Writing Workshops
Adding The Spice of Diversity to your Writing
Diversity in books is a big discussion topic among writers, publishers and readers. This class is designed for those who want to learn more about what diversity means for an author, editor, publisher or reviewer.
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Class Overview
Available in-person or remote.
This is a class that covers multiple aspects of diversity, including race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, social and economic class, and sexual orientation and gender identity. Its designed for those who want to learn more about what diversity means for an author, editor, publisher or reviewer. This is not a class on creating any specific character type, and there is no easy, cookbook method. Instead, it covers things from basic vocabulary, to taking care of what readers want, to taking yourself and your preconceptions out of the picture.
Lesson Schedule
- Diversity overview and some definitions – Giving a better idea of what is meant by “write what you know” when it comes to diverse characters
- Our Readers – taking a look at readers and what’s important to them
- Learning how to take yourself out of the picture
- Cultural research – part 1
- Cultural research – part 2 (this is the big one when it comes to writing about lives we do not live)
- Stereotypes, caricatures, and problematic tropes: how to recognize and avoid them
- Using backstory to lift your character from the realm of stereotype
- Character speech, including dialog, dialect, languages, and voice
- Using diverse cultures: the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation
- Introducing your characters to readers
- Worldbuilding
- Ready, Set, Write – the role of revision and editing and what happens after you finish and send your story out into the world
The class is fast-paced, two lessons a week for six weeks. There are homework assignments with lessons 2, 3, 7, and 10. The class includes opportunities for students to obtain feedback on some of their own writing. There will also be two conference calls during the six week period to allow in-depth discussion on students issues, ideas and concerns.
Schedule a workshop or register
Contact Barbara to schedule a workshop or to find out when one is being held.