As I surveyed my scene note cards over the weekend, it occured to me, and not for the first time, that my hero has more scenes than my heroine. His arc is well-defined, his history, motivations and conflicts crystal clear in my mind. While I have developed a heroine who I hope is delightful, interesting and worthy of his affections, I have realised she doesn't have much of an arc. Sure she is changed by the end of the novel, both through her relationship with the hero and in her own right. But there aren't many scenes to illustrate why she changes (except in order to fight for the hero and her own destiny). I need to mull on her development some more.The fact that I am writing the hero's story more naturally is somewhat of a surprise. As a woman, I would have thought I would identify with the heroine more, and struggle to get under the hero's skin. Perhaps it's because I find nothing more romantic than a tortured hero who cannot have the lady he wants. I have fallen in love with this guy, and while I like this girl, I'm not going to spend hours happily daydreaming about her. I should, but I don't automatically because she's not the one causing me to swoon.
My hero started life in a sequel to my first completed novel. He began quietly enough, but he soon demanded to be part of a different story. He just wouldn't leave me alone. I wrote the very beginning of chapter one from his point of view a couple of years before I sat down to actually write the novel.
I'm not saying I'm completely confident in my abilities to write the male point of view, but I'll let my readers be the judge of that :-)
So I need to develop my heroine more, and writing further scenes for her should both fill out gaps in my first act and supply most of the 10,000 words I need to complete my first draft. I already have two scenes in mind to write, both in the last act (illustrating her transformation). I still need to work more on her parts in the beginning and middle. Here's hoping I can make her shine!
Do you find it easier (or more fun!) to write from the male or female point of view? Which side do you enjoy reading more?
Aha! I finally figured out why I couldn't post any comments on blogs (it's only taken me months to fix). How are you, Charlotte? Hope your trip was lovely, by the way.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same--easier to find the voice of my male characters than my female characters. I think a part of that is because I am also worried about my female characters--I really want to make sure they don't come across as weak, and that fear tends to make me over-think. As for reading, it really depends on the book and the character, which again goes back to disliking weak, whiny characters--of either gender ;)
Hi Brooke, great to hear from you! Hope you and the family are well. How is your writing progressing? Feel free to email me.
DeleteMy heroine's weakness is a concern of mine too - she's not particularly reticent, especially as the plot moves forward... but I'm just worried she isn't an active enough participant as she should be. My hero, on the other hand, is an action hero in comparison :-)
I love writing from the male POV and I've done so several times. It's a challenge, and I love that. Plus, maybe it's easier to do with a bit more distance.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. I may be too close to the heroine's psyche to do it justice.
DeleteThanks for commenting!
Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteI had to come visit:) Love your post!! Interestingly enough, I am having somewhat of the same dilemma as you. My heroine may not have the necessary arc while my hero is so strong that I'm entirely smitten:) He's all action while she is more passive. The story really centers around him - unintentionally! So I feel your angst:) I think it's always a good sign when you, the author, falls for your hero. That pretty much means your readers will, too. I didn't write from the male POV until my 3rd published novel and now I can't imagine doing anything else.
Thanks for such a thoughtful post! Sounds like your story will shine!
Glad to know I'm not the only one :-) Thanks for your comment and the lovely reply on your blog.
DeleteAs a female, I've always found it easier to write from the female perspective, but right now I'm writing a novel from the perspective of a male. It's an interesting challenge for me. I've had some experiences similar to yours though, and I think that's why I'm trying the male POV this time. As an unpublished author, I often find it hard to know when I'm doing the job well enough. I just hope I am.
ReplyDeleteYou may need a critique partner to let you know how close the mark you are, but also have confidence in writing! :-)
DeleteThanks for stopping by.