Diversity Policy

We, as a society, need to do better to not only better understand all the diversity that exists in our country but also lift up those voices so that so often go unheard. That can mean a lot of things, and I’ll go into some (but not all) of the details of my policies regarding diversity here.

My Writing

I don’t tend to refer to any of the following elements in my writing (to name a few):

• Skin tone
• Eye shape
• Nose shape
• Religious Practices
• Skin/Hair Care Routines

I prefer to write novels that any reader should be able to put themselves into as much as possible. When I write descriptions, I tend to refer to characteristics that either have no specific connotation (e.g. body shape) or can easily be changed with hair dyes or contacts (e.g. eye color and hair color).

I do often write LGBTQIA characters (even main characters at times), but again, I try to write them in manners that will allow any reader to put themselves into that person’s shoes, focusing on the things we all have in common, rather than the things that make us different.

I think it is important to realize that, no matter what our own individual struggles (many created by a society that doesn’t accept us), we understand that underneath it all, we are all the same.

Race & Racism

I believe very firmly that racism has no part in fiction writing unless it is to point out the fact that it has no place in modern society. It should be denigrated. It should be called out where it exists. It should not be tolerated.

That being said, as I consider myself a (mostly) white woman (by upbringing), I also don’t feel that I have the knowledge to truly portray African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and etc. with the depth and attention to detail required to do them justice in a way that celebrates their unique qualities and struggles. I am working to improve this by:

• Research
• Reading More Books by POC

I encourage you to check out some of the lists I will continue to update by authors with the background and experience to do these people justice:

• Oprah Magazine: 43 of the Best Books by Black Authors You Should Read in Your Lifetime
• 10 Award-Winning Books by Asian Authors You Should Read
• 10 Essential Native American Novels
• 15 Books by Latino & Latin American Authors to Add to Your 2020 Reading List

If there are any additional books or lists you think I should include or any wording you feel could be improved, I encourage you to reach out to me via email or one of my social media accounts.

LGBTQIA

I routinely include LGBTQIA characters in my stories. I am trying to increase this as much as I can, being mindful of the full diversity of identities available. When possible, I will supplement an otherwise heterosexual cisgender (etc.) individual (in a first draft) with one who is LGBTQIA so long as the switch allows for the following:

• No stereotyping
• The change does not affect the character whatsoever OR creates a more complex/dynamic character
• The change does not inorganically add unnecessary character information
• (Optional) The change creates an opportunity to dabble with more intricate world building

We all have our own unique traits, and I strive to create worlds that reflect that. As with race, I routinely do research (e.g. www.everydayfeminist.com has valuable resources on a wide variety of topics).

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a topic which has only recently come up on my radar, but which presents a wonderful opportunity to create more diverse story perspectives. Like with LGBTQIA, I am working to incorporate this into my writing and already have a novel in the works with a main character who is neurodivergent.

Here are a few books/lists about or by individuals who are neurodivergent:

• https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/4-books-with-awesome-autistic-protagonists/
• Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin
• I am AspienWoman by Tania Marshall

As with every other category, I strive for accuracy as much as possible, doing as much research as I can while trying to get real, first person perspectives of what it is like to live with these different perspectives and experiences.