While I write main characters that nearly live within my own experiences, a novel full of people like that is blind to the world as it is.  Furthermore, this is fiction! If I can't portray Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of integrated communities here, then what's the point? But writing a diverse cast is full … Continue reading Four Steps to Writing Diverse Casts With Authenticity

There are so many decisions that go into characterizing the protagonist in your novel. In addition to profession, personality, and life history, there's this immensity called "background." What's the character's race or ethnicity? Gender? Sexual orientation? Socioeconomic status? Religious affiliation (and position on the faith-doubt spectrum)? Physical abilities and limitations? Neurological tendencies and diagnoses? Family … Continue reading Writing a Main Character With Privilege Instead of Telling Someone Else’s Story