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.
I’m so bad with thinking up stuff like that on the spot. But as Seinfeld says, even if men are thinking about nothing, with out thoughts in a book, they would come across two-dimensional. I think it’s a tricky balance to find.
I know it’s kind of a given – but, I HAVE to say Harry Potter!
Laura: I really would like to write a male character from the first person POV. I think it would be a challenge though.
Lisa: Thanks for stopping by. Yes, Harry Potter of course! :) We had a chance to see him manage his fears and past hurts definitely.
Ponyboy Curtis by SE Hinton in the Outsiders, Jonas in The Giver are 2 who come to mind.
I like writing in the male pov – it’s fun & challenging :)
Those are two good ones, Jemi.
I have a book idea that involves writing from the male POV. I think it would be challenging but also fun. It would take some research — but that would involve talking to guys which is one of my favorite things to do. Ha.
Oops – forgot to mention I have an award for you over at my blog :)
I have a hubby, a son & a bunch of boys in my classes, so I don’t find it too hard to get into the male pov!
Reggie from 8th Grade Superzero. I haven’t finished it yet, but I am just amazed at how the author has completely jumped into the head of this age group, particularly a boy!!
I’ve heard great things about Reggie’s character, Jeannine.
Can’t wait to read Superzero. It’s in my leaning tower of books to read.
Another vote for Jonas from The Giver – even though it’s not first person, his voice is still really strong and believable.
I find that when I write male characters, they always come out in first person, whereas my female ones tend to be in third. I have no idea why that is!
How interesting Anna about your choice of POV when it comes to the male/female voices. I would think it would be the other way around.
Alex (the dead & the gone) and Finn (Incarceron) are also told in 3rd POV but their voice still came through really strong and both of those characters were so strong and unique.