We all know this, right? Men do things and think differently than women. I’m currently doing an online course with author Virginia Kantra. Just an aside, if you have an opportunity to hear Virginia speak at a conference or workshop grasp it with both hands. She’s an awesome speaker. Anyway, at the moment we’re talking about male behavior as it pertains to writing the male point of view.
I think it’s difficult to get this right, which is part of the reason I’m working on it with my writing. When men speak it’s straight to the point, they cuss and swear, they don’t ask many questions on the whole, don’t talk just for the sake of talking and aren’t keen on asking for directions. I find the subject fascinating.
In my opinion Nora Roberts writes great male characters, as do Virginia Kantra and Suzanne Brockman to mention a couple more.
Here are links to a couple of “male speak” articles that you might find useful reading:
Guide to Male Speak by Virginia Kantra
Male Point of View by Keri Arthur
The Male Point of View – All About Romance featuring an interview with Bob Mayer.
How are you at writing male point of view? Can you think of any other authors who write great male POV? Any comments or good advice to share?
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October 10th, 2007 at 5:11 am · Link
I usually get my husband to read over my male characters. I used to write them more long winded, but I’ve cut down what they say. You’re right, men are more to the point than women. And they usually say what they mean, rather than imply things.
I’ll have to check these resources out.
October 10th, 2007 at 6:14 am · Link
Yeah, I think Suzanne Brockmann does a fabulous job with the “male language”.
It IS an interesting subject. Something I should give a little more thought to. Thanks for sharing those writing links!
October 10th, 2007 at 11:38 am · Link
Shelley – this is so timely, you have NO idea. I’m struggling AT THIS MOMENT, in fact I’m taking a 10 minute break from writing my male character because I’m SO frustrated!!!
So even something as simple as “When men speak it’s straight to the point, they cuss and swear, they don’t ask many questions on the whole, don’t talk just for the sake of talking and aren’t keen on asking for directions” has helped immensely.
THANK YOU for this ‘aha’ moment :)
October 10th, 2007 at 12:52 pm · Link
Christine – I found Virginia’s really good since it came with an example. I love examples
Hi Jennifer – I haven’t read Suzanne’s latest release yet. I must get my hands on it soon.
Wylie – pleased to help.
The articles are all really helpful. I’ve saved them all to refer back to.
October 10th, 2007 at 3:15 pm · Link
Thank you, those are some very informative links.
I usually get my men down well in military context, but I have some problems with more ‘emotional’ scenes.
Some attitudes seem to have changed in history – I was surprised how emo some Roman men can be in certain situations, and the Mediaeval epics are a real emo fest where a hero like Rolands faints of grief.
October 10th, 2007 at 3:34 pm · Link
Shelley, these are some awesome links. Thank you for sharing, I’ll find this incredibly useful.
October 10th, 2007 at 5:23 pm · Link
Oh Shelley soooooo awesome! This is an excellent helpful post and I am kissing you feet . I am so excited about these links.