It’s Writing the Other core class time again! I’m excited for this next one as it’s my favorite: Creating Diverse Characters. I teach this one with Nisi and Piper J. Drake, so you’ll get three deep perspectives on how to write characters different from yourself.
This year we’re doing a new class structure that’s shorter and less expensive. We wanted to make it more financially accessible to folks…

Best birthday week news! FIYAHcon announced the IGNYTE Awards shortlist and I am a double nominee. WOOOOOOT
Writing the Other got a second Community Award nomination, an honor I’m sharing with the amazing Nisi Shawl. I’m also nominated for the Ember Award for unsung contributions to genre. EEEEEE
I’m so thrilled and humbled by this. Especially as I’m in categories with so many people and entities…

I get asked a version of this question all the time. So does anyone who is outspoken in the diverse literature space. It usually comes in the form of:
Should white creators write characters of color?
or
Should abled creators write characters with disabilities?
or
Should heterosexual creators write LGBTQIA+ characters?
and so on.
Truth is, the answer is simple (yes) and also complex (yes, but…),…