masculine. I guess the same goes for the hero who’s balding or not perfectly buffed. I think some readers want a hero who’s, mmm, how to phrase this? Who’s like a fantasy super-hero and would never really be attainable (like the paranormal heroes – vampires, shapeshifters, guys with super-powers). Whereas other women, me included, prefer a guy who’s a really good version of the men we meet, or hope to meet, in real life. The kind of man we might actually find and fall in love with.
Irene, re “there is no law saying you have to be thin to find love” – thank heavens! I’m so glad that in real life we get to be pretty much any shape and size and still be loveable!

]]> by: Irene Peterson http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18848 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:53:18 +0000 http://dionnegalace.com/wordpress/2008/03/18/susan-lyons-the-plus-size-heroine-2/#comment-18848 Surely, we're allowed to have adventures. And just as surely, we're allowed to fall in love and have someone fall in love with us. Speaking for plus sized women everywhere, if I may, let me point out that there is no law saying you have to be thin to find love. No matter what some people may think.... Surely, we’re allowed to have adventures. And just as surely, we’re allowed to fall in love and have someone fall in love with us.

Speaking for plus sized women everywhere, if I may, let me point out that there is no law saying you have to be thin to find love. No matter what some people may think….

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