6 of the best... writing in a different gender

Six tips for authors who want to give their leading role to someone of the opposite sex.

Popular writer, Trevor Belshaw gives us some very useful advice.

• Research. Find a book or two, where the main character is the same age and sex as your own lead.

• Look for books where the author is a different sex to the main protagonist although it will be worthwhile reading similar books where the author is the same sex as the lead.

• Write for your character. Focus primarily on the character, not the gender. Basically, treat them as you would treat any other character.

• Study your partner, siblings, son, daughter, you know them and how they would react to situations.

• Try to find beta readers or a writer buddy the same sex as your lead character. Involve them throughout the creation process and listen to their advice.

• Don’t be afraid. It’s a challenge but it will be a fun exercise.

 

Trevor Belshaw is the author of Tracy’s Hot Mail. He also writes for children under the name Trevor Forest. Trevor’s poems and short stories have appeared in various anthologies including 100 Stories for Haiti, 50 Stories for Pakistan, 100 Stories for Queensland, Deck the Halls, Another Haircut and The Best of Café Lit 2011.

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