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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

#7

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Alia Ris
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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Zori the degu
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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gellert grindlewald
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2 years ago DotsCreated 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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Toni Apps
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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gellert grindlewald
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated 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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Sofie Agni
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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weatherwitch
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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anarkzie
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5 years ago

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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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My O My
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Jess Bain
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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