Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 102 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Eliana West all about how to write diverse characters.
In this episode we cover:
- Why diversity in fiction is important
- What to do if you’re afraid to approach writing diverse characters
- Sensitivity readers
- What you need to research
- How to include diverse characters when you yourself are not diverse
This week’s question is: Tell us a book you’ve enjoyed with diverse characters.
Recommendation of the week is: Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
***This show uses affiliate links
Diversity resources:
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
The Antiracist: How to Start the Conversation about Race and Take Action by Kondwani Fidel
How to Write Black Characters: An Incomplete Guide by Salt and Sage Books
Find out more about Eliana on:
Rebel of the Week is: Laura Rye
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com or instagram me @sachablackauthor
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Andrew Park says
That was a really great episode. As someone whose speculative fiction WIP features diverse characters, I loved Eliana’s attitude to giving permission to write diversity but making sure that we do the work.
Writers of Science Fiction/Speculative Fiction have been particularly criticized for their tendency to write diversity out of their invented futures. Go back to the fifties and you might get the impression that the future is populated principally by men (Arthur C. Clarke I’m looking at you).
At the same time, there are those for whom any white person trying to write diversity is anathema. So, you have to screw up your resolve and be prepared for backlash if you attempt to write diversity and are perceived to have failed.
I’ll definitely be checking out Eliana’s resource pages.
Sacha Black says
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I agree completely on all fronts and I love the fact Eliana is so willing to help and support. She’s fantastic and the group is a great resource.