Writing Excuses 7.40: Writing the Other
Maurice Broaddus joins us to talk about “writing the other” — writing other cultures, races, genders — basically anybody who isn’t much like you.
We talk about common pitfalls, including resorting to tropes like the “magical Negro,” and the “noble savage.”
More importantly, we talk about how to do this well. Maurice has plenty to offer from his own experience, including some fun anecdotes about his crazy research.
Homework: You’re on a sidewalk late at night. You’re approached by three young, black males. Write the scene from their perspective. (Alternatively, simply jump off from “magical redneck,” but note that Maurice has already done that one.)
Thing of the week: The House of Discarded Dreams, by Ekaterina Sedia, narrated by Robin Miles.
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