I have always been intrigued by male voices written by female writers.

But what I find interesting is that some readers complain that the male voice is “feminized” or not “authentic.” And I often wonder what that means.

Characters are unique — and for me, when you write a character that is a different sex from you, do you have to play up the “stereotypes” to make them “real”?

I believe as an writer — especially with male characters in YA — you must make him full fledged — which does not necessarily mean only instilling bravado, charm, or physical gifts — but also adding a psychological and emotional level — what are his fears, dreams, and past hurts? In other words, what makes him tick. To create a male voice is just like anything else — the search for the authentic and not the “status quo.”

Here is a list of some male voices written by female authors that I have found intriguing:

Sam from Shiver (Maggie Steifvater)

Tyrell from Tyrell (Coe Booth)

Alex from the dead & the gone (Susan Beth Pffefer)

Hahp from Skin Hunger (Kathleen Duey)

Neily from All Unquiet Things (Anna Jarzab)

Finn from Incarceron (Catherine Fisher)

John from Hard Love (Ellen Wittlinger)

Tyler from Twisted (Laurie Halse Anderson)

Do you have any male voices written by the female perspective that you find particularly intriguing? Would love to hear about them.