Who's a better writer, men or women?

[Graceia]

I would not want to peg writing to gender because I believe those who choose to write, put in their all. Sometimes, the all could be disappointing but the authors are better placed than those unable to put the flow of thoughts to paper.
I choose books to read based on titles and not authors. However, it just happens that most of the books I read are mostly written by men. This is not to say that women are lesser writers or men greater writers.

[DesireeRose]

I believe it depends on the talents of the individual...not really on the gender. Of course, often times women will be better and writing certain things than men, such as romances, and men may tend to be better at writing horror, for example. However, that is simply based off of stereotypes, and anyone can be good at writing anything. It all depends on personality, talent, and experience.

[VictoriaMcMillen]

You know, I have never really thought of this until you posed the question... looking at my bookshelves and recalling the books that I have read over time. I suppose I have read from more female authors then males in my time. Also that the first interesting book I had read growing up was also a female author that went on to write several in a series and became remarkably successful, J. K. Rowling. I believe women are caretakers and they really tend to think a great deal about what they are doing and take great care in making sure things make sense or play out right. Men are highly-capable and good writers too though!

[SparklesonPages]

There are excellent writers that tell their tales and you forget everything about them(the author). In those pages, the only thing you know is the story being told. Those are the greats and they can be of any gender and span all genres.

[KRay93]

It seems a bit silly to me wanting to distinguish between men and women when it comes to writing. This should be a matter of talent, ability and even commitment; there's no such thing as distinguishing by gender in these cases. Of course, there are certain cultural and educational factors when it comes to discerning literary genres; it is likely that in most cases women are more natural to write romance or books for children, while men might be prone to write thrillers and action. We must also consider the progress of women in terms of social recognition; women have gained territory in fantasy, for instance, although it still seems that science fiction (unlike the speculative one) proves a difficult field for them to conquer.

[GabbiV]

I think that before discussing general differences that may or may not be there, it should be said that historically women have been silenced so there is overall less material to take into account on their part.

That said, Mary Shelley invented science fiction so my respect for like authors tends to lean accordingly.

I can't say I'm particularly well-read but I don't think I can say that there are any discernable differences amongst authors unless the comparison is one on one.

[JodyVamp]

Judging by my on library, I'd have to say both. I've read amazing and terrible books by both sexes and had disappointments from series I used to love by both. Yes, there are a lot of women that write romance which I personally can't stand, but I've known of men that excel in the area. There are also several women that I've come across in comedy and thriller genres that I prefer. It's really a matter of skill and original ideas, which anyone can have.

[[kp]]

I know a ton of men who write romance under a female pen name. Unfortunately when it comes to the romance/erotica genre, it holds true as female dominated. Sci Fi is dominated by men. The reason JK Rowling used initials instead of her given name was not mistake - it was done so that a woman's story would be taken seriously.

Women have struggled in the writing world because for a long time, women couldn't get published because they were, well, women. Those few that did were either well connected or allowed to publish poetry predominantly.

Personally, as a writer, I tend to lean more toward male dominated stereotypes (action, horror, thriller, sci fi, and lean far away from the emotional side). It doesn't make me a better or worse writer.

I feel like this question should have been: "Which is better, a good writer or a bad writer?" Because that is a question that, while still extremely subjective, can at least be quantified with more calculated reasoning.

[Mr Benji]

I think to be fair to both sides, the statistics of award winning books or popular writings should viewed.I guess you would expect more men than women.

[mamalui]

Sorry ladies! I think men are better authors than women. To me men have a wider outlook on things than women so make for better authors than women any day..

[Aituaje]

Based on my reading experience, women tend to be better at describing relationships and telling stories -- they are more likely to write very plot driven books that can be easily summarised in a few sentences. Men, on the other hand, tend to be better at writing about the environment; building worlds, writing about travels and adventures, etc.

As for which is a better writer, that would depend on the interest of the reader. For me, I'm more interested in adventures and fantasy worlds and the like, so I tend to gravitate towards male authors. But if I want to read something cozy, then I'll probably look among female authors.

[Helen_Combe]

Everybody is an individual. I never like sweeping statements, they cannot be right in a world of such diversity.
There are many women writers who write under a male pseudonym to avoid being dismissed as chic lit unread. The Brontës wrote as men because their passionate and violent subjects were deemed unsuitable for women.

[mshogrider67]

That's a hard question. I think it more depends on the story line. Some books need a male or female point of view to make them really happen. Sometimes men can be too sappy when a female is writting, but others can be strong as nails. Woman can be a bit to needy in some male point of views but also in the female point. So for me it's a 50/50

[rave_2]

Both? I've read books written by both genders, and they do just fine.

[Amanda Nixon]

I don't think it depends on gender. It definitely has to do with the talent, dedication, and passion of the individual.