Guest Blog: Kelley Heckart: Warrior Women Have Better Aim

I like writing warrior women. Maybe it’s that bit of the feminist in me or perhaps it’s because I think that women can be every bit as dangerous and battle experienced as any man. But mainly it’s because a warrior woman is way more complex to me than a typical woman staying at home and waiting for her knight to return from battle.

A couple of my warrior women wielded swords, but I prefer female archers. Not sure why except that the bow and arrow seems like a natural weapon for a woman, especially if she is small and not as strong as a man. Plus she doesn’t have to get into the crush of battle with the messy, unpleasant aspects of fighting, but can fight from a distance. The bow and arrow is a graceful weapon that requires aiming skill and patience. I’m also a fan of the Greek moon-goddess Artemis who used a bow and arrow. I think I invoke Artemis, the huntress, when I create my female archers.

My women warriors also have a warrior heart. This means that something in their life put that fierceness into them that makes one become a dedicated warrior. I needed to have some reason that would make a woman give up a normal life to be a warrior. For instance, one woman was brutally raped as a young child and another lived through a terrible experience. Both of the women were left with vengeance in their hearts and this gives them the motivation for battle.

I’m not saying that men can’t handle a bow and arrow with skill, but in my fantasy worlds it’s the women that make that arrow sing from the bow and into the target.

Kelley Heckart
'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'
http://www.kelleyheckart.com

BIO:
Kelley writes Celtic historical romances with fantasy/paranormal elements. Her stories reflect her passion for history, storytelling and the supernatural. Inspired by the ancient Celts, her tales are filled with fierce warriors, bold women, magic, conflict and romance.

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