Renee HarlestonSep 1, 20193 minAvoiding Stereotypes - RevisitedWhen I started this blog (and still to this day) the top concern of authors I work with is is stereotypes and tropes. It's an important
Renee HarlestonMar 10, 20192 minDiversity and Inclusion Style GuidesHere is a list of style guides from journalistic societies and cultural groups to help you avoid offensive terminology. These guides not onl
Renee HarlestonNov 25, 20182 minDismantling the White DefaultWhen you avoid pointing out whiteness and put effort into to point out non-whiteness what you're doing is increasing the invisibility of
Renee HarlestonOct 13, 20183 minFinding an agent for your diverse bookYour agent should love your story and believe in it enough to pound the proverbial pavement to get it sold. With all the problems with...
Renee HarlestonJul 21, 20184 minUsing Memoir to Inform Fiction WritingOne of the best tips I give writers who want to create a character outside of their own identity is, read. Read about the people you want to
Renee HarlestonJun 13, 20183 minThe Rules of Minimizing Marginalized IdentitiesIf you're wrestling with the question regarding race, sexuality, or any other identity keep these things in mind.
Renee HarlestonMay 27, 20183 minDon't Forget PrivilegeRecently I've sensitivity read manuscripts and I've been noticed characters with unacknowledged privilege and it needs to be addressed....
Renee HarlestonApr 16, 20183 minWriting Atrocities: SlaveryPeople have done (and are doing) horrific things to one another. As writers, we put these things in our stories because they are real and...
Renee HarlestonMar 12, 20182 minDoes your manuscript pass this diversity test?This test can help determine if the characters with marginalized identities have real utility and meaning in the plot and aren't just Qu