Wow. This is one that I think about a lot. I don't even think I need much of an intro because it's pretty self explanatory.
In defense of Girl MC's: Girls are easier for girls to write. Duh. They are more knitty-gritty than guys, in my experience with real-like guys, they think more about the tiny details and notice more things. You can make a girl pretty much anything you want without it looking stupid. Writing through your characters eyes might be easier with a girl because they'll think about what people are wearing and what they're doing and why they're doing it more so than guys.
In defense of Boy MC's: I think that Boys are harder to write even if you're a guy. You want to get the info in there, but if he noticed everything and talks about what people wear and is sensitive to what people say, he'll see girly. That's never a good thing, unless that's your goal. So many guys in books can be too un-guy-ish. Guys are hard to write but when you get it down then it can be gold, I like reading about guys sometimes because girls can be so annoying sometimes. See what I mean?
So there are great things about guys and girls and I don't really not what to say here because they're both so good. I write about girls because it makes more sense for me, I'd love to write about guys but I think I'd mess it up.
I reckon that having a boy mc also helps make a story more unisex. I mean, I'm quite willing to read a story about a boy as well as enjoy stories about girls. I know other girls feel the same way. But in my opinion and experienced, boy want to read about boys, not girls. But that's my own opinion.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought considered the difficulties of writing from a guy's point of view -- probably because I typically write from a girl's --, but you're right. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteI actually find it easier for me to write from a guys pov, even though I'm a girl. I think guys can be nitty-gritty to an extent (think Sherlock Holmes... that guy was super attentive to detail!). I'm not even sure why I have trouble writing girls. I just write guys better. I have a WIP I'm working on with a girl protagonist, but I'm finding that it's just a little harder for me to pull of her voice than it is for me to pull of a male protagonist voice. The one good thing is that this girl must be attentive to clothing and colors (which she is).
ReplyDeleteOk, maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way though. I suppose the choice between male and female protagonist should be made based on the traits you want your MC to display. Like with my one WIP, "The Spinner's Apprentice", my female protag must like clothing and notice color: that's a strong female trait. With one of my other WIPs "Eldrei" my male protag must feel strong and protective, but open to learning... he is able to show his protective qualities while traveling with his younger sister.
Anyway, interesting thoughts. I might have to consider this more carefully and write my own blog post on the subject. Thank you for piquing my interests! ;)
Nichole