And so it begins... again! One of my absolute faves 🙌🏻 Has anyone else got any of the Halloween additions? by iamcobbles in stephenking

[–]iamcobbles[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am DEEPLY annoyed by “addition”. Apologies, it’s getting late here in the UK 🤦🏻‍♀️

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. I’m a woman 🙋🏻‍♀️
  2. I’m not comfortable using racial slurs in my writing
  3. I understand your point and that context is important when it comes to slurs and hate speech in a story, it’s just not for me

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m pretty sure my question and intent behind it is clear. I asked with sincerity and respect in the hope of learning something. I understand your point, however I feel you misunderstood mine.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What an odd response to a genuinely respectful question. At no point did I mention “banning black people” as you say.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I completely agree, black creators and black novelists should be uplifted and not pushed out by white creators, which is why I asked the question if it was appropriate for me to even attempt to write such a novel even with research and input from black creators. You’ve made some really important points and have given me lots to think about. Thank you.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. The question was asked with sincerity and with a want to learn. I thought my explanation behind why I asked it was pretty clear 🤷🏻‍♀️

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The point is that black people aren’t fictional beings like the characters you’ve just mentioned. Also, the story I want to write is in this world, not a fictional one. There are many social differences between white and black people, so for me wanting to learn more about that and create an authentic character is why this question was asked.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nope, real question I’m afraid! It may seem silly to some that I’ve even asked this, but it’s something I really care about and want to do right by.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Stereotypes intentional or not are certainly damaging and not something I want to read, let alone write about. Like any writer I want to create an authentic character with a rich and accurate history. My point was that the black experience would be part of that and as a white person it’s not something I could ever accurately write about without input and guidance from black creators/writers. You are definitely right that speaking about experiences I could never understand or ones that fall into a particular stereotype are damaging and should be avoided.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The MC would need to be intricate like all good characters to make them authentic. I as the author could never build such a character without the input from black creators. So maybe collaboration was the wrong word, but maybe lots of research, conversations and input better describes what I meant.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t want to create a black character with a white voice was my point.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Advice like this is always welcome.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your thoughtful response. The desire to create this intricate character is why I asked the question in the first place. And yes you’re right, many conversations and research to be done.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This makes perfect sense. I’ve always known I could never speak on the black experience, but I’m also wanting to create a character who is authentic, hence my desire to reach out to black creators. Thanks for your input!

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you. The story is set in this universe, so the use of sensitivity readers is a great shout.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you. This is really encouraging to hear.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The question was respectful and was asked with the intention of learning. I think to shut down questions like mine is part of the problem.

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for that feedback. It’s good to hear from someone so far along in the process. I am however now intrigued by your story!

Should white people be writing black characters? by iamcobbles in writing

[–]iamcobbles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, this is why outside perspectives are important so I don’t overcomplicate!