So Twitter exploded this weekend.

It was touched off by news of UCSB shooter Elliot Rodger’s manifesto in which he frames his killing spree as a “Day of Retribution” — retaliating against, in part, women who spurned his affections. In answer to the comments that “Not All Men” are this twisted and hateful towards women, a twitter user launched a hashtag response:  #YesAllWomen.

The theme is quite simple. Although “Not All Men” are abusive towards women, All Women live in daily fear of men’s abuse, inappropriate behavior, unequal treatment, etc. — every day.

It exploded onto Twitter a couple days ago, and it has been going strong ever since.

So what does that have to do with Webcomics.com?

Well, if you’re one of the many cartoonists who happens to be a guy, it’s bound to be eye-opening reading. I guarantee that a few minutes reading that thread will make you stop and think. And thinking is good.

But here’s another reason to spend a little time on this topic. If you’re writing female characters — and if you’re not a woman — I think reading this thread will help inform your creative process for a long time to come. This is what real women deal with every day of their lives. This is definitive. Writing your women without understanding this topic better means risking writing women who don’t ring true.

So, guys, take some time and read it. Let it sink in. It’s not there to shame you or to make you feel bad about being a man — especially if you’re one of the many men who feels as if they treat women well. It’s not about you. It’s about them — and trying to understand what they deal with a little better. You’ll see some familiar avatars over there — fellow cartoonists who are bravely sharing some pretty horrific experiences. Read those, too, and you’ll appreciate their achievements all the more.

It’s going to inform your writing in all kinds of ways.

And if it informs your life… so much the better.