'We don't want to be too sexist here, but we do notice that men and women tend to face slightly different challenges (when writing a novel). Men tend to be weaker on characterisation and stronger on plotting...
As for women, the most usual problem is that there's plenty of good character material, but just not enough plot...'
This has made me feel so much better, as I have always found plotting harder.
The website goes on to give some brilliant plotting pointers.
I realise that plotting and characterisation is vital for a successful novel, but the comment is to do with how men and women approach their writing. Actually I often don't get on with novels written by men, because they are not big on characterization & emotion, yet I will happily watch the stuff on TV, which is interesting.
Do your writing methods tally with this experience?
The website goes on to give some brilliant plotting pointers.
I realise that plotting and characterisation is vital for a successful novel, but the comment is to do with how men and women approach their writing. Actually I often don't get on with novels written by men, because they are not big on characterization & emotion, yet I will happily watch the stuff on TV, which is interesting.
Do your writing methods tally with this experience?
No, I think I'm right in the middle.
ReplyDeleteHi Madeleine,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Alex. I never really think about such things. Besides, I have a Jack Russell dog that takes over my writing.
A good week to you. Try to stay cool in this ongoing heat.
Gary :)
I think I'm the opposite. I'm better with plot than character arcs/depth. Characterization, I'm OK with, as description is almost natural for me.
ReplyDeleteI think dialogue is my strongest point. That doesn't really answer the question though.
ReplyDeleteThat's really interesting. Maybe that's why my stories tend to be character driven rather than stories with extremely elaborate plots.
ReplyDeleteIt's all part of the whole package. Plotting, characterisation, and structurally sound wip!
ReplyDeleteNas
It's all part of the whole package. Plotting, characterisation, and structurally sound wip!
ReplyDeleteNas
Sorry for multiple comments, but I just found that your name was picked as the Helene Young winner at Romance Book Haven Please contact Helene via her website!
ReplyDeleteNas
This is a really interesting and helpful article. Thanks, Madeleine. I'm going to apply the suggested structure to my WIP right now. x
ReplyDeleteLike Alex, I too am in the middle.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. Yes I realise that plotting and characterisation is vital for a successful novel, but the comment is to do with how men and women approach their writing and actually I often don't read novels by men because they are not big on characterization, yet I will happily watch the stuff on TV!
ReplyDeleteInteresting point. I think it's more of a tendency than an out and out difference between the two.
ReplyDeletemood
I've never really thought about gender differences. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out the site.
Mooderino, yes for sure. :O)
ReplyDeleteMedeia, I had considered it and am pleased to find it has been shown to be the case. Makes me feel a little more positive about mastering my own plotting now.
Hmmm, that's interesting. I think it'd be cool to see some kind of data on this because I disagree. I've read plenty of novels written by men who have the emotions and characters down, and novels by women are don't do so well with the characterization. I think some writers are better at plotting and some are better at characterization no matter their gender!
ReplyDeleteBut writing is so subjective. What I think is good another reader may not and vice versa!
Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
I do think there is a lot of truth in what you say. I guess most of the best sellers I read are written by men, and yes, they are a bit short on the emotion, but the plots are usually riveting. Be nice to be strong in all points.
ReplyDeleteHi Madeleine .. interesting post and I'm sure the website will be helpful for many ..
ReplyDeleteI like what Denise says too .. perhaps we let our imagination release our own emotions as we read books with strong plots ..
Cheers Hilary