In one of my current Works, I am playing with the thought of writing a few chapters from a woman's persepective. Now, since I am a man, I know next to nothing about what goes on in a woman's head.
I have been thinking about finding a co-writer, but I don't know how to go around this. It has to be someone who can relate and write/possibly develop the character as well.
Has anyone here used co-writers? If so, how was the working experience and how did you find this "secondary" writer?
Patriarchal myths? Do you know any women?
*Shudder*
Lets start afresh shall we, leaving patriarchal myths behind.
Concentrate on your character as a *character*. Forget their gender for now. Build up their profile the same way you have done for you male: motivations, personality traits, likes/dislikes, physical ticks, desires, fears ect ect. Male or female everyone is a person.
The gender spectrum of masculine and feminine is applicable to either sex. So you then have a look at the society you are presenting: What are the gendered expectations? Does your character conform/rebel? Are they aware or unaware? Do these place limitations, or grant privilege?
Then you put the two together and see how your chara's personality is effected by these circumstances.
Truly the only things you really need advice on are the physical differences. And no I don't mean weaker or passive. If your chara is a pre/teen then you may wish to include details on her changing body. What menstruation feels like. What childbirth feels like. Perhaps even how desire is made physically manifest without the obviousness of an erection. A chat with the women in your life will be sufficient to add a few realistic details on these matters should you require them. Other than that then write the chara as you would a male individual; with nuance, motivation & context.
:)
This topic is a minefield. Men trying to understand women. The same can be said for a woman, trying to understand a man.
Apart from Childbirth, I believe, generally, there are some differences as regards - Caution - Intensity - Discipline - Ego and Vanity (and maybe most other things).
'Criminals' are mainly Male. 'Fashionisters' are mainly Female.
And I'm not going to elaborate any further, for health and safety reasons. Other than, you might choose to ask a woman some questions and observe her answers (very carefully).
MN