I recently got a review of my novel Then . . . you. It was a good one and I actually enjoyed it in spite of it being the only one who gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
Here is the line in the review that made me smile:
"The only thing was that I couldn't relate to Jenna since she cried every day over pretty much everything."
"Jenna" is the co-protagonist in this story referred to by this reviewer who no doubt prefers a female heroine with a less emotional personality. The thing about Jenna is she's a strong young woman, but she is definitely inclined to allow her emotional responses to result in tears.
If I do say so myself, I can be pretty tough - not so much physically anymore although I used to be fairly tough for my size. Working with Thoroughbreds tends to make you tough or occasionally suffer the consequences. However, tears can come to me over just about anything. I've been known to sob at certain commercials, cry with others who weep, definitely tend to tear up if I see a strong man moved to tears, and the list goes on. In that respect, I "know" Jenna - the deeply felt and acted upon emotions that made up her inner female. Plus, serious regrets play a part in those kinds of emotional reactions, and Jenna had some of those to deal with. I can testify personally about when some memories of my past conduct come to mind, tears play an immediate part in reaction to them and getting them shut down.
The point being, as an author we're not going to write characters that everyone can relate to with personalities that fit their concepts for either men or women. Almost all of us have our favorite authors who write characters we love, but even then a particular reaction to a circumstance by that favorite will disappoint or annoy us.
I appreciate this reviewer who told it like it was - in their opinion. An honest but favorable review. Thank you.
Father, thank you for words, stories, characters, the works. As always, I can never thank you enough. Please help me to keep writing stories you have just for me to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.