Resource Library

Stereotypes, Writing Tips, Race Renee Harleston Stereotypes, Writing Tips, Race Renee Harleston

The Weight of "Dark"

Do me a favor. Open up your manuscript and search for the word "dark." What do you notice? Are you using it literally as a physical descriptor? Figuratively, as a way to describe a mood or tone? Perhaps both? Are you noticing any trends, patterns, or maybe some problems with how you're using the word?

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Diversity and Inclusion Style Guides

Here is a list of style guides from organizations representing marginalized groups, as well as, journalistic societies. These guides not only define terms but also directly state if they are slang, offensive, or simply outdated. Keep in mind these guides are intended for journalists which is good because they are current and thorough but don't take the context of fiction writing into account.

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Writing Tips, Race Renee Harleston Writing Tips, Race Renee Harleston

Dismantling the White Default

"White as default" is when whiteness is the litmus test for what is considered normal behavior, culture, and appearance. Through media, books, visual media, politics...etc. we are socialized to think it's normal to be white and everyone else is defined by their proximity to whiteness.

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Finding an agent for your diverse book

Your agent should love your story and believe in it enough to pound the proverbial pavement to get it sold. With all the problems with the lack of diversity in published it's important you don't waste your time querying just any person.

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Woman in a wheelchair waving and smiling while looking at a laptop in a coffee shop.

Coming Soon

Diverse Writing Prompt Group

This group is designed for any fiction writer looking to practice writing diversely without stereotypes or tokenism. You don’t have to be a particular identity or write a specific genre in order to join this group.

The prompts are designed to spark creativity and help members practice writing outside their identities with guidance and support from a sensitivity reader. Work is not to be critiqued.

The group meets virtually for 75 minutes, once a week for five weeks. At each meeting members will typically have two twenty minute rounds to write. Each round is followed by an optional opportunity to share.

Cost: $35

Want to join the next group? Sign up to get notified when we start again.