Like other female mystery writers, my fear factor goes up several notches if ever I feel that I’ve shortchanged the men in my stories.

If their actions and words don’t ring true, I’ll be disappointing too many very important readers who — ahem — also happen to be men.

Many men don’t read romance. But they will read romantic suspense–

If it’s done right.

I’m very proud of this blog, if for one reason: all the women who write it get it right, when they write about men.

If I doubt any scene I’ve written, I read it out loud to my husband. He’ll be the first one to say: “Nope! No guy would say that…” or “Take that out. It’s too girly.”

Our genders different body parts, for sure. We’re also wired differently. There are reasons women have pity parties, whereas men just hide in their caves.

I wonder if my two favorite male mystery and suspense writers – Martin Cruz Smith and John LeCarre — go through this process, too?

I do know one thing: they get women right.

Something tells me their wives have something to do with it.

In fact, here’s a review I gave my favorite LeCarre novel, The Night Manager. I would thoroughly suggest you pick it up and try it.

I’m glad to see that the new James Bond movie series is getting right, too. The scene below, from Casino Royale, the very first Bond movie with Daniel Craig, is a perfect example of this.

Watch it and enjoy,

-- Josie

 

CONTEST QUESTION:

What is your favorite scene between a man and a woman,
written by any of the authors on
the MURDER SHE WRITES blog?

Feel free to quote a passage, or a bit of dialogue,
that stuck with you since you read it.

Anyone who comments below is automatically entered
to win a copy of my digital eBook*,


THE HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN’S HANDBOOK

I’ll announce the winner in my next column,
Monday,  February 20, 2012!