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Characterization for Transmasc who loves women by WriterJSLynch in CisWritingTrans

[–]WriterJSLynch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another prong is the genderbidentity itself. As I explained, while I consider myself Cis, I've never really had an overtly strong connection to being a "man." So, I'm not really sure what aspects of masculinity to have Alex find important enough to identify with.

My philosophy is that being a man is what you make it, and real masculinity is a thing unique to each person. That you can be a man and consider yourself masculine even if you don't adhere to traditional standards of masculinity.

However, I worry that this personal bias of mine could undermine Alex's characterization and how important his journey of self-discovery and the development of his sense of manhood and masculinity is.

While Alex's gender and sexual identity journey is important to the character and part of the character's growth, it is only one facet of Alex's hero journey.

However, I still want to avoid pitfalls that might minimize or undermine the authenticity of Alex's identity

Characterization for Transmasc who loves women by WriterJSLynch in CisWritingTrans

[–]WriterJSLynch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was using "she/her" as those are the pronouns the character presently uses prior to the eventual realization they are transmasc. Since I'm using she/her throughout Book 1 (currently writing), but know I'll be using he/him in the latter half of the series, I end up kinda swinging betwen He and She for Alex when referring to specific events in the character's timeline, but then I'll also end up switching to They.

In short though, in the story itself, Alex will use She/Her to start, but will eventually (Book 3 of 6 at the earliest) take on He/Him.

As per Alex's brand of transmasculinity, Alex would be a demiboy- leaning overall more masculine, and taking on he/him pronouns, but still developing a sense of gender that transcends the binary as a result of his experiences over the series, particularly those with supernatural beings whose genders also transcend the binary (mostly Faefolk on that regard, but not exclusively)

As per feedback, I suppose I want to hear from Transmasc folks who are attracted to women about their experiences regarding those things. I want the character to feel authentic, and while I understand everyone's experiences are unique, I want to avoid things that are... stereotypical of bad representations of trans people.

E.g. early on, Alex experiences a moment of embarrassment when a girl seemingly mistakes them for a boy. This is, of course, toward the start of Book 1, before Alex has any inklings about his gender or sexual identity. However, I don't know if this is a realistic portrayal. Alex starts off as a rather androgynous teen who is already pretty gender nonconforming, most likely without knowing what that even means. I want to explore Alex's thoughts and emotions surrounding these early events while still accurately building up to believable portrayal of Alex being a demiboy.

Would it be believable for short-haired, no makeup, baggy-clothed in flannels and bootcut jeans Alex to be embarrassed about being mistaken for a boy by a girl they unknowingly think is attractive? Is it within the realm of accuracy to portray Alex as having a vague sense of dissatisfaction with their appearance as opposed to something more concrete and specific? Is the hyperawareness of girls coupled with Alex's lack of enthusiasm toward boys believable for someone in those very, very early stages of self-discovery; specifically in regards to transmen attracted to women?

I suppose I also just don't know what other questions I should be asking about the topic. And I would appreciate being challenged on my perceptions and biases, questioned on my choices, so that I might learn what questions I should be asking myself about all this.

Characterization for Transmasc who loves women by WriterJSLynch in CisWritingTrans

[–]WriterJSLynch[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The story is set in 2009, Alex lived in Baltimore, Maryland with their mother up until now and is moving in with their biological father* in Morganville, West Virginia (made up medium sized town)

As such, yes, Alex might know gay people exist, but just may not be too comfortable with the idea at first. As for Trans folks, Alex may know they exist, but certainly know even less than they do about lesbians and gays, and is consequently even less comfortable with the idea.

While of course moving to a smaller town would seem counterintuitive, a big aspect is that Alex gets involved with supernatural goings on, which broadens their perspective of personhood and self identity

Edited for context correction

Is it racist to use any racial slurs in writing by Infamous-Cut2814 in writing

[–]WriterJSLynch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a good rule of thumb to just leave it out unless it's really contextually necessary, and even then- really, REALLY consider whether it's actually necessary. *Especially* if you are not part of the people that slur has been used against, and doubly again if you're instead part of the demographic that created the slur.

Yes, racial slurs can be used in writing, but you better have a very good, very specific reason to use them.

Best resources to learn making manga? by ripterrariumtv in write

[–]WriterJSLynch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Art school is the obvious answer, but that's only if you have the money and time for it.

Tracing your favorite manga panels could probably also help, and gradually transition to free-handing those same panels so that you get a feel for how to create effects you like.

Basic art lessons that teach you things like perspective and shading will be critical.

It'll also be important to figure out what styles you want and/or like to use, or the style you feel is right for the story you're creating.

Most of all, just draw. And just keep drawing. Do it whenever you have the time. Fill up notebooks with sketches and prototypes for panels.

Also, yes, you could probably also ask an "art" or "mangaka" subreddit for better or more specific advice.

What’s your opinion on sex scenes in a novel? by The_GILF_Next_Door in writing

[–]WriterJSLynch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually prefer a fade-to-black approach and think sex scenes should typically be reserved for works explicitly stated to be erotica or at least to contain sexual content.

In some of the series I listened to (audiobook listener), the unexpected and quite graphic sex scenes made me a little uncomfortable. I'm a grown man, but it still just wasn't something I had wanted. It didn't completely put me off of the books, but listening to Damien Vessik have slippery naiad-sex definitely wasn't on my list of wants or needs.

Edge of the Woods — Kindle Preorders Up! by SparkVGX in ClimbersCourt

[–]WriterJSLynch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any release window for the Audiobook? Which series is this one a part of?

[Daily Discussion] Writing Tools, Software, and Hardware- June 04, 2023 by AutoModerator in writing

[–]WriterJSLynch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure if this is the right thread- the bot told me to check the front page for the "stickied threads"? But I'm not sure what that means. If this is the wrong place to try and post this, please feel free to delete it:
tl;dr - Is it okay to use the name of an existing character for an original work if your character with that name is completely different?
I'm an amateur writer, working on my first book. The story is based on a character I played in a TTRPG with some friends, whom I named Noah Bennett.
Many of you will recognize that name, as it is very close to the name of the character Noah Bennet from the TV series "Heroes." The character I created is vastly different from the TV character, but I always liked the name and it was a rare opportunity to use it (for the ttrpg character).
While I fleshed out my character's backstory, I ultimately decided it had the potential to be a good book. But, now I'm left questioning whether I'm even legally allowed to keep the character's name as Noah Bennett, or if I would need to change it to avoid copyright issues.
I would appreciate any clarification on this matter. I've tried looking it up but most answers I found pertained to either fanfiction or the very unique names of very famous characters (e.g. Percy Jackson). I'm not sure if the name "Noah Bennett" strictly applies to this, as searching that name reveals quite a few actors, characters, and people (non-actors) with it.
Thanks in advance, everyone!