What Do the Calls for Diversity Mean for Our Writing?
A recent controversy in the writing world might make us wonder: What do the calls for better handling of diversity and inclusion mean for our writing and story ideas?
Pin It
Content Warnings: How and What to Include?
Content warnings help readers find the types of stories they want. But how can we include them without spoilers—and what elements need warnings?
Pin It
Should We Include Trigger Warnings for Our Story — Guest: Bran L. Ayres
With the rise of self-publishing, we’ve probably seen books that label the content inside, but if we’re not sure whether we should consider using trigger warnings, Bran L. Ayres is here to share their insights and tips on why they’re important and how to use them.
Pin It
Subjectivity and Reader Shaming
If we write genre fiction, we might bemoan the lack of respect, but the same lack of respect occurs at the reader level too. Readers of science fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, young adult, and romance have also been looked down on. Many outsiders have attempted to make readers ashamed of their reading choices by judging by subjective measures.
Pin It
How Do You Handle Negativity from Others?
At some point, we’re likely to run into negativity in our writing-lives. Feedback might be filled with cruel “give up” put-downs. We might be attacked by internet trolls. Reviews might rip apart us, personally, instead of focusing on our book. So the question then becomes, what are we willing to do to avoid it?
Pin It
Banned Books? Or Freedom to Write and Read?
This week is Banned Books Week, an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association celebrating the freedom to read. Many have already blogged about the political aspects of this event, so I’m tackling this issue from a less serious perspective. Sort of. *smile*
Pin It
Author vs. Characters: Can Our Morals Be Different?
The recent talk of watching what we say on the internet and being aware of our brand has brought up several ways people come to odd conclusions about us as writers. Despite all our work to ensure that our behavior supports who we are and what our brand is, people will […]
Pin It
Should Books Have a Rating System?
This must be the week for me stepping into controversial topics. It’s a good thing I’m still wearing my flameproof jacket from my last post on plot vs. character. *smile* It’s been a while since Meghan Cox Gurdon’s article at the Wall Street Journal and her contention that young adult (YA) […]
Pin It