This article is aimed mainly at our more testosterone filled authors but can also apply to female writers who write a cliched female character. There are many articles to help you write a great female protagonist but let’s consider a list of things you shouldn’t do.

Having your positive female characters portrayed as cute and your badass gals being sexy is lame and downright lazy writing. The same applies to “ugly” evil characters and “beautiful” heroic women, so come on, think outside the box and create a character that rises above the stereotype.

Female characters should be formed by their actions and personality traits and not their gender. Avoid putting in token females to attract readers; they will see right through your motives and avoid your work.

Remember that most women are not stacked lingerie models with legs up to their armpits! Neither are they wispy delicate creatures who need to be rescued. The majority of women fall somewhere in between, and it is possible to create a character that resonates with your readers and is attractive without having to fit into a “type”.

When describing a woman, try to avoid using her bra size! Sounds obvious, right? Not to everyone and some authors will include it in a description, for instance: “Beverley was a stunner, from her gazelle-like legs to her mane of blonde hair she was perfect. Her slender waist was topped with a magnificent 36DD rack from which her swan-like neck rose gracefully.” Creepy and unnecessary. Imagine if we described a man based on his assets: “Greg was tall and dark with ice blue eyes that twinkled with mirth, his six-pack was impressive, and the front of his trousers looked like he kept his lunchbox down there” Not acceptable, is it? No bra sizes, please!

Not all women are natural homemakers and crave marriage and kids. They may want one of these things, they may not want either. This does not mean they harbor ambitions to be the next President or CEO of a huge firm. Do not equate lack of desire for traditional paths with a burning ambition to rule the world. Women can shun marriage and childbirth and live ordinary lives as well!

Similarly, when writers make their female characters good at traditionally male pursuits, it can be cringe-worthy. Why are female mechanics or kick-ass lady bodyguards defined by their job? Some writers focus solely on this ability to do “boy stuff” and miss the chance to develop a deeper personality for their female subjects.

There is also a style of writing that makes the female lead character behave dreadfully towards their weaker male counterpart who is portrayed as a spineless sniveling wimp. They end up together anyway and this is considered romantic by followers of this type of fiction. If the situation was reversed, then this would be an abusive relationship and the male would be trashed. Having a strong woman counterpart does not excuse the cruel and violent behavior. Yes, Twilight, I’m talking about you!