inxp asked: Maybe you feel automatically inclined to refer to women characters by their first names because you want to be on a "first name basis" with those characters? You want to develop or reinforce an intimate emotional bond with them, perhaps as an extension of yourself? I only suggest such a thing because first names feel way more human and individualistic and personal to me than last names do. Precisely why it irks me when a woman writes her name on a check as "Mrs. John Smith." :/

I usually refer to all characters by the their first names, it’s just the authors that I meant. I do see how that could be part of it, but I see it as a subconscious dismissal of the female author’s authority. I mean,  sayings “Collins argues ____” sounds much more convincing and respectful that “Suzanne argues ___”. 

Also, yes, the “Mrs. John Smith” thing is weird.