A while back I mentioned in a post that the majority of my POV characters tend to be male. And so it is with my two most recent stories. I don’t know why this is, other than to say that the character whose point of view I use is simply the one that seems right for the story.

Anyway, a new question arises. Are there gender differences in writing? I realize that that men and women often choose to read different types of books (not all the time, I know).  Do they write differently as well? The stereotypical answer would that, with respect to sf and fantasy, in general, males like to write about technology, tough characters and lots of action, while women prefer to write about personal and relational experiences.

I don’t know, though, whether this holds true, even as a gross generalization. Are there differences, do you think? Can you describe them?

Usually, after reading a good book, my own imagination is revved up and I am motivated to write.

But sometimes, after reading an especially good book, one that I know I could not have written myself, I feel discouraged.

Anyway, that is how my favorite writers make me feel – awed as a reader, humbled as a writer.

I find that during those times when I am actively reading books I enjoy, my writing improves both in quantity and quality. Conversely, those times when I’m too busy or too tired or too distracted to read, I also write less. I don’t think it’s a matter of imitation, even unconsciously. I think that good books (like all works of art, I’m sure) shake up and stimulate the creative impulses. Anyway, here’s the corny formula I made up for this: book is to mind as plow is to field.

I wonder if it’s like this for others as well.

This influences me when I choose to purchase a book. But sometimes the synopsis gives away too much information about the plot.

What is the best way to write one of these so that it will entice a reader, but not spoil the surprises of the story?