stabbert3
1678
85
14
I recently received some kickback about my lack of "strength portrayed in the main female character" of my book. The individual that expressed this, though not a professional, claims to have experience in creative writing and editing. In the notes they gave me regarding the novel, this concern with the social portrayal of my female lead was one of their main points.
Normally I'm extremely open to feedback of all kinds, but this irked me.
Two things.
First of all, the female character referred to in the novel is A SERVANT. She has worked in service for her entire life. The personality that I built for her is very crucial to the plot and the development of the main character and their struggle.
Secondly, who the f**k are you to tell an author to craft their novel based on your own opinions about what's wrong with the world? I'm not going to pander to your sense of righteousness because you think there isn't enough social justice in literature. The world's problems exist outside of creativity. It is ASININE to limit people's work because you believe in some bullshit obligation of authors to point out injustices.
And beyond that, it's a story. About humans. Some humans are confident and strong, taking control of their lives and welfare. Some aren't. That is how the world works. That's reality. I didn't write her as a servile person because I think women are weak, I wrote her that way because it fit best with the story I am trying to tell.
So to wrap things up, I'll write my characters however I damn well please.
I know it's lame and childish to bitch at the internet about these things but I'm a little worked up. These are the same people that ban books for political/religious reasons.
Enjoy your usersub experience
antmansclone
Description is good, but you had me at, "your female character doesn't."
Imnotyouralterego
This is complex. Just consider the thinking of today's society, or future generations. Perhaps, your ideology negatively influences the work
chronohwhocares
It's almost like actual artists enjoy making a creative statement without pandering to everyone's sensibilities.
igobeder
Five "experienced" will give five different opinions. Go with what you feel, and try to get your work published.
Ifrinne
What's it about?
GooBa25
Fuck em
ahazuarus
I too read the whole post and agree you make good points.
DemonicDonut
Same person wouldn't complain if it was a male servant. Enough said.
IAlwaysUpvoteSunsets
I look forward to when a character can be just viewed as an individual rather than a representative for his/her entire race/gender/etc.
Healbot3000x
Authors are too concerned with jumping on bandwagons these days to be bothered with worrying about writing a good story.
NationalAeronauticsAndSpaceAdministration
Personally, I'm a guy & I've always found it more entertaining to write from a female perspective & their always like Ellen Ripley. Badass.
NationalAeronauticsAndSpaceAdministration
And no- it's nothing sexual. Shame on anyone who thought it was.
AgainstMethod
Are you Patrick Rothfus, by any chance?
Voitl
Agree. Never let your creativity be subject to someone else's sensibilities.
MediocreExtremist
That is what is killing Hollywood this century. All the PC but no good story
KLeavell
Where can we find your book?
stabbert3
It is still being edited, but I'll let you all know when it goes to print!
KLeavell
Best of luck!
iwritefantasy
I feel like even bad advice can be useful as a fellow writer. If nothing else, it forced you to consider a new possibility, and the import..
iwritefantasy
of your own choices regarding the characters design. All in all, remember to take everything with a grain of salt. Everyone is a critic...
iwritefantasy
and most people have no idea what makes good characters or stories. I've seen it first hand.