If you read my last post I am sorry. I hit post when I meant to hit edit. My problem is gender neutral specific third person pronouns.
Examples of pronouns that are gender specific are the usual he and she. They is gender neutral as is them. But I need a gender neutral specific pronoun that is personal like he or she but is not gender specific. This is for an entity that encompasses all things male and female. The word it just seems so impersonal. The word he was generally used as non specific but is not politically correct and it might drive away readers. Traditionally, G*d is referred to as He. In a small excerpt from Gemini 3 I will use some different pronouns.
Gemini Rising book 1, The Crossing is in edits which got my creative juices flowing on book 3. However, the manuscript took a turn I did not anticipate. Belial takes on a larger role as does the war in heaven which is what caused my gender specific meltdown.
Gemini Rising, book 3, The Word, working title
Excerpt
“Humankind is mine to do with as I choose,” was all the Light would say on the subject.
The spiritual manifestation of the WORD stepped into view, speaking directly to Belial, “They belong to the Light. You have no right and no say in their existence.”
“Look at them!” Belial cried. He waved his arm and a doorway onto Earth appeared. “They consumed the apple Lucifer gave them disobeying a mandate from the kingdom. They mate with each other. They grovel in the dirt. They eat food from the ground and meat from wild things. What can you possibly see in them?”
The Light turned to Belial and smiled. “I made them with My own hands. They will come to Me of their own free will. How can you not see the love in which they were born?”
“Come back to us brother,” the WORD added. “Have you not had enough?”
“No!” Belial tore his eyes away before his spirit could be overcome. “They are evil. They lie, cheat and steal from one another.”
“They can be redeemed.”
Turning back around, Belial’s two fangs dripped venom onto marbled tiles. “Redeemed from what? You would have them live forever?”
The Light lost Itself in thought. When finished the creator said to Belial, “What if I give you dominion over the earth? I will place my faith in humankind and you in their destruction. Is that enough for you?”
Belial considered it for an eon. Finally, he nodded. "As long as you do not interfere."
The Light turned to the WORD. “You will find a way to redeem humans from constant attack by our friend.” It or The creator glanced at Belial and frowned then turned back to the WORD, “so they may be allowed into My presence without argument.” His/It/The creator's countenance dimmed as the WORD nodded.
The Light turned and gave Belial a stern glance. “There. You have what you wish. But don’t try me too far, firstborn. Your soul rests in my hands.”
At the moment, I am leaning toward the creator, but I am open to suggestion so suggest ahead.
Have a great weekend!
Examples of pronouns that are gender specific are the usual he and she. They is gender neutral as is them. But I need a gender neutral specific pronoun that is personal like he or she but is not gender specific. This is for an entity that encompasses all things male and female. The word it just seems so impersonal. The word he was generally used as non specific but is not politically correct and it might drive away readers. Traditionally, G*d is referred to as He. In a small excerpt from Gemini 3 I will use some different pronouns.
Gemini Rising book 1, The Crossing is in edits which got my creative juices flowing on book 3. However, the manuscript took a turn I did not anticipate. Belial takes on a larger role as does the war in heaven which is what caused my gender specific meltdown.
Gemini Rising, book 3, The Word, working title
Excerpt
“Humankind is mine to do with as I choose,” was all the Light would say on the subject.
The spiritual manifestation of the WORD stepped into view, speaking directly to Belial, “They belong to the Light. You have no right and no say in their existence.”
“Look at them!” Belial cried. He waved his arm and a doorway onto Earth appeared. “They consumed the apple Lucifer gave them disobeying a mandate from the kingdom. They mate with each other. They grovel in the dirt. They eat food from the ground and meat from wild things. What can you possibly see in them?”
The Light turned to Belial and smiled. “I made them with My own hands. They will come to Me of their own free will. How can you not see the love in which they were born?”
“Come back to us brother,” the WORD added. “Have you not had enough?”
“No!” Belial tore his eyes away before his spirit could be overcome. “They are evil. They lie, cheat and steal from one another.”
“They can be redeemed.”
Turning back around, Belial’s two fangs dripped venom onto marbled tiles. “Redeemed from what? You would have them live forever?”
The Light lost Itself in thought. When finished the creator said to Belial, “What if I give you dominion over the earth? I will place my faith in humankind and you in their destruction. Is that enough for you?”
Belial considered it for an eon. Finally, he nodded. "As long as you do not interfere."
The Light turned to the WORD. “You will find a way to redeem humans from constant attack by our friend.” It or The creator glanced at Belial and frowned then turned back to the WORD, “so they may be allowed into My presence without argument.” His/It/The creator's countenance dimmed as the WORD nodded.
The Light turned and gave Belial a stern glance. “There. You have what you wish. But don’t try me too far, firstborn. Your soul rests in my hands.”
At the moment, I am leaning toward the creator, but I am open to suggestion so suggest ahead.
Have a great weekend!