Why this question annoys me

“How do you write such strong female heroines (sic)?”

Ever since Dealing with Dragons came out, I’ve gotten this question (or the “Why do you…” variation) pretty much every time somebody asks for an interview. My first reaction – which I have given in to, more than once – is to look blank and respond, “Don’t you know any women?”

The question makes  me cranky. Not because it’s common – “Where do you get your ideas?” has been the most common question writers get asked since forever, and while i...