WomenGamers.Com has an interesting interview up with Glynnis Talken, who's voicework appears in games like Starcraft and Diablo, about her work as a romance novelist under the pen name Sarah McKerrigan.

While the novels seem to be typical romance fare, Talken apparently does a good job of giving her female protagonist strong, warrior-like qualities.

The interview touches on such topics as the future of the damsel in distress and Talken's own gaming habits.

The main characters in your books feature strong-willed warrior women. More and more female characters are taking on stronger roles in TV, music, movies and video games. Why do you think there is this shift towards the more empowered female character? What will become of the damsel in distress? I seriously hope the damsel in distress is gone for good. That doesn't mean she can't lean on a man now and then. It just means that sometimes it's the hero who's doing the leaning, and she's strong enough to be there for him. I think we're attracted to iconic heroines who wield swords and kick butt, because it's an extreme version of what we'd like to do in our own lives. One of my goals is to inspire women to find their inner strength, whether it's fending off muggers, standing up to a boss, or hanging up on telemarketers. Do you play any computer or video games? If so, what kind of games? I am HORRIBLE at video games. Maybe it's just because it's unnerving to hear my own death scream every five seconds when I play Starcraft. I used to have trouble with Pacman, just figuring out the joystick — is it MY left or HIS left? I've played Super Smash Brothers a few times with my son, and the only reason I beat him was because he was busy ROFLHAO. I guess being a writer, I get too sucked into the character motivation to pay attention to the action... What does Diablo REALLY want from the villagers? If The Rogue got rid of those pesky minions for him and maybe worked out a timeshare situation for... FWOOOSH! AAAAAAHH! Damn.

Brian Crecente

McKerrigan Interview [Women Gamers]