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Creative writing is challenging. As well as crafting an engaging, well researched and coherent story, one must also create interesting and believable characters that readers can find an emotional connection with.

If this viral Twitter thread is anything to go by, it seems that many male authors are struggling to create female characters that women can empathize with. This particular discussion began after author Gwen C. Katz tweeted

“A male author is insisting that he is living proof that it's possible for a male author to write an authentic female protagonist.”

She then proceeded to present his cringeworthy, boob-heavy example, which only served to reinforce her point. Although it absolutely is possible for men to write realistic female narrators, this is definitely not a good example.

The tweet kicked off a challenge: “Describe yourself like a male author would.” People jumped on board with glee, writing brilliantly creative and funny offerings that are as eye-opening as they are entertaining.  

Because while the thread is absolutely hilarious for its comedy portrayals, it also highlights the frustration that many women feel about the way they are viewed by men. Women are people first of all, and the overly sexualized lens that many guys view them through is both unrealistic and unwelcome. Male authors like Katz's unnamed example, who project their physically-focused ideals onto their female characters are deserving of this kind of mockery. That said, men need not be afraid to write from a female perspective. They just need to do it well!

Scroll down below to read some of our favorite examples from the thread, and let us know what you think in the comments!

This discussion began after author Gwen C. Katz tweet:

challenge-describe-yourself-like-male-author-would-whitney-reynolds-1

She then presented the cringeworthy example which only served to reinforce her point

challenge-describe-yourself-like-male-author-would-whitney-reynolds-2

The tweet kicked off a unique challenge

challenge-describe-yourself-like-male-author-would-whitney-reynolds-1And many women jumped on board with glee

#1

Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

shannonpurser Report

lazy panda
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't help but read this in Trump's voice.

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    #4

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

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    Sarcasticow
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ahahaha, the damn face which kept speaking

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    #5

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    say_shannon Report

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    #6

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    yesitshanna Report

    #7

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    ashleyn1cole Report

    Alia Ris
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yes! because female always "contemplated the roundness of her own boobs" before talking in a meeting. Nicely done! X'D

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    #9

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    ellesep Report

    Neeraj Jha
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like that kind of pretty as that prettiness lasts longer, you know.

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    #10

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    Isla_McMahon Report

    #11

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    PuccaNoodles Report

    TwiceRice23
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. Can we PLEASE find another term for "almond shaped eyes?"

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    #14

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    MamaQuixotic Report

    anarkzie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's both sad and beautifully phrased.

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    #15

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    amandawtwong Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, no, I thought it was a badly drawn cheshire cat at first! :D

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    #16

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    JaneCaseyAuthor Report

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    #18

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    MaraWilson Report

    Iapetos
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We made brief eye contact and she scared me LOL

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    #20

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    Narcolepsy_IRL Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The author moved on quickly, thinking she would be an admirable opponent if he made her angry right now."

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    #23

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    grlwholvd Report

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    #25

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    DLChamplin Report

    gellert grindlewald
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    confidence can be the most important thing in the world, especially if you are going to conquer the world!

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    #26

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    PeaceLoveUnix Report

    Toni Apps
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How about.... she had a mind more powerful than any male sarcasm could conquer....😊

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    #29

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    LJBreedlove Report

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    #30

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    MycrofeteHolmes Report

    #32

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    Reed_insists Report

    gellert grindlewald
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this. this sounds sadly true, like this is happening right now, somehow. somewhere.

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    #34

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    lisasolod Report

    Sofie Agni
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They have knowledge. and in my opinion, even though somebody doesn't look young anymore they are still beautiful in their own way.

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    #35

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    kelechnekoff Report

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    #37

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    _wyn_wyn Report

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    #38

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    #39

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    #42

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    cathjdean Report

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This. The 'imperfect' female.... 😩😢

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    #44

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    LillyBethChungx Report

    gellert grindlewald
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sounds 'bout right, something those (enter rude name) would say.

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    #46

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

    Emma_niDhulaing Report

    Elizabeth Zimmerman
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. This sounds like something my mother would say.

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    #47

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    #49

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    #50

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

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    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm really sorry but when you said she rolled her eyes out, I had a mental image of a woman literally removing her eyeballs and rolling them over a table to the horror of the terrible male author sitting opposite... 😂😂

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    #51

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    #53

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    SiobhanLydon Report

    anarkzie
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I thought the point was to write how a male author would describe you not how you want to be seen, "hey everyone look at me, I'm so non conformist" "bro check this chick out, she refusing to conform to society standards of beauty" Said no man ever.

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    #55

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    #56

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    #58

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    Minervasbard Report

    My O My
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jellyfish really are imature!

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    #59

    Challenge-Describe-Yourself-Like-Male-Author-Would-Whitney-Reynolds

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    My O My
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Phew, what would have happened if there hadn't been a sudoku at hand?

    #60

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    #61

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    #63

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    sp2kidssparks Report

    Jess Bain
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is actually really well said!! Id like to think I light up a room with something other than my tits!

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    #64

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