When you set out to write a novel or short story, do you find yourself naturally writing a male protagonist? What about peripheral characters, do you unconsciously refer to them as he?

Gender is an inescapable part of character development. An author must choose what gender to make their characters just as they decide cultural background, appearance, personality traits. As much as we like to think we don’t propagate gender stereotypes, it is very easy to write characters that conform to them.

This week, Lucy, Charlotte, and I discuss writing characters of the opposite gender, gender neutral concepts, and the validity of some gender stereotypes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Also, be sure to vote for our wonderful co-host Lucy’s debut novel Starborn in the David Gemmell fantasy awards!