October 26, 2012
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Book entry
I have read a lot of books. A lot of Fiction, a lot of classics, a lot of contemporary, some romance (well a lot of romance), some science fiction or fantasy. I've read female authors and I've read male authors. What I've noticed is, they get it wrong. Women cannot write about men, and men cannot write about women. Also, Nicholas Sparks doesn't get either one right.
When women develop male characters, they give them complicated unrealistic decision making qualities. No, I'm not saying guys cant's make decisions. I'm saying guys decisions aren't overly complicated. When a man develops a female character, they give them actions based on logical reasonings. Go ahead and get opinionated about that. We may end up at the logical conclusion, but It came from crazy.
I get so close to my characters. I hate it when I read a book and I think, "that's wrong, she would never do that."
In a romance novel it's less of a problem, because a lot of times the guy is supposed to be this idealistic sexy beast. But really, where are those guys in real life.
The book that prompted this post. Sunflowers. A historical fiction about Vincent Van Gogh. Written by a woman. From the point of view of a whore. She made Vincent out to be a little more childlike than I would think. Also, she gave him a little more softness than would be realistic for a man. His bonds and relationships with people were too complicated. And his approach to painting, not complicated enough.
I can't blame the poor authors, though. How can you depict what you can't understand. I would be lost if I tried to make up a fictional male and try to figure him out. I'd probably go the easy way and make him an idealistic sexy beast.
Leah K.
Comments (6)
I have to tell you, I was cracking up throughout the post. It is so true! Men don't know how to write women. And women don't know how to write men. It made me think of the movie "As Good As It Gets," where Jack Nicholsons' character (whose an autho in case you haven't seen the movie) is asked how he write women so well. His answer is: "I think of a man. Then I take away reason and accountability."
Really funny and true post though.
@Maverickman87 - It's been a long time since I saw that movie. Good quote.
How about this. From now on, every book has two authors. A man to write the male characters and a woman to write the female characters. Problem solved.
@mr_white_tie_affair - I think this actually happens on TV Shows and Movies so why not books?
Oooh, I hate Nicholas Sparks! I never read anything by him but seeing the movies they make from his books is enough to swear me off. BTW I agree with Maverickman87 because I thought of that movie as well. Also MrWhiteTieAffair has a really good idea.
Maybe Walter and I could try that for Nanowrimo. OMG! I just realized that starts this Thursday and I don't even have an idea yet!!!
BTW I don't like romance novels really because no one's remotely even like that. Well maybe some super shallow people. idk. But if I'm going to read stuff like that I always go that extra step... and read erotica. At least it's all the good stuff and none of the bad play acting.
What book, of those you've read, would you consider close in depicting male and female characters?
One more thing, sorry long comment, but speaking of Vincent Van Gogh, you don't happen to watch Doctor Who do you? Because they did an EXCELLENT episode with him. Check it out if you have the time.
@FalconBridge - You sent me on a quest to find a book that portrayed male and female characters well. So I perused my goodreads and came up with Wuthering Heights. Emily Bronte writes Heathcliff really well.
I tried to watch a few Doctor Who episodes in the middle and I was totally lost. I think I would have to start at the beginning.
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