Creative writing is challenging. As well as crafting an engaging, well researched and coherent story, one must also create interesting and believable characters that readers can find an emotional connection with.  

If this viral Twitter thread is anything to go by, it seems that many male authors are struggling to create female characters that women can empathize with. This particular discussion began after author Gwen C. Katz tweeted:  

“A male author is insisting that he is living proof that it’s possible for a male author to write an authentic female protagonist.” 

She then proceeded to present his cringeworthy, boob-heavy example, which only served to reinforce her point. Although it absolutely is possible for men to write realistic female narrators, this is definitely not a good example.

The tweet kicked off a challenge: “Describe yourself like a male author would.” People jumped on board with glee, writing brilliantly creative and funny offerings that are as eye-opening as they are entertaining.   

Because while the thread is absolutely hilarious for its comedy portrayals, it also highlights the frustration that many women feel about the way they are viewed by men. Women are people first of all, and the overly sexualized lens that many guys view them through is both unrealistic and unwelcome. Male authors like Katz’s unnamed example, who project their physically-focused ideals onto their female characters are deserving of this kind of mockery. That said, men need not be afraid to write from a female perspective. They just need to do it well!

Scroll down below to read some of our favorite examples from the thread, and let us know what you think in the comments!

This discussion began after author Gwen C. Katz tweet:

She then presented the cringeworthy example which only served to reinforce her point

The tweet kicked off a unique challenge

And many women jumped on board with glee

 

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