Writing Between the Sexes

"Why can't a woman be more like a man?"

--Professor Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady

Men and women think, talk, and act differently – which causes problems for writers who are trying to create characters of the opposite sex.

When we understand the difference between behaviors and attitudes that are seen as "masculine" or "feminine," we can use those behaviors and patterns to create characters who are plausible and unique, but not stereotypical.

Each person displays unique qualities, influenced b...