Writing male characters without resorting to stereotypes can prove challenging for some writers, especially when they must cross the gender barrier in order to do so. But with some research, close observation, and practice, it is possible to write a believable and authentic male character—regardless of the book’s genre or narrative structure.

Read on for some things to keep in mind. And remember: The goal is to create a convincing male character (not a perfect one), so be sure you’re allowing yourself some creative flexibility.

Take time to observe
Men inherently move around the world in different ways as a product of countless factors: societal, psychological, and emotional. This often results in physical characteristics and mannerisms that reflect such a difference. The best way to absorb these to later include them in your male character is to sit and really observe the men around you.

The best places to do this are the same places I’ve recommended for character inspiration in the past: parks, cafés, libraries . . . basically anywhere that you can see different men coming and going without being noticed. Jot down anything you observe—from the way men stand and their voices when talking to others to the way they walk down the street and their gestures when interacting with someone. If you sit and watch long enough, I guarantee you’ll pick up patterns. It’s these patterns that you can subtly incorporate into your male characters’ dialogue, physicality, and more to make them feel more real.

Consider their environment
No two men will act the same way, in part because no two men have grown up in the exact same environment with the exact same interactions. It is one’s experiences that help make people who we are, so it’s vital that you think about your male characters’ unique combination of life events when writing. Consider the time period of your novel: What were men expected to act like then? Think about where in the world your character was born, raised, and/or lived as an adult. What are the expectations for men in that region? Contemplate who would have populated your characters’ social, familial, and cultural circle during their formidable years. What would society dictate as “normal” for men within the world of your novel?

This may seem like a lot of legwork for a character who may not even be the center point of your book, but trust me—doing the work in the planning phase will greatly help you avoid the clichés that can turn a potentially intriguing male figure into a stereotype.

Avoid flat dialogue
One thing you may have noticed about some men is that they might communicate a bit differently than women. While it might look different, it should still convey depth. Try to avoid flat dialogue that is simply conveying information to the reader, and use action beats to show how the character might be feeling as he is speaking.

Focus on the visual
Men tend to be visual creatures, so it might be a good idea to focus on that particular sense when writing from a male perspective. This point is particularly vital to keep in mind when the male character is also the narrator. They often notice subtle details, especially if it’s about someone they find particularly interesting or attractive. Play into that by focusing on the way someone moves or dresses or laughs in order to reflect the visual details that your character would notice.

Feel the feels
I wanted to be sure and tackle this stereotypical idea that often pops up in writing: that men don’t feel big emotions or undergo major emotional changes. Creating a male character with no emotional depth is a surefire way to lose the interest of your readers.

Everyone demonstrates their feelings differently, though societal expectations often force men to do so in a more understated way. They confess their love, for example, but somewhere quiet and out of the way. They cry, but perhaps not in public. What’s most important to keep in mind is that the range of emotions is there—even if it’s not always put into words.

Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.