Ask the Author: Rachel Werner
Answered Questions (4)
Rachel Werner
A new nonfiction picture book about Edmond Dédé (1827-1903), a Black conductor and classical musician.
Rachel Werner
I always recommend my students write from as close to their lived experience as possible. No narrative should read like the author was merely “checking boxes” in terms of inclusivity. Making a character transgender or Black or disabled or an immigrant should be a deliberate choice—consciously shaping and guiding the story in intentional directions, plus not only for the protagonist. Also beware of the trauma trap. Individuals who identify as a part of one or more marginalized communities have multi-faceted lives that are not necessarily steeped in abuse, poverty, lack of education and/or a number of other ‘tropes’ society haphazardly assigns to entire demographics. Do research, get sensitivity readers, and repeatedly check in with yourself to ascertain “Why am I choosing to write this story and who is my intended reader?”
Rachel Werner
Make a living using one of my creative passions! Plus, being able to share remarkable stories about diverse individuals from the past and present.
Rachel Werner
I write everyday in some capacity. Even if it's just journaling. In fact, this habit is the one thing I consistently recommend to my writing students no matter their focal area. It sounds paradoxical, but truly the remedy "for not being able to write" is to write as frequently as you can.
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