Today I am excited to have Marie Lavender here, she is the author of Chasing Ginger (Book 1 of The Misfits series) Marie is here to to talk to you about her book
Big Girls Need Love Too:
Through fiction, readers derive pleasure from escapism – the unique way that writers have of absorbing us in their words and worlds – and once the book is finished, stepping back into reality is difficult. But part of identifying with a character is finding something in that person we can relate with.
It’s why we need more realistic characters in fiction, tales that portray people with strengths and flaws of all kinds – some even physical. And the romance genre in particular could use more plus-sized heroines. Though ‘curvy romances’ exist on the market, it’s all too obvious that writing about Rubenesque body types is just something many writers avoid with their main characters. But dealing with one’s limitations, whether it’s a struggle with weight or another handicap entirely, is just a part of life for a lot of people. So, why wouldn’t writers try to represent them too?
When I wrote Chasing Ginger, I drew on my own experiences, as I struggled since childhood with weight issues. Even when I did lose a bunch of weight once, I gained it back years later, all at a significant detriment to my self-esteem. Using bits and pieces of my story to fill in the gaps I normally would’ve filled in by imagining myself in a character’s shoes, it hit so close to home that I had to take a deep breath at times. I think we don’t realize just how hard something was until we revisit it.
But I did find true love in life…eventually, at least after some duds I had to trip over along the way. Heartbreak only makes us stronger, right? And it’s so wonderful to have a loving partner who truly sees me, and would never want to change me. As I get older, though, I’ve begun to realize that to truly love, to understand that deep emotion on every level, you must love yourself first.
Give the whole of you – the heart of you – a break sometimes. Realize you’re just human, and yes, you will screw up sometimes. That’s not all you are, though. Your appearance isn’t the only thing about you that matters. Who you are inside counts, and as long as you’re content with that, then it’s a good start. If there’s something you want to change about yourself, then work on it. But don’t give up on yourself. Try to always see your own value. And, of course, it can happen later, yet the journey of self-discovery will be much harder at that point.
The truth is that no matter who you are, despite your limitations or mistakes, everyone deserves love. And we should have realistic characters to represent us. The main character of my novel, Ginger Halloway, is a plus-sized, aspiring singer-songwriter with some wonderful dance moves. She is sweet and funny, and has this wacky group of friends – The Misfits – who sometimes get each other into awkward situations. As her journey goes on, she starts to see more about herself than she did before.
So did I. Writing Ginger’s story was cathartic. This character inspired me to write two more plus-sized heroines into future projects. Well, why not?
Of course, Ginger Halloway isn’t me, nor am I her. However, I identify with her story, and that’s the key here. I hope the way she came out on the page connects with readers as well.
About Marie Lavender
Multi-genre author of Victorian maritime romance/family saga, Heiresses in Love, and 18 other books. Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and two cats. She has been writing for a little over twenty-five years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. An avid blogger on the side, she writes adult fiction, as well as occasional stories for children, and has recently started some young adult fiction. She also contributed to several anthologies. Though she has some standalone titles on the market, her current published series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Eternal Hearts Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series, The Misfits Series and The Blood at First Sight Series.
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Wonderful guest post. I have not heard of this author before so it is good that you are highlighting her.
Thank you.
I do love having characters that are easily relatable in real life.
This sounds lovely. I love the cover!
Wow this sounds so adorable. I would love to read this.
Gayathri @ Elgee Writes
That sounds like it would be a fun read.
I agree.
Great guest post! I enjoy realistic characters that I can relate to also. I think it’s neat that the author drew on her own experiences. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
Lovely guest post, thanks for sharing.
Great post! Ginger sounds like a wonderful character and I do think it is important that we see characters that are as varied and unique as real people are. I love seeing plus size characters featured as the lead in a book. This sounds like a great read.
Love the sound of this!! Yes for diverse characters…we aren’t all 27 and supermodel skinny 🙂