The sense of a woman

You want to write a female character for your novel or screenplay. But is it really necessary to consider gender difference in the 21st century? Surely any character of any gender identity can do or be anything?

When my book The Woman in the Story: Writing Memorable Female Characters was published in 2010, it was the first practical guide to help screenwriters think about the choices they make when they chose a female protagonist. Sadly, many screenwriters I worked with back then thought they would have more luck pitching their projects if they switched their protagonist to be a man.

Times have changed for the better and women and girls are everywhere on screen and in literature. With more women both creating and in charge of commissioning, a ‘female gaze’ is here to stay. There are compelling heroines across all genres and platforms.

Having a female lead at the helm opens up so many new worlds and perspectives.