From mush to plush

Yeah, that was pushing it :P

As I think I stated here before, I had a very hard time turning off the inner editor in this year's go around of NaNoWriMo. This story has been in the works for sometime. As I had already written more than NaNo's requirement and thrown it out, I suppose I already had my mush pile.

Realistically, I have a great story. I'm working on pulling all the POVs together. I have an umbrella story (think Acheron from Sherilynn Kenyon) and the lovers story, and the demons in the back ground. There will be one big bad ass demon that is there for a few novels before I do something about her. Yes, the biggest bad ass demon is a female.

I believe women are as capable of men at things and vice-versa. I know there is some physical differences, but as I have a 5'8", or maybe she is up to 5'9" now, daughter as sturdy and strong as you could ask for, I do not see those limitations as much as others. Of course, I'm only 5'3", but I'm tough as nails. Or, I used to be before I got old :P

I was a firefighter, EMT, Search and Rescue Worker. My husband, who was also a firefighter, EMT (it's how we met!) is also a great sewer and cook. I never like to limit my characters.

How about you? Do you find yourself, in your writing or real life, limiting people unconsciously because of their sex? Take a close look, and let's be honest, this if for posterity's sake, how does it feel? Okay, that went off on a Princess Bride tangent :D What I was starting to say before my brain so pleasantly interrupted, is take a close look at your MS and your life views. How are you limiting yourself or the people around you? Or are you? You may be surprised at your answers.

For me, I forget to toughen my men up in my WIP. I forget some of the things that need to be said "out loud" so to speak. In my books, it is assumed (by me, the author) that men have a strength of character or a strong woman would not like them in the first place.

I forget to show that strength. What does that mean? It means I need to go about showing those characteristics in a positive way. What is it you do, or don't do, as the case may be?