That "Book"
If you are as online as I am, you are well aware of "that" book which has a movie deal, was an Oprah Bookclub pick, got a seven figure advance, and has been slated by almost every single Latinx author and reviewer in the English language bookworld.
I don't care to join the pile on in this space, though. Rather, I want to talk about positives. About writing as an ally to an oppressed group. Even if this unfortunate novel preyed on stereotypes and gore porn, here are examples of people writing across difference that succeeded.
First, Rebecca Makai wrote a moving novel about the HIV/AIDS crisis in Chicago in the 1980's. Here she talks about the depths of her research.
Second, Lisa Ko's excellent novel The Leavers was inspired by a headline and then story about an undocumented mother and her child. However, she did not hastily cobble together violent story arcs to fabricate a plot. Instead, she took 9.5 years to carefully piece together a complex tale.
Third, Shanti Sekaran wrote a wonderful story that compares and contrasts the South Asian and Mexican diaspora experience and immigration challenges in Lucky Boy.
As you can see, authors are capable of writing across difference when they put in the time and effort. Years of research and editing are essential.
I don't care to join the pile on in this space, though. Rather, I want to talk about positives. About writing as an ally to an oppressed group. Even if this unfortunate novel preyed on stereotypes and gore porn, here are examples of people writing across difference that succeeded.
First, Rebecca Makai wrote a moving novel about the HIV/AIDS crisis in Chicago in the 1980's. Here she talks about the depths of her research.
Second, Lisa Ko's excellent novel The Leavers was inspired by a headline and then story about an undocumented mother and her child. However, she did not hastily cobble together violent story arcs to fabricate a plot. Instead, she took 9.5 years to carefully piece together a complex tale.
Third, Shanti Sekaran wrote a wonderful story that compares and contrasts the South Asian and Mexican diaspora experience and immigration challenges in Lucky Boy.
As you can see, authors are capable of writing across difference when they put in the time and effort. Years of research and editing are essential.
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Eric
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Jan 21, 2020 03:35PM
This Rebecca Makkai essay is good! One of my favorite writing teachers talks a lot about expertise. Basically you can write about things that are not "yours" but you better know what you are talking about.
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Definitely - so many great novelists are de facto journalists who do extensive document review and in person interviews to craft a great story.
