I'm writing a novel series and like I like to write my characters out first so I know everything about them but with my main female character I keep having problems. I don't understand why bc I'm a girl but it's so hard I keep trying to write the same personality and same thing of every main female character I've ever written and I hate that bc I want to create new and original characters not copies of the ones I've written before and idk what to do.
First things first, breathe. Character development is hard. It's harder if you stress about it.
Second, just because you share the same gender identity as a character doesn't mean you'll magically have insight into their personality. W
Third, you said you write the same personality and same thing for all your female MCs, but you don't like it anymore and want to create new characters. Well, the simple answer is to stop doing what you've done before. Since that's easier said than done, here's something new for you to try. You're going to use your imagination to answer some questions I just thought up.
It's their birthday. What flavor cake do they want?
It's Saturday morning. What is the first thing they want to do?
What's the weirdest/strangest song in their music library?
Soap or body wash? Why?
There's a spider on the wall. Do they kill it? Why?
So there are some questions to get you going. Close your eyes and imagine you're interviewing your character. Ask them these questions and others. Always ask why they like or prefer something. While you're asking them questions, pay attention to their body language. When you're feeling tired, tell them you're done for the day, and open your eyes. It sounds really weird, I know, but it works. Don't expect yourself to be good at this immediately. It took one of my friends a few weeks of practice to feel comfortable with it, but she's fine with it now.
This isn't to say you can't have overlap. Do my MC's and I share some of our likes or habits? Of course. However, there are plenty of things they like that I despise, and vice versa.
Don't think you'll learn everything about them up front. I've been working on my WIP for almost two years and I'm still finding out things about my MC's. I'm beyond big revelations at this point, but I'm still discovering small things. They always find a way to surprise me. Give yourself room for them (and you!) to grow.