Gender in Fiction: A Collaborative Discussion

by Gordon A. Wilson, Michele Barrow-Belisle, M.J. LaBeff

A collection of reflections, writer confessions and advice on writing male and female characters. Gender Wars offers an insightful look into how writers approach dialogue and description when writing the opposite sex and takes a look at the research required to accurately depict diverse characters in fiction.

56 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2017

Reviews

[Angel Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and informative read. I was especially intrigued with the article which addressed writing from both the female and male perspectives. Can a woman effectively write from a males perspective and vice-versa? My thought- 'absolutely'. This was a great collaborate effort, and I look forward to reading more from these authors. I highly recommend Gender in Fiction to all authors and writers seeking to grow creatively.

[Carolyn Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

THOUGHT PROVOKING

Gender in Fiction is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that lingers well after the final page. The collaborators emphasize a crucial truth: when writing from the perspective of a character of a different gender, curiosity and careful research are indispensable. While an author’s own gender inevitably shapes their lens, it is through empathy, diligent study, and a sincere desire to understand the inner lives of their characters that they begin to close that gap.

What makes this book especially compelling is its collection of personal insights — each contributor offers their own thoughtful approach to crafting authentic, believable characters across gender lines. Well written and deeply instructive, it’s an essential guide for any writer eager to enrich their storytelling and broaden their creative reach.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gender in Fiction by Gordon A. Wilson, Michele Barrow-Belisle, and M.J. LaBeff is a refreshing and thoughtful dive into the complexities of writing gendered characters. Through personal reflections, practical advice, and candid confessions, the authors provide a nuanced exploration of how writers navigate the portrayal of male and female characters. The book tackles the challenges of dialogue, description, and authenticity while emphasizing the importance of research and empathy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting, this insightful guide offers valuable perspectives on creating well-rounded and realistic characters. A concise yet impactful read for anyone looking to enhance their craft.

[Carin Camen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Show Me, Not Tell Me.

Gender in Fiction is a collaborative effort which shares an individual perspective on how to develop and write characters of the opposite gender. Each author provides insight into how they accomplish this in their own writing.

Rating reflects the lack of examples from each author which I believe would have enhanced their message. The writing rule of 'show me not tell me' was broken which made the information more theory based.