Who's a better writer, men or women?

Linda7228 · Post by **Linda7228** » 12 Oct 2014, 09:41

ALynnPowers wrote:I read somewhere about a man complaining about how hard it was these days for men to make it into the writing world because it has already turned into a female dominated industry. And I couldn't help thinking, "Well, maybe it would be easier if you were actually good."

And then I gave myself a pat on the back for being so cheeky.

Hahaha! You are so right, it was just a lame excuse. We can name tons of amazing male authors in every single genre. You definitely deserve a pat in the back for that worthy comeback.

DAbb85 · Post by **DAbb85** » 22 Oct 2014, 09:24

I don't think it matters. Each has their own style of writing.

mashamashamasha · Post by **mashamashamasha** » 29 Oct 2014, 15:41

A good author is a good author; gender won't matter. The issue is that historically, women were not in positions to be writing (or getting educated), due to various social blah.

I think saying that men "are good at thrillers" and women "are good at emotions" is about as profound/insightful as arguing over whether dogs or cats make a better pet.

PashaRu · Post by **PashaRu** » 29 Oct 2014, 16:06

mashamashamasha wrote:A good author is a good author; gender won't matter. The issue is that historically, women were not in positions to be writing (or getting educated), due to various social blah.

I think saying that men "are good at thrillers" and women "are good at emotions" is about as profound/insightful as arguing over whether dogs or cats make a better pet.

Completely agree. It's a profoundly silly question to begin with. And it's grammatically incorrect as well.

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 29 Oct 2014, 22:00

It depends on the talent of the individual. I have favorite men and women authors.

Sweet_Lullaby · Post by **Sweet_Lullaby** » 05 Nov 2014, 14:38

In Not to be sexist, but as a woman, I enjoy reading something by a woman. I find myself enjoying it more, I don't know why. Because my favorite genre is ya, I feel that women can get to me more than men could. I don't know, just a feeling.

Book Worm 5 · Post by **Book Worm 5** » 05 Nov 2014, 15:30

I agree that women and men are equally good authors, because it depends on the person writing the book.

Post by **bookowlie** » 05 Nov 2014, 20:46

It doesn't matter and there is no right answer. It's like saying who's the smarter sex, or who's the funnier sex.

daretofail · Post by **daretofail** » 07 Nov 2014, 01:17

I don't necessarily think one is better than the other, though I do tend to gravitate towards male authors. I don't know why. I did read She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb, however, and was amazed that the book had been written by a man. Fantastic read.

FredWilliam · Post by **FredWilliam** » 22 Nov 2014, 14:22

I generally don't think it matters very much - talent is talent. The only thing is that I notice it some with mystery/detective type books. I enjoy sarcasm and grit - I think men write that better. But, I am finding more and more female-penned books that are filled with the grit and sarcasm I enjoy. Keep bringing it on ladies!!

pretzelsnow · Post by **pretzelsnow** » 22 Nov 2014, 14:29

I usually read books by women so I don't know how to answer this.There are some good men authors out there like Nicholas Sparks.

jhollan2 · Post by **jhollan2** » 22 Nov 2014, 15:19

PSA: Sexism is unattractive in any form and gender is not a binary system.

Some humans are better at writing than other humans, which has nothing to do with their reproductive organs in any way. End of story.

Skillian · Post by **Skillian** » 22 Nov 2014, 18:13

lol this seems like such a trolling topic. baha. I think it all depends on the specific writer...as well as the opinions and preconceived notions of the specific reader. We are all limited to our lens and sometimes it effects the work we put out... and sometimes it effects how we take things in (more like both constantly). While I believe that women and men can be equally capable... the path that people have to take in order to accomplish the same task is inherently going to be very different. It seems silly to deny realistic and proven tendencies... if anything it would speak as a greater accomplishment in recognizing and overcoming them. It is a funny thing how the pursuit of equality simultaneously undermines levels of achievement. Overall, I think people as a whole are pretty immeasurable so it if funny how we all lean towards constant comparison and competition.

-- 22 Nov 2014, 18:27 --

Linda7228 wrote:
ALynnPowers wrote:I read somewhere about a man complaining about how hard it was these days for men to make it into the writing world because it has already turned into a female dominated industry. And I couldn't help thinking, "Well, maybe it would be easier if you were actually good."

And then I gave myself a pat on the back for being so cheeky.
Hahaha! You are so right, it was just a lame excuse. We can name tons of amazing male authors in every single genre. You definitely deserve a pat in the back for that worthy comeback.

Though you must already know what their sour response would be right? That it is only due to the fact that the majority of consumers are also women... which is why they would still be able to dominate the market. This would quickly turn into a quality versus mass appeal debate. haha It is all opinion anyway... but I find people so interesting and I will probably never tire of seeing how they interact. But yes I can see this entire debate unroll in my mind.

Then someone would say that is only greater evidence to women as intellectual superior since they are out their reading more.... oh but where is the evidence of that? What about libraries and second hand sales? Perhaps men are simply more money savvy? Or just they aren't willing to spend money on crap... and they are OK with letting women mess up the sales curve... since good books are also still sneaking in there regardless of their influence to the market...... Well that just sounds like a cheap and unfounded fanciful argument.. yada yada. rawr rawr. People are funny. I've seen this debated over and over.. and every time there is no real resolution... just some ruffled feathers. haha. Though I must admit it is entertaining to see what people come up with.... and lawd knows I've participated in a great many of them myself.

-- 22 Nov 2014, 18:31 --

An interesting take would be to look into how transgender people factor into all of this.