Making characters is an art.
One that tends to favour men,
Like many others.

Women authors are accused of making self-inserts,
Power fantasies of Worth, Competence, Self Determination
Given harsher critique, before being dismissed as trite.

Non-binary authors don't exist in the minds of the public.
Name five. Name even one. Even I'm not immune.
I can only name one other, and I can't recall her full name.

Can I consider myself an author?
A writer, sure. A poet, probably.
I have confidence in all the wrong places it seems.

How do I make a character with depth,
With personal trauma,
With dreams and aspirations,
With realistic flaws,
With the ability to be valued?

How can I, without pouring myself into them?
If I make the characters an extension of myself,
Do I not limit their potential?
Are they not just another self insert by a woman author?
A Mary Sue.