When I think of strong teen heroines, I immediately think of Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins), Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling), Tris Prior (Divergent series by Veronica Roth), and, of course, Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series created by Joss Whedon).
What do they have in common? In each unique world, these heroines demonstrate courage, tenaciousness, and vulnerability as they accomplish great things.
When I set about creating the character of Abbey for Abnormally Abbey, I wanted her to embrace those same characteristics while having her own unique personality. She needed to rise above the obstacles and show who what she’s made of.
There’s a phrase that embodies what I shoot for: Stop questioning why the path is so hard and start understanding that you don’t have an average destiny to fulfill.
In Abnormally Abbey, 14-year-old Abbey is placed in a difficult situation, treated unfairly, and presented with enough challenges to make us regular folks tap out and call it a day. But that’s not who she is, and that won’t fulfill her destiny.
But as a writer, how do we make that happen?
Here are some tips with examples of how to write strong heroines:
Give her a formidable foe. First, I wanted to put Abbey in a situation where she’s treated unfairly. She’s put in the wrong camp and treated poorly by the adults who should be looking out for her. I also pitted her against Carrie, the Alpha of the other girls. With formidable foes, Abbey is able to show what she’s made of.
Give her more than her looks. Like most Italian sportscars, the magic is what’s under the hood. It’s not just a captivating exterior. Abbey shows us her humorous side with sarcasm, her strength with nearly besting Carrie in the obstacle course, and her tenacity by resolving to find a way out of the burning building at the book’s climax.
Give her a special ability. Like Buffy, Abbey was born with the ability to do something others couldn’t. In this case, Abbey has the ability to interact with the dead. In both cases, their ability isn’t always a gift.
Give her supporting characters who respect her. Right away, I paired Abbey up with a roommate, Stacia. I followed that up with an adult in a mentor role and Turner, a romantic interest. These people, among others, helped reveal who Abbey was. Their reactions and their belief in her helped the reader understand who Abbey is as a person.
Give us her softer side. Vulnerability and emotional depth are vital characteristics of good characters of any gender. I wanted the reader to feel Abbey’s pain over her mother’s disappearance. I wanted them to see that her love of eighties music helped her keep her mother’s memory alive. Most of all, I wanted the reader to know that Abbey’s feelings were as important as her ghostly abilities.
Give us her transformation. Transformation is crucial in Abbey’s story arc because it reflects her growth and development, making the journey relatable and compelling for the audience. Throughout Abnormally Abbey, she demonstrates her ability to overcome obstacles and evolve. This change adds depth to the story, allowing readers to connect emotionally and see Abbey’s experiences mirrored in their own lives.
In the end, a strong heroine isn’t just about facing down ghosts or standing up to bullies; it’s about the journey of becoming someone greater than she ever imagined. Abbey’s transformation in Abnormally Abbey is more than just a battle against the supernatural; it’s a testament to her resilience, courage, and the power of embracing who she truly is. As she grows, so does our connection to her, reminding us that no matter how tough the path, our destiny is shaped by how we rise to meet our challenges. Abbey’s story is a powerful example of how growth, inner strength, and self-discovery can create a heroine who resonates with readers long after the final page.