For some readers, the attractions of a new culture or setting can be huge. We all know our own culture down to the level of our subconscious and consider it “normal,” possibly even boring. I admit I enjoy seeing and reading about other cultures and peoples. Black Panther’s land of Wakanda and it’s tribal structure and […]
Crafting Fictional Cultures Read More »
When authors write about POC, the very last thing they should be worrying about is what word to use to describe a character’s skin color. (or the slant in the eyes, the shape of the nose, etc.) Once an author has elaborated on the exact skin hue … well, exactly what do readers really know
Chocolate or Coffee? Read More »
I had never gone to a movie on opening night before. I didn’t pre-order my ticket (I know, shame on me) but I was able to get one at the last minute for my local theater. It’s located in a predominantly white, upper middle class suburb of Chicago, which translated to a large crowd, but
I was recognized today. When you are a writer, that’s important. Even when, no especially when, another author knows your name. I attended a writing workshop at the Northbrook, Illinois public library about crafting YA characters. The library holds a series of workshops int he fall entitled NorthBrook Writes! These are all open to the public,
It feels good to be known Read More »
There are many kinds of courage. Living with Sickle Cell Disease requires more than one of them. Dontae Morrow is twelve, and does not want to be labeled the sick kid. He may have to live with sickle cell disease, but that does not define him. Being the minister’s son, however, does sometimes prove difficult
Courage Spotlight – Sickle Cell Disease Read More »
I am currently (July 2016) teaching a class of authors about writing diverse characters, my Spice of Diversity class. I received a student question that I’ve chosen to answer here, because I think it deserves a wide, thoughtful, answer. I was asked, …when I wanted to write a Spanish hero, another writer with a Hispanic last
Writing cross-culturally Read More »
Maybe I should have been a teacher the way my high school instructors claimed. I enjoyed teaching my on-line Man Talk class with the Low Country RWA chapter. And last week I loved being part of the guest faculty at the DePaul University Summer Writing Workshop. (As the new kid on the block I got the
Those that can…teach Read More »
Today I am doing my once a month blog post at Romancing The Genres. I\’m going deeper into the subject of creating characters readers love–and love to hate. Come join me and tell me about your favorite characters. This is a follow-up to my first blog last week as a guest at Gemstate Writers
Characters – Part 2 Read More »