In her statement, Richelle Mead expresses that she struggles with crafting characters who display weaker traits because much of the fantasy literature she consumed during her formative years emphasized strong, powerful women warriors. These narratives often depicted female characters as fearless and indomitable figures wielding swords in epic battles.
The deeper meaning of this quote extends beyond just character development in fiction. It highlights the pervasive influence that media consumption can have on an author's perspective and creativity. Mead’s comment suggests a significant impact of the genre she read growing up, which primarily featured assertive female protagonists. This exposure has shaped her understanding and expectation of how strong women should be portrayed in literature. Moreover, it underscores the challenge many writers face when attempting to diverge from established tropes and create more nuanced characters that do not adhere strictly to these traditional heroic molds.
Richelle Mead is a contemporary American author known for her young adult fantasy series such as "Vampire Academy" and "Bloodlines," which feature strong female protagonists. Her work often revolves around themes of supernatural creatures like vampires, witches, and shape-shifters, where the female characters are typically depicted with strength and resilience. This background sets the stage for Mead's statement about her preference for writing powerful women characters rather than those who might be perceived as weaker or more vulnerable.
