Women SF authors

[Bombadil]

Jut finished reading a book by a woman (title irrelevant) and was struck by the difference in feel compared to the authors I tend to read, like Heinlein, Asimov, Weber, Brinn, etc. All men, of course (of course? Well, they are, anyway.) Some things I noticed: heavy emphasis on romance, wooing, cementing the relationship. Clumsy portrayal of powerful men. Big climactic space battle scene described in half a page instead of half a chapter. Was a good book, just different.
I imagine that when a woman reads a book by a man, she may be thinking "where did he ever get the idea that a woman would think that!!" Suddenly I am interested in what the ladies think about male authors. And vice versa. And about general differences in gender perspective. How male authors portray women. How female authors portray men. Anybody got thoughts to share? Were any Star Trek episodes written by a woman? Any lady collaborators signed up for Battlestar Galactica?
:cool:

[shiningstar]

I've read several scifi that were written by women. And the majority of them
write just the way you say it. There are good ones out there and of COURSE
their names have SLIPPED through the SIEVE that I call my brain :rage:

[BST]

Were any Star Trek episodes written by a woman? :cool:


bombadil,

One author comes to mind immediately -- Dorothy (D.C.) Fontana. She wrote at least a dozen ST episodes. There is an interview with her, at the ST website. Here's the link:

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/features/firstperson/article/3993.html

:thumbsup:

[Bombadil]

bombadil,

One author comes to mind immediately -- Dorothy (D.C.) Fontana. She wrote at least a dozen ST episodes. There is an interview with her, at the ST website. Here's the link:

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/features/firstperson/article/3993.html

:thumbsup:
[I knew that. . .] :no:

[BST]

Well then,

:D

[Bombadil]

I seem to recall that Andre Norton was a pen name for a woman author, whose real name I forget. When I read "his" stuff, I don't remember noticing that there was anything different about it. But then I didn't have much of a frame of reference and there were a lot of things I didn't notice back then.

[Rowan]

My Favorite Sci Fi authore is C.J. Cherryh I'd be curious how a man views her style of writing?

[Dawg]

I thoroughly enjoy C.J. Cherryh myself.

I care less about the gender of the author than I do the quality of the writing. One of my favorite authors of all time is a woman, in fact - Janet Kagan.

If generalities can be appllied (and it's dangerous to do so, you know), I find women authors tend to write more thoughtful novels than most male authors. I think that's why you see few women writing action/adventure and few men writing romance. Mysteries are probably split pretty evenly.

That's my very tired opinion, anyway.

;)

I am
Dawg
:warrior:

[DarkJedi]

I can't believe no one has mentioned Anne McCaffrey yet. She is only the author of the Dragons of Pern books and other scifi books!!!

I am in awe in the presence of that woman. Definately fiesty and full of great knowledge and creativity. :D

[Rowan]

But do you think women authors portray men accurately and do male authors portray women accurately?

Which authors of sci- fi do this well and which do not?

(I have to wait till exams are over to write my reply to this ...this is just a teaser...so what's new:rolleyes: ;) )

[DarkJedi]

Again, I come back to Anne McCaffrey.

If you haven't read her books - I would implore you to pick one up and read it! :D

[Rowan]

Again, I come back to Anne McCaffrey.

If you haven't read her books - I would implore you to pick one up and read it! :DI've read about 75% of her work and love most of it, but then she is a female author and I'm a woman. Are there any guys out there who have read her work and think she portrays men well?

[Darth Marley]

It has probably been 20 yrs since I read anything by her, so I do not remember.
But, it is something I do not recall having issues with.

[Bombadil]

I have read some McCaffrey and she is good. One of my daughters is in love with anything Pern. But there are some exaples of strong, male, "good guys" in her work that I thought were poorly portrayed. Like, Anne meant for them to be well-received, but I thought they were jerks. And that of course makes me wonder about some women characters written by men: what do ladies tend to think of the strong, sassy broads that Heinlein enjoyed so much?
(Other examples also welcome.)
:salute:

[bsg1fan1975]

I read her books in high school and thought they were okay!

[kitty]

Again, I come back to Anne McCaffrey.

If you haven't read her books - I would implore you to pick one up and read it! :D
I have read all of the Pern series and liked it.

I have read so many books and dont take much notice as to what gender wrote it, but to how good it was and wether I want to read anymore by the same author.

One of my favourite female sci-fi writers is Janny Wurts, and I have read most of hers.
She has even co-wrote a series with Raymond E Feist, who I like to read.

[Rowan]

I can read any book without knowing the authors name and tell you if it was written by a woman or a man....:/:

[Bombadil]

I can read any book without knowing the authors name and tell you if it was written by a woman or a man....:/: How can you tell? What are the things you spot that tip you off?

[Bombadil]

Bombadil,
One author comes to mind immediately -- Dorothy (D.C.) Fontana. She wrote at least a dozen ST episodes.
:thumbsup:I am reviewing ST episodes in my mind, and I bet I can guess which ones Fontana wrote!
:)

[cranky1c]

I tried reading McCaffrey when I was in my early teens but just didn't get hooked. Heinlein's female characters always seemed like props surrounding his rougish male characters. I like them, but they're "guy" stories IMO.

Frank Herbert crafted his female characters with considerable depth. I can not think of one Dune novel where a fully developed female character didn't play a central role.

[Rowan]

I tried reading McCaffrey when I was in my early teens but just didn't get hooked. Heinlein's female characters always seemed like props surrounding his rougish male characters. I like them, but they're "guy" stories IMO.

Frank Herbert crafted his female characters with considerable depth. I can not think of one Dune novel where a fully developed female character didn't play a central role.
I would agree with that from a females perspective Frank is an exception to the rule I'm very satisfied with the way he portays his women!:D

[unowhoandwhy]

I try not to pay attention to the gender of the writer and just look at the story itself. If it's a good story then I am happy. If it isn't then I am not. However, I have noticed that some male authors have trouble portraying women with real depth and vice versa. Of course, I have also seen women who can't portray female characters and men who can't portray male characters.

I suppose it all boils down to the writer's own abilities. If you are a truly talented author and insightful person (And, at the moment, Frank Herbert is the only one who comes to mind) then you will have no trouble portraying either gender.

I enjoyed C.J. Cherryh and Andre Norton but it has been a long time since I read them, so I don't remember if they fit the bill. I used to be a big fan of Mercedes Lackey, but every time I read another Heralds of Valdemar book I remember thinking: Why do all the good men have to be gay? I'm sure that tha is a complete generalization, but that is what I remember most.

As for D.C. Fontana, she was instrumental in the character development of (among others) Spock and Jadzia Dax, both very strong and well-written characters, and I have always enjoyed her writing (except for the episode "Charlie X" which I did not like, but it was only the second episode to air, so they hadn't worked the bugs out yet).

[cranky1c]

Herbert's wife was also a major partner in his writting, up untill the very end of her life. Herbert's dedication to his wife in Chapterhouse Dune tells you a lot about the couple. As one of my psych professors once said, the representations we make have something to do with the represntations we carry.

[unowhoandwhy]

David Eddings did a decent job of character depth for both genders in his Belgariad and Malloreon, but then it was disclosed that his wife was his behind-the-scenes writing partner, so that would explain that, probably.

[Bombadil]

I would think that if one wanted to write a story that captured both male and female perspectives. hopes, aspirations, and so on, it would be an excellent idea to use the skills of a talented lady to help one. Or gentleman, as the case may be. How many other such pairs of writers are well-known?

[bsg1fan1975]

I would agree with that from a females perspective Frank is an exception to the rule I'm very satisfied with the way he portays his women!:D


I loved his series. It caught you in its web and made you feel like you were actually living the story. Frank Herbert took you on a wild ride and showed the depths of human emotions. :thumbsup:

[Bombadil]

So which line in Star Wars moves you more: Darth saying to Luke, "I AM your father!" or Leia saying to Han, "Hold me!"

[Rowan]

for me it was definitely "Luke I am your father"

[cranky1c]

"Luke, I AM your father."

Mark Hamill's response to that line is the best acting in any of the Star Wars movies, IMO. For that reason it is more moving to me.

[Rowan]

"Luke, I AM your father."

Mark Hamill's response to that line is the best acting in any of the Star Wars movies, IMO. For that reason it is more moving to me.
I agree the whole scene gave me chills and goose bumps! I loved it!

[Bombadil]

I agree the whole scene gave me chills and goose bumps! I loved it!
Now, see, for me, the most moving moment in the entire trilogy is when Darth says, "Then. . .perhaps SHE can!" [be turned to the Dark Side] and Luke snaps and comes charging out like a blazing white knight on fire and utterly cleans Darth's clock. The heroic rescue of the damsel in danger. Took my breath right away.

[Rowan]

Now, see, for me, the most moving moment in the entire trilogy is when Darth says, "Then. . .perhaps SHE can!" [be turned to the Dark Side] and Luke snaps and comes charging out like a blazing white knight on fire and utterly cleans Darth's clock. The heroic rescue of the damsel in danger. Took my breath right away.
unfortunately for me I read the book before going to see the movie so I knew all along that they were brother and sister etc. which really took the punch out of that moment for me:(

[Bombadil]

Well, I admit I also enjoyed the screwy contortions on Han's face when Leia says, "He's my brother!" Ford is actually very talented with expressions. But he had something to work with, too. I can feel in my own chest the sensation of, "What?? You mean I DO have a chance with this lady?" I remember being in high school and college, and that feeling of hopelessness that a certain someone was completely unattainable. Go for it, Han!!
Does that make me a closet Romantic? Comment, ladies??
:)

[cranky1c]

I know this is a BG site, but I'm going to spew about Luke for a second. (The fun of this stuff is interpretation, BTW, just my view, not knocking anyone else's.)

What makes Luke, IMO, the most intersting character of the series is that he struggles with the temptations of his passions and what he knows is right. There is a conflict between anger and heroics that defines the character. I think of the scene where he nearly kills DV as a loss of control, giving in to the dark side. Only when he's cut off Darth's hand, sees it's mechanical, and shows this expression on his face that says "This is how it begins...." does he stop. I see the attack as a moment of lost control, born out of a positive feeling grant you, but it's still rage.

The scene where DV reveals he's Luke's father, and where he offers him a place with him, is the defining moment for Luke. Rather than join his father, he commits suicide in effect. He calmly rejects self interest (survival) and takes action which says "my death is better than a life under your shadow." No Oedipal implications there....

[Antelope]

This thread really got me thinking. I don't think I have ever read any scifi written by a woman. I never avoided women writers I just usually browse the book store when I travel or when I'm away from home and pick up whatever appears interesting. For whatever reason it usually turns out to be male written (Heinlein,Card,Asimov,Robinson). I read more science than scifi and I can't think of anything I read there either that was written by a woman. In history and politics I maybe get 10% of my reading from women. Only in the area of the supernatural or UFO type stuff do I read woman probably half the time.

I wonder how prevalent women authors are in general once you go beyond the romance section of the book store. I can think of some famous woman authors lately like Rice but in general outside romance woman must be published far less than men. What is the reason for this if true? Do women submit as much non-romance to the publishers? I hear publishers are a pretty liberal lot. Do they still ignore women? I don't know the answer and have no opinion. If any of you are familiar with this please enlighten me.

[bsg1fan1975]

for me it was definitely "Luke I am your father"


that is very chilling because it could have been an outright lie! :eek:

[unowhoandwhy]

Antelope, I'm not sure where you live, but in the book stores I go to I see just as many women authors as men and I do not visit the romance section. I know that in the past there were a lot of women quthors who used male pseudonyms or initials because there was a lot of discrmination. But, this is the 21st century now and there are a lot of women writing freely and openly (among other things).

I'd take a second (and closer) look at authors' names next time you're in a store. You might not have seen it because you weren't looking for it (llike people who never know how many green Jeep Cherokees are on the road until they buy one & are actually looking instead of seeing).

[Antelope]

I do see woman authors in the stores I guess they just aren't as prevalent in the genres I tend to read. I notice more womens names in the fantasy side of scifi (Books with dragons & mythical kind of people). I think in general you just don't see as much in the hard science scifi, science, and history. Next time I go in Barnes and Nobles I'll take a harder look. I know there are woman there but I don't think the percentages are anywhere near equal in what I read. I wonder if woman still do not go into the hard science fields in general today like in the old days.

[Bombadil]

I find it fascinating to really think about the general differences between the way the sexes communicate. On the one hand, you don't want to callously insist that any particular individual follows the sex norm (in my house, my wife is the math expert and I love language, which everybody knows is backwards!) but it is still enlightening to discover and appreciate just what those general differences are. I think we all can see that men love a good action/adventure where women will gravitate toward the romance. Fair enough. But there are other distinctions, too. What are they?

[unowhoandwhy]

I think we all can see that men love a good action/adventure where women will gravitate toward the romance.

Really? Sez who? :D

[Bombadil]

Really? Sez who? :D
Hmmmm. A troublemaker. OK, go ahead and stir things up, Uno! Continue!

[Rowan]

I think we all can see that men love a good action/adventure where women will gravitate toward the romance. Yes I'm going to have to protest that one too!!! I don't read any romance novels! I hate romance novels!! I could count on my fingers the amount I read in my whole life! I much prefer action/adventure are you KIDDING ME??!!! I grew up reading 20 thousand leagues under the sea and Treasure Island, The black stallion series. I like movies like: Terminator, X-men, Broken Arrow, Point Break, Road House, Mission Impossible, Dune, Highlander, Rocky, Cliff hanger, Jackie Chan,The Fugitive, The Bourne Identity, Aliens, Die hard, Galdiator...the list goes on

me thinks thou art a wee bit mistaken about some of us...

[shiningstar]

So which line in Star Wars moves you more: Darth saying to Luke, "I AM your father!" or Leia saying to Han, "Hold me!"

Darth saying to Luke, "IAMyour father!"

That one was PRICELESS! :D

[shiningstar]

Now, see, for me, the most moving moment in the entire trilogy is when Darth says, "Then. . .perhaps SHE can!" [be turned to the Dark Side] and Luke snaps and comes charging out like a blazing white knight on fire and utterly cleans Darth's clock. The heroic rescue of the damsel in danger. Took my breath right away.

I liked that one too!

[shiningstar]

Yes I'm going to have to protest that one too!!! I don't read any romance novels! I hate romance novels!! I could count on my fingers the amount I read in my whole life! I much prefer action/adventure are you KIDDING ME??!!! I grew up reading 20 thousand leagues under the sea and Treasure Island, The black stallion series. I like movies like: Terminator, X-men, Broken Arrow, Point Break, Road House, Mission Impossible, Dune, Highlander, Rocky, Cliff hanger, Jackie Chan,The Fugitive, The Bourne Identity, Aliens, Die hard, Galdiator...the list goes on

me thinks thou art a wee bit mistaken about some of us...

I prefer to read scifi, horror, mystery and SPY novels ...............to that ROMANCE trash :thumbdown:

I'd rather have a ROOT CANAL then READ the romance crap :rage:

[Rowan]

Well, I admit I also enjoyed the screwy contortions on Han's face when Leia says, "He's my brother!" Ford is actually very talented with expressions. But he had something to work with, too. I can feel in my own chest the sensation of, "What?? You mean I DO have a chance with this lady?" I remember being in high school and college, and that feeling of hopelessness that a certain someone was completely unattainable. Go for it, Han!!
Does that make me a closet Romantic? Comment, ladies??
:)
LOL! yes you are a romantic but I think it's a hopeless one not a closet one since you are admitting it to all of us!!;) :D

[Rowan]

So which line in Star Wars moves you more: Darth saying to Luke, "I AM your father!" or Leia saying to Han, "Hold me!"
You know I don't even remember Leia saying that ...which movie? and when?

[Bombadil]

You know I don't even remember Leia saying that ...which movie? and when? When Leia and Han are talking in the village on Endor, and Leia is so upset and Han is starting to fuss at her and she just can't tell him what she's thinking.
I prefer to read scifi, horror, mystery and SPY novels ...............to that ROMANCE trash :
I'd rather have a ROOT CANAL then READ the romance crap :rage:
I agree, but I'm a guy, I expect to feel that way.
Do you think that there is THAT much difference between the female portion of the audience at this forum (higher average intelligence, interest in SF more than Danielle Steele, other. . .)? Remember, I've already remarked that it's a mistake to hold any individual to a general stereotype, but the generalities still exist that cause the stereotype to catch hold.

[Bombadil]

Who do you think is the best woman SF author currently writing? Why?

[Rowan]

CJ Cherryh without doubt! complex, exciting story telling, interesting and well developed characters, remarkable versitility with story ideas, prolific, multiple award winning, I could go on and on!:D

[DarkJedi]

OK, now yall have my attention!!!! Talking StarWars. *drooling* There are many scenes that hit my heart ... aw heck remember who yall are talking too.

As for being drawn to the romance books... only if I can't find anything good in the scifi section. And even then I am bored to tears!

And I have to put in my nomination for Anne McCaffrey!!! ;)

[Proximo]

I'd vote for her puely on the merits of Restoree, but there's a bunch of stuff she's done that tickles my fancy too. I like dragons... :D

[Rowan]

I have to get back to this and answer it properly

[Rowan]

:D

[DarkJedi]

Rowan, what do you mean by "answer it properly"?

[Rowan]

DarkJedi, I was in school at the time these questions were asked and I could not really give it my full attention, I always intended to come back and properly answer them. So I'm preparing a complete and thourough and detailed response to this question.;) :D

Suddenly I am interested in what the ladies think about male authors. And vice versa. And about general differences in gender perspective. How male authors portray women. How female authors portray men. Anybody got thoughts to share?


But do you think women authors portray men accurately and do male authors portray women accurately?

Which authors of sci- fi do this well and which do not?

That of course makes me wonder about some women characters written by men: what do ladies tend to think of the strong, sassy broads that Heinlein enjoyed so much? (Other examples also welcome.)

Originally Posted by Rowan

I can read any book without knowing the authors name and tell you if it was written by a woman or a man
How can you tell? What are the things you spot that tip you off?

[DarkJedi]

LOL I was confused by your comment that's why I asked. lol

How were finals btw???

[Rowan]

LOL I was confused by your comment that's why I asked. lol It was a rather cryptic post wasn't it!;)

How were finals btw??? I did well I passed them:D thanks for asking:)

[gmd3d]

some of the woman sci-fi authors i like Margaret Wander Bonanno who wrote
Strangers From the Sky a star trek novel I like a lot.
Diane Carey ' Vonda N. McIntyre 'Jean Lorrah'Diane Duane

[unowhoandwhy]

some of the woman sci-fi authors i like Margaret Wander Bonanno who wrote
Strangers From the Sky a star trek novel I like a lot.
Diane Carey ' Vonda N. McIntyre 'Jean Lorrah'Diane Duane

I'm sensing a theme, here, potemkin. Could it be that you like ST: TOS novels? I think that I have enjoyed the same books as you did. I can't wait to remodel my house and get all my books out of storage so I can reread them again (and again).

[gmd3d]

yeah Star Trek were the first books I ever read, Strangers From the Sky is in the top 5 Star Trek books I have read. I never read a book before I was 15 being dislexic it was always a problem I am 34 now and there is always a book near me (I admit it I am a book - aholic). second book was 2001 A Space Odyssey and the da da The Lord of the Rings took me 6 months and have read it 12 times since then.
But if you have not read Strangers from the Sky give it a go .
all the best

[unowhoandwhy]

I've read all the TOS novels up to about 2001. I sort of lost track after that due to moving, real life, etc. I own all of them and have read several of them quite a few times (all of the good Spock ones). Strangers from the Sky was a fave, as was Uhura's Song (big a$$ cats with prehensile tails is such a great concept how could I not like it!). Black Fire was also fun.... Spock as a pirate, who could resist?

It took me almost twenty years to read Tolkien. I started to read the first book when I was ten and gave up in boredom. I spent many years wondering what the heck everyone saw in him. Then about three years ago I decided to give the books another try (I wanted to see the movies, as they looked really interesting). Well, no one had ever told me that the first part of the first book is the only boring section and that after the backstroy is set up the series deserves all the commendations! I thoroughly enjoyed the books and was very happy with the movies (I even own the extended DVD version of the Two Towers and have watched it with and without commentary.).

[gmd3d]

I have not read many Star trek books myself over the last 2 years I thing the the market has been swamped with star trek books so I give them a break and after looking through some stored books a found BSG book and I was hooked.
I loved Uhura's Song as it was great to see a character we normaly don't see
have their own story I will have to look at that one again.
The Lord of the Rings is my all time fav book it has so much in it each time I read it there is something new, my fav character is Sam, so much devotion to Frodo
sam for me is the real strength in LOTR.
:salute:
regards potemkin

[Bombadil]

My wife just bought E.E. Smith's Skylark of Space set because it is one of my all-time favorite works, I lost my last set somewhere, and she wants to get to know me better by reading some more of my favorite stuff. (28 years of marriage and she's still working on fun stuff like that! Gotta love her!)

Anyway, the point is that the introduction explains that Smith had a collaborator, a Ms. Lee Hawkins Garby (but women didn't call themselves "Ms." back then, of course) to help him get the romance sections right. Apparently "Doc" figured that, since he was a man, he was inherently unqualified to write romantic vignettes properly so he got, of course, a woman to help him out.

Just thought I'd pass that factoid along.

[unowhoandwhy]

I still intend to check that series out, but I'm working on the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan right now. I started Book Four last night at 9PM just before the power went out and had to get my oil lantern out so I could continue reading for another 2 hours. I am enjoying it and I really only started reading it because it was one of the few "big" (in number of words and in name) series I hadn't read. A pleasant surprise, although sometimes the story gets bogged down a little. And he is fairly good at portraying strong female characters. Actually, the primary male characters all seem to recognize their place in the scheme of things (ie: the women run the show).

[Rowan]

And he is fairly good at portraying strong female characters. Actually, the primary male characters all seem to recognize their place in the scheme of things (ie: the women run the show).:D :D ;)

[Laura]

I am really enjoying Skylark of Space . I absolutely love it. I can hardly put it down. One of the things I like best is how Smith portrays the leading female character as a real lady. She is wholesome in every way. This makes her very attractive to her man. She is so understanding when he ignores her for a week. (right after they got engaged) He explains that he has just made a new scientific discovery and she is perfectly all right with his explanation. She is so supportive of her man. Which makes her all the more endearing to him. If only more women today could understand how happy they would be if they acted this way.

[unowhoandwhy]

If only more women today could understand how happy they would be if they acted this way.

Ummmm... only if the man acts the same. What's good for the goose is just as good for the gander, IMHO. And ignoring me for a week? Hmmmmmm.....

[Laura]

Ummmm... only if the man acts the same. What's good for the goose is just as good for the gander, IMHO. And ignoring me for a week? Hmmmmmm..... Uno,
Yes, I guess I was assuming that the man was a "good guy" obviously a stinker would be a different story. I just believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt.