The Nerd Heroine – Louisa Edwards Guest Post

Please welcome my guest, Louisa Edwards!

#

When I sat down to write Just One Taste, I had only one thought in mind: I want to write about a nerd. And not a nerdy hero, either–I wanted my heroine to be a first class, grade A+++, Wookie-loving, Magic card-carrying friend of Buffy. If you know what I mean, and I think you do.

Oh, I had justifications. I wanted to play with themes of emotional intelligence (the ability to read people and respond to their emotions) vs. book smarts, and I wanted to explore the hard science of food chemistry in relation to the more mysterious realm of culinary aphrodisiacs.

But mostly? I wanted to write a heroine who, while certainly better at chemistry than I’ll ever be, loves the same things I do. I wanted to write a woman who is smarter than everyone else in any given room, and doesn’t try to hide it. And I wanted to pair her with that most romantic creature of all–a hero who adores her exactly the way she is.

Dr. Rosemary Wilkins has a wide ranging interest in science fiction shows and books, from Battlestar Galactica to Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. I admit it, I needed zero special research to know what an authentic nerd would enjoy! All of her references come straight out of my everyday vocabulary–and I only wish I had her awesome t-shirt collection.

So here is my list of Top Five Nerd Essentials (and I hope by now it’s obvious that I use the term “nerd” with a deep, abiding affection and pride):

1. Star Wars–the original episodes 4, 5, 6. Accept no substitutes! These were the first sci-fi movies I ever saw (my mother actually recorded the historic moment of my exposure to The Empire Strikes Back in my baby book), and they left an indelible mark on my young psyche.

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer—-the TV show. I had never before been so obsessed with anything as I was with that series. The dialogue, the wit, the–omg, characters! I mean, Spike, alone. . .I think I’ve watched the entire series, all seven seasons, straight through at least 10 times. Even writing this blog post is making me want to watch it again. Don’t judge me. And while we’re on Joss Whedon–Firefly. Nathan Fillion in tight pants. ‘Nuff said.

3. The Lord of the Rings–books and movies. My mother read The Hobbit out loud to me when I was about 8, and I couldn’t wait to read the rest of the books. No world has ever captured my imagination as completely.

4. Terminator–the first one. Okay, I like them all, but the first one remains one of the best romances on film. I’m serious! Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese are a couple for the ages.

5. Battlestar Galactica–the new TV series. Talk about obsessed! It’s utterly engrossing, fabulously complex, the characters are crazy flawed and fascinating, and I have the biggest girl crush ever on Starbuck.

So that’s my list! Who’s on your list? Comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Just One Taste and some signature Recipe for Love swag.

#

Thanks, Louisa! Ummm…so, who would win if Spike and Darth Vader and a Terminator and Gandalf all had a fight? Me, I think Wolverine would show up and beat them all. Because of his healing ability and general meanness, you see.

About Victoria Janssen

Victoria Janssen [she, her] currently writes cozy space opera for Kalikoi. The novella series A Place of Refuge begins with Finding Refuge: Telepathic warrior Talia Avi, genius engineer Miki Boudreaux, and augmented soldier Faigin Balfour fought the fascist Federated Colonies for ten years, following the charismatic dissenter Jon Churchill. Then Jon disappeared, Talia was thought dead, and Miki and Faigin struggled to take Jon’s place and stay alive. When the FC is unexpectedly upended, Talia is reunited with her friends and they are given sanctuary on the enigmatic planet Refuge. The trio of former guerillas strive to recover from lifetimes of trauma, build new lives on a planet with endless horizons, and forge tender new connections with each other.
This entry was posted in guest, writing process. Bookmark the permalink.

13 Responses to The Nerd Heroine – Louisa Edwards Guest Post

  1. Louisa Edwards says:

    Thank you for having me here, Victoria! And girl, please. Darth Vader and the Terminator have Secret Hearts of Gold, Gandalf will throw the fight to sacrifice himself for the greater good, and NOBODY beats Spike. Because of the hotness.

  2. Babs says:

    Oh, have already read JOT — loved loved loved Rosemary.

    And HELLO — Spike was awesome.

  3. Victoria Janssen says:

    I think Wolvie is way hotter than Spike.

  4. Louisa Edwards says:

    Oh my word. We are going to have to throw down.

  5. Victoria Janssen says:

    How about Captain Jack comes along and seduces them both?

  6. Amber Leigh Williams says:

    I agree about Captain Jack. Can Han Solo and Malcolm Reynolds assist?

  7. Babs says:

    Erm, Wolvie is too hairy. And doesn't have the punk rock black leather jacket…!

    8-)

  8. gbatlle says:

    Mine is The X Files. I miss you Mulder!

  9. Louisa Edwards says:

    Capt. Jack and I are no longer on speaking terms. Capt. Tightpants, on the other hand…rowr!

    And I'm about to ruin my nerd street cred, but…I actually never watched the X-Files. Not a single episode!

  10. Leslie says:

    In addition to the ones listed, I too had a major girl crush on Starbuck, I would also add Star Trek TNG. Captain Picard had the accent and made smart & bald sexy!

  11. leaina says:

    I agree about Star Trek TNG and Captain Picard, and would add to the list cranky yet lovable nerd/curmudgeon (nerdmudgeon?) Dr. House.

  12. Nicole says:

    Oh Louisa, have you seen the show Caprica??!?!?! LOVE IT! Definite must watch for nerds (IMO)

  13. Patti (Book Addict) says:

    Fun post! I loved the original Star Trek and Star Trek TNG. Somewhere in my house I still have a tribble :)

    I would add to the list a love of Thundercats (Hoooo!) and That 70's Show. I know it's not sci-fi but my family all quote the show on the regular (because we're nerds, LOL)

Comments are closed.