The Difference Between 'Strong' and 'Well-written' Women Characters | Advice from a Professional Book Editor in the UK
- Chelsea ✨
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Professional book editor in the UK reveals the difference between strong and well-written women characters, because the two aren't always the same!
A common mistake I've noticed when writers try to write 'strong women' is that many of these characters end up being emotionally untouchable with no fear, little doubt, and minimal softness. Just lots of toughness and warrior-like qualities.
And there's nothing wrong with real or fictional women having these traits - the point I'm making is that women don't HAVE to have these qualities to be strong. And if fictional women are always portrayed with unrealistic strength without vulnerability, it's going to be difficult for readers to relate. 😔
We all know that real people are more complex than that, and even the 'toughest' women aren't tough all the time!
Readers connect with complex realism, not perfect invincibility, so instead of just relying on physical strength or emotional unavailability to make fictional characters appear strong, a well-written woman might also be emotionally intelligent, quietly determined, moral and does what's right, still figuring herself out, and carrying on despite obstacles. All of these count as strength! 💪
I love editing manuscripts with women characters who are strong without being born warriors or unshakeable - the ones who keep pushing against all odds are my favourite! 😍
So, if you're depending on physical strength and invulnerability to make your fictional women strong, maybe it's time to think about other ways to show their fortitude!
Of course, if it makes sense for your characters to be physically strong or emotionally unavailable, that's okay too. This post is more about other, underappreciated ways that strength can be portrayed in women characters. 😊
ABOUT CHELSEA
Hey! I'm Chelsea and I'm a professional book editor at Stand Corrected Editing, my editorial business in the UK. If you would like me to edit your manuscript, please get in touch!
With my book editing services and packages, I hope to spread my knowledge and expertise on how to make your novel a success, and be a mentor to others who long to pursue a career as an author!
