How many characters do you have? Do you prefer males or females?

A two part question deserves a two part answer.

How many characters do I have?

As many as I need.

I can’t put a number to the horde. It depends on the story. I’ve written some quite well with two characters, one was within a single character’s head, and others (my more ambitious) with casts of thousands, each with their own subplot that intricately connects with other characters’ plots.

I collect characters like a kid does Pokemon cards.

Phew.

Do I prefer males or females?

I prefer males. There’s no particular reason for it, I just create more male characters. I’ve created several female characters whom I’m quite fond of, and definitely want to write more about, but…the stories I’m trying to tell call for male characters.

Maybe one of these days I’ll surprise myself and write a completely female-centric story. I have one in mind…