Well of course we can.  For the purists out there let me rephrase the question:  Can men write good chicklit?  Yes, that’s better.  Answers on a postcard please…

Alright, alright, I’ll hold my hands up.  I have a vested interest here.  I’ve written something purporting to be chicklit (but between you and me it’s more romcom – is there a difference?) and I’m curious if readers and fellow writers have any pre-conceptions about chicklit written by a man.  I’ve carried out a very brief online survey and the general consensus appeared to be ‘hmmm, not sure.  But it depends on the personality of the author.’  So like many great surveys of our time, not earth shattering news.  Although one respondent did suggest the appeal of reading chicklit written from the male’s perspective – crikey, this is getting complicated.  Is that still chicklit? I fear for the acronym that might be created for such a  genre.

My wee short story, Love Line, is written from a lead female perspective.  However, I am toying with the idea of writing a sequel from her lover’s perspective (a Marcus reveals all kinda thing) but not if you folks tell me this is a rotten apple.  An older colleague of mine once stated, ‘You can’t make chicken pie from chicken shit’ and I wonder if that might be apt here.

All thoughts are much appreciated to help me navigate these dark and mysterious waters.