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As readers, it’s easy to take for granted how easily the point of view can shift in a novel. We flip from hero to heroine, and (in good writing) never think about the fact the author may be a woman diving into the male mind. Adrian Phoenix, who writes from both the male and female perspective in her Maker’s Song series, was kind enough to lay out how she learned the way men think so she could give us honest characters.
And, after you laugh your way past the ways she learned about how things feel to guys, we’re offering up four (!) copies of her latest Maker’s Song book, Etched in Bone, compliments of Pocket Books.
FLIPSIDE: WRITING FROM THE MALE POINT OF VIEW
by Adrian Phoenix
Guys think differently from women, No denying it. I’ve raised two sons and have witnessed their peculiarities—to females, anyway—time and again with utter fascination (and occasional irritation).
Belladonna Brown, a voodooienne in my Hoodoo series, has this to say about the general helplessness of the male of the species in Black Heart Loa (Pocket, July 2011): “Falling into pits. Knocking their thick skulls against, from, on or off all manner of hard-add things. Hurling themselves out of objects moving at high rates of speed and/or altitudes. Poking sticks at things they shouldn’t. Without us . . .”
Given all the various trips to the emergency room for stitches and casts—You what? Why the hell would you use a knife as a screw driver? No, I don’t think bottle rockets lashed to the wheels of your skateboard was an innovative idea—as my sons were growing up, I say give me an amen.
Plus, just what is it about farts and fart jokes that provide them with endless amusement, even as adults? The conspiratorial glances and endless snickers. Every woman alive knows that farts are to be ignored. Ahem.
And sex is definitely regarded in a different light: most females see it as a promise, most males as skin-on-skin fun. (Note: I say “most” not “all.”)
But despite the differences in perceptions, our emotions (hidden or on our sleeves), our hearts, how we fall in love, how our hearts are broken, is the same, no matter the gender.
I love writing from a male POV. I write from the POV of female leads too, of course. In the Maker’s Song books, I show the story from Dante’s perspective and from Heather’s; from mortal viewpoint and from those of vampire and Fallen—but while I can use my imagination for nightkind and fallen angels, the male characters need to be real no matter their species—mortal, Fallen, and vampire.
I believe I have a good handle on emotions and perceptions and attitudes—in some ways, we’re not all that different—but male sexual habits, how they feel during sex, the process? I was in the dark. Sure, I could imagine, base it on my experiences with men, but that wasn’t enough. I wanted to know so I could completely envision what my male characters felt when gripped by lust or caught up in passion or horny and alone.
Which led to a fascinating and (sometimes) embarrassing bit of research. After a few phone calls, I visited willing-to-be-interviewed male friends (gay and straight), notebook in hand and started asking questions that slowly lifted their eyebrows and caused more than one cleared throat and many moments of awkward silence. Is she actually writing down my masturbation habits?
Answer: Yes. Yes, she is.
Some of the topics I broached were: How quickly do you get an erection? Does it depend on who you’re with? Where you are? What you’re doing? How does it feel? How do you deal with an unexpected or inconvenient erection—in a public place? Alone? How often do you masturbate? How does an orgasm feel? How does a woman feel when you’re inside her? Does sex feel different when you’re with someone you love as apposed to someone you’ve been lusting over?
Some of this I knew—or suspected from experience—much I didn’t. We often understand how to arouse our partners, but we know little of how it feels, and the emotions that are also aroused.
Awkward moments aside—along with an unspoken promise to each male interviewee never to speak of this again—I learned a helluva lot. All of which has been funneled into my male characters.
Writing from a male point of view is fun, often challenging, but that’s what writing is all about—exploring, sharing, stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning.
I absolutely enjoy writing from multiple points of view: female, male, mortal, immortal. And always will.
Not caught up on the Maker’s Song series? You can pick up the first book A Rush of Wings from Amazon.
Oh, that's right, sometimes we escape into the male mind!
Pocket Books has given us four — yes, four — copies of Adrian Phoenix’s Etched in Bone for our readers. As this contest is part of our Reading Escapes series, we’re going to ask you which male mind you most like escaping into. Is it Dante from the Maker’s Song books? Could it be Harry Dresden? Could it be Zsadist? Answer in the comments below on or before April 12 to enter.
CONTEST DETAILS AND RULES
1. You must leave a comment on this post answering: Which male mind do you most like escaping into?
2. Because we love our readers, let us know if you follow Vampire Book Club in some fashion (Google, RSS, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and get one bonus entry.
3. This contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.
4. Contest is closes at 11:59 p.m. CST on Tuesday, April 12.
5. The winners will be selected using Random.org. Then they will be contacted via email and given 48 hours to claim their prizes. If we do not hear from the winner(s) within that time, a new winner will be selected.
6. Entrants must be at least 18 years old or have their parent’s permission to enter. Please review our privacy policy, if you have any questions as to how Vampire Book Club uses your information. (Short version: we’ll only use it to contact you for this contest.)
7. Though unlikely, Vampire Book Club has the right to change or cancel any giveaway at any time without prior notice.
8. Thanks to Pocket Books for providing the prizes.
For a male character; I liked being inside of Jericho Barrons head, in Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. Karen did not let you see threw his perspective much (and only towards the end of the series) but it was such a treat. He is such a mysterious character that you felt privileged that the author let hear his thoughts.
For a female, I enjoyed Sookie from the “oh so famous”, Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. I felt she was very human for a fantasy novel. She was physically bounded like the rest of us (she coudn’t run very far without discomfort, fall down stairs without breaking something, ect.),save when vampire blood helped her out a little. She also thought like a human, too. Sookie was devastated by having to hurt people. And killing someone? That really took a toll on her. A real person could not hurt or kill someone without feeling the psychological effects, morally, religiously. And then with all this turmoil she still stayed upbeat and made the reader laugh. So even though this character stayed realistic, she was also not a drag to read about.
And for one last POV I enjoyed, (which I could say I equally appreciated from both the male and female views) was The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. The women was strong, independent and someone every women should hope to be. Yes, she did have her weaknesses, but she hid them well and did not let them interfere with what she loved most, her job. Now the male, he was of course; strong, lean, sexy, physically everything you want from a romance novel. Now the difference was when you were in his POV you realize he wasn’t perfect! Unlike Barrons, who I mentioned before, he didn’t always have the right answer and do everything just right. He would do something so unbelievably stupid and mess everything up, but being in his mind, you as the reader, realize he had all good intentions in these actions. All though it may seem a little sexist (sorry) he thought like a man. But this made him more romantic to me. He was trying, even if he wasn’t very good at it. Makes you think twice about when that special person in your life does something idiotic.
My protagonist is male and I love writing from his perspective, in fact I sometime feel more comfortable there.
Reading from a male POV it has to be Dante and no I’m not just saying that because of Adrian but because I like being in his head and knowing how he thinks.
Please do not enter me in the contest I have all of Adrian’s books already.
Adrian, great blog and I am so glad I am not a male friend LOL…
I’ve always found it easier to write from the male POV than the female, especially when the female is nothing like me! But I laughed out loud when I read about Adrian’s research into male sexual habits/feelings!! Fantastic! You should publish the results, Adrian! Help us all out!
As far as reading in the male POV, I’d have to say Von, because he sees things in such a straightforward way.
Don’t enter me in the contest, I have every one of Adrian’s books and love them all!
I have to say I love reading Dante’s POV, because he is such an interesting character. To know what he is going through makes me feel connected to him. He is a great and complex character.
Great research Adrian and LOL, what great friends you have! But, I would be very interested in your results as well!
I do not need to be entered into the contest as I also have all of Adrian’s books, they are my favs!
I like to read from any male poiNt of view. I feel like I’m allowed into a strange secret world…lol. THanks for the giveaway!
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I loved this post! I am already a huge fan of Ms Phoenix and have this book so don’t enter me, please, just wanted to tell everyone they need to read this series (and her Hoodoo series, too!)!! =)
I love Harry Dresden! He’s funny and thoughtful and is someone who I would love to meet and talk to.
I follow you on Google Friends Connect, Facebook and Twitter. I get so many great ideas of what book I want to read next here!
This is such a great topic. I love reading from male pov. I think it’s interesting to be “inside” a guys head. It is interesting to see why the act so differently from us.
I like Wraith from the Demonica series pov. He’s just so snarky.
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So glad y’all enjoyed the blog! I’d consider posting the results from my sex habits interviews if I thought I could do so without the guys stuffing me into a closet, then padlocking it. LOL.
I do follow 🙂 I love escaping into the bad boys mind. The devious and devilish rake 🙂
adrian, that was so cool…i never thought about the research needed to really get into a guy’s psyche on some elements, especially sex…but this has been an interesting bit of info…and i say post the info! they’ll have to catch you first and you know we’ll hide you *winks*
and i too have copies of all the books, cuz she just totally rocks!!!
keep writing!
I’m not entering the comp but I just had to say that interview was hilarious. I’m just imagining the mens faces when you asked the questions lol priceless.
Great interview! Thanks! I like Harry Dresden, too… I don’t think I’ve read many male POVs, but Harry is hilarious!
I follow here… I also stalk you on Twitter… 😉 @Pyffer
I’m going to have to check out Ms. Phoenix’s books… They sound good. I must admit, they are on my WL, but I haven’t gotten to them yet.
Thanks, Conn! I know I can count on the Hellions to hide me. 😉
Glad you enjoyed the guest blog, Nancy! Yeah, the look on their faces – priceless. 😉 Dear God, what did I agree to???
I would say I love to be in V’s mind from Lover Unbound by JR Ward. I feel that Ward does well with her male characters. They feel real and the emotions they have and their past experiences are heartbreaking at times.
Thanks for the great post.
I follow via GFC
It’s nice to see a situation from a male perspective, no matter the scene. I don’t know who I would choose. So many of the men in the paranormal world have either a tragic past or something to work through, but then it does make them stronger in the end. I guess I would say Zsadist or Butch. Zsadist because he overcame so much, and Butch because he was on the outside looking in, so he sees both perspectives.
Awwww…Adrian, no way I could ever see anyone stuffing you in a closet. The Devil, they say is all in the details…Sometime you gotta ask questions;)
Great post ty so much sharing! I can’t wait for Etched.
I’d have to say I am pretty infatuated wih Dante from the Maker’s Song series ;). I also really enjoyed Wraith in Larissa Ion’s Demonica series.
pams00 @ aol.com
Thanks, Nate, but they totally would! However, I could remind them that they gladly volunteered – A chance to talk about sex? Sure! Um. Wait. Why are you asking me THAT?? – LOL.
But, yup, sometimes you gotta ask questions!
Hugs!
Well, you could publish the results and leave out their names. that way we would never know your sources and then maybe you would be safe.
Thanks so much, Pam! Glad you enjoyed the blog!
Holy moly, Adrian…. Who would have thought…. That kind of research…. The forum prude is turning red!!! ;)=
But good for you AND us!!
Did you promise to delete your notes or is that going to be another book??? ;)=
Funny how true it is though. Men are sometimes very different…
A movie/show (and it doesn’t matter if it is a real or animated movie/ show) that is totally funny to me can be NOT funny at all for my hubby, till somebody pukes, takes a dump, or burps. That cracks him up to no end and I am totally grossed out!! :)=
I also wanted to let you know how happy I am for you that you are so busy with your new full time job and with that get the recognition you so much deserve!
You are the best!!
Big hugs, Kerstin ^o^
Thanks so much, Kerstin! Actually, YOU’RE the best! 🙂
Hugs!
Great post. I find I like reading the male POV.
I am a follower here and Twitter (Jovial_1)
I can’t say I actually enjoy being inside the male mind.
I follow via RSS and twitter (eheinlen).
I do love Dante, but I also love Rob Thurman’s Cal Leandros.
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
oops, forgot to mention I’m a gfc follower
I love getting inside Harry Dresden’s mind. He’s funny and very entertaining!
I love reading from a males point of view and given I have read anything from Adrian Phoenix, I went to Amazon.com and ordered A Rush of Wings. This was a great interview and I am glad to have joined Vampire Book Club! I follow via Google and on Facebook! LOVE YA!!!
I do love Valon Layne! I can’t wait to see more of him and get into his mind a little. And after the wet boxers contest I would really like to see pictures! :O But I also love to hear the things that go on in Dante’s mind! He is a tangled wonder of awe! Thanks for the great books Adrian!
I do follow on facebook and I think I will pop over and follow on twitter as well!
Thanks so much, Gladys and Deb! Gladys, I hope you enjoy A Rush of Wings!
Deb, more of Layne is coming with Black Heart Loa!
Yea! I am very excited for Black Heart Loa! I couldn’t put Black Dust Mambo down. It’s so original and intense and every little thing I like in a book.
For a male character; I liked being inside of Jericho Barrons head, in Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series.
I always liked Stefan’s POV from the original Vampire Diaries.
GFC follower.
No Adrian, I insist, you’re the best!!!
Love, love, Kerstin
^o^
I admit, i find it harder to connect to male leads in books – especially when written by a man – so i’d have to say my fav is Cassel from White Cat (pretty sure i spelled that right!) – I enjoyed feeling his turmoil in his dysfunctional family situation. (Facebook & twitter follower)
I love Adrian AND harry!!!! I also follow you on facebook!! Thanks
i love a good paranormal romance novel… havent met 1 i didnt like..i follow you on yahoo
I havent had the chance to read any of Adrian Phoenix books yet, but will soon change that hopefully. But when it comes to which male mind I like to be in I would have to say Vishous from Blackdagger brotherhood. There is just something about his thoughts that are catching. I’m not sure if its his dominant nature, or where inside where no one can see him, he’s submissive in soo many ways when it comes to the people he cares about.
The Male character’s head I would love to be in would have to be Torin from the Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter.
I’m a GFC follower and on Facebook.
Hmmm. I think that I’d like to get into the head of Jeaniene Frost’s character Mencheres.
I follow on GFC and FB
hmmmm… this is a hard question, i think i would want to have the perspective of Jessie from The Mediator series by Meg Cabot
* laughs* I so do love your interviews. As much as I would love to be in Dante’s mind, I would love nothing more then to be in Jean Claude’s mind from Anita Blake series. * smirks* I could only imagine.
No need to enter in the contest. I already have EIB! Keep it going Adrian. *hugs*
I love reading the snippets from Curran’s POV from Ilona and Gordon Andrews website. It is a great peek into a fascinating male characters POV. I like Cal from Rob Thurman’s series, and Harry Dresden of course.
Simon Green’s books too. There are actually quite a few series I like that are from a guy’s perspective or written by a guy that I enjoy. I just read the Vampire Voss and The Vampire Demitri that were almost exclusively from the guy’s perspectives. The difference is, I think, if it is written by a guy or by a girl who can really think like a guy, the male protagonist doesn’t obsess about his relationships and lets face it, that is a big part of women’s fiction.
I think someone else mentioned it above, but I would love to be inside Jericho Barrons’ mind.
Hey Adrian! ::waves::
I always love your interviews and guest posts. 🙂
Definitely Dante’s dirty mind. Although the actual reason being is that you are always left wondering what else he is thinking. Adrian Phoenix captures your full attention with his character. This makes Dante more mysterious and realistic.
i def love being in dante’s lil dirty mind of his. we all female always want to know what a man thinking, how he feel or anything that the male dont show on the outside. so yea i def like the pov from a dante…
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I love reading from a male’s POV every once in a while.
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I love reading in a male’s POV just to see how different their minds are. So reading in Dante’s POV was cool to see the difference in how he thinks than Heather’s.
I follow you on Twitter and Facebook also.