the case of the giggling heroine

I've been doing a lot of reading lately and am running into more than a few giggling heroines. Heroine is an old-fashioned word (circa 1609, according to Webster's) for the female that propels a book. I prefer the word protagonist or main character. For the record, I have a hard time with heroines who giggle. They instantly lose credibility with me, maybe because I've never giggled in my entire life and I don't understand those who do.

I did a word search in all 3 of my books and was very relieved when the word 'giggle' appeared ZERO times. Chuckle and laugh, yes - but not giggle. Maybe I'm missing out by not being the giggling sort. Maybe my heroines are, too! I'm afraid I may be one of those folks "who have a hard machine to drive," according to C.S. Lewis. Life has always been serious to me.

I do find things very humorous around my house with 2 boys about, but for the most part my view of the world is more melancholy. At one point I prayed for a more merry heart but it didn't happen. I'm still the same old pensive person. I feel things deeply and often wish I didn't. I'd love a pair of rose-colored glasses:)

I've just discovered a Kentucky writer named Silas House. Isn't that a wonderful name for an author? I know, he's been around awhile and for good reason - this man can really write! And I think he plays the banjo too! This morning I read the first pages of his novel, "A Parchment of Leaves." The cover is one of the most stunning I've ever seen. If there was ever reason to pick up a book, this is the cover to covet.

But I'm not sure I can read it without skimming over the hard, heartbreaking parts. It is just too serious. I guess I'm somewhere between the giggling heroine and the heartbroken one. My books always end with hope and none of my characters get too messy.

Anyway, I've been giving away those books with giggling heroines to my giggling friends. Back to the pensive people on my pages!