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Interview #979: Reddit AMA 2013, Entry #129

AlmightyBean ()

Hi, I’m a male writer writing fantasy at the moment with a female perspective character. I’m having trouble with the tone whenever my character bumps up against barriers women have to deal with in my universe. I don’t want to beat my audience over the head with gender issues or come off as preachy, especially as I’m still new to writing a female character.

My question is, when you were writing your female characters, especially Vin who jumped out at me as a natural but strong female protagonist in a male character dominated genre, did you find her voice came from your previous writing experience, or did you consult much with other authors and/or women you knew? I keep feeling like I should consult some female friends on how I’m writing her, but I don’t want to lose my own voice in doing so.

Also, I love your novels. I find fantasy is a genre filled with characters who feel like tropes or someone’s DnD character, while your characters jump off the page and walk around. If you have any general tips for writing a realistic person, that would be great. If not, just thanks for writing such great people.

Brandon Sanderson

I do consult with others. I think it’s vital, particularly when writing ‘the other’ so to speak. Someone who is different from yourself in some fundamental way.

At the same time, every character should be different from yourself in some fundamental way. And, beyond that, there’s a trap in thinking “My character has to think like a woman.” No, your character has to think like herself. That’s an important distinction to make. For every generalization, grouping, or stereotype out there, you can find many, many people who break that mold.

I actually focus on personality, wants, and needs first. Gender is a part of the character as a concept, and it informs how I write the person—but it is secondary to their passions, goals, and temperament.

I’d say write the character first, then consult with your female friends. Let them read the character in the context of her story, and get a read on it. So long as the character is strong and individual, you should be fine. Some pointers will undoubtedly help, of course.

The best way I’ve found to make someone realistic is to separate them from the plot and ask yourself who they are, and what they’d be doing, if the plot had never come along and swallowed them up.

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