Just Drink and Feminism

When I first began writing 'Just Drink', I was locked in a controlling relationship with a man who led me to believe he was dying of brain cancer, when in fact, he wasn't.  I can't begin to tell you what that kind of deception does to your sanity.

Initially, the character of Shaiyan was as helpless as I felt, at the mercy of the world and her self-assigned male protector.  However I always knew I wanted her character to grow from helplessness to strength, and the evolution of this book has been the evolution of showing her journey from trapped child to strong, mature woman who lets no man (or woman!) stand in her way.

While the intial framework may be criticised by feminists,  I beg your indulgence.  My passion is for showing strong, female characters because that's the kind of hero I want to see.  I am one of you.  Yes, Shaiyan does start out being rescued by a handsome, older guy (for reasons), but by the end of the book, she has not only found her feet, but found herself to be a more than capable leader, equal to any who challenge her.  The intention is for her to lead the series forward from this point into the second book in this series, which is already partially written.

As a feminist, I believe that men and women should have equal opportunities, respect and understanding.  The sexes are different, but I don't believe those differences deserve as much emphasis as they've had in the past, where they've been used to essentially create a second-citizen status for an entire sex.

In my writing, sometimes men lead.  Sometimes women lead.  Each character has their strengths and flaws and they may be 'typical' of that gender - or they may not.  I believe that is the true evolution of feminism.  Not women subjugating men, or male characters being relegated to second tier status as a matter of course.  When men and women stand side by side, each strong and resilient and willing to learn and change the world around them for the better, we will have created a better world.


Kaia