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Writing Diverse Characters For Fiction, TV or Film
We're living in a time of unprecedented diversity in produced media content, with more characters appearing who are Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT), disabled, or from other religions or classes. What's more, these characters are increasingly appearing in genre pieces, accessible to the mainstream, instead of being hidden away in so-called 'worthier' pieces, as in the past.
How to Write Diverse Characters discusses issues of race, disability, sexuality and transgender people with specific reference to characterisation - not only in movies and TV, but also novel writing.
Taking in blockbuster movies such as Mad Max Fury Road, Russell T Davies' ground-breaking TV series Cucumber and and the controversial novel Gone Girl, the book explores:
- How character role function really works
- What is the difference between stereotype and archetype?
- Why 'trope' does not mean what Twitter and Tumblr think it means
- How the burden of casting affects both box office and audience perception
- Why diversity is not about agendas, buzzwords or being 'politically correct'
- What authenticity truly means and why research is so important
- Why variety is key in ensuring true diversity in characterisation
Writers have to catch up. Knowing not only what makes a 'good' diverse character doesn't always cut it; they need to know what agents, publishers, producers, filmmakers and commissioners are looking for - and why. This book gives writers the tools to create three dimensional, authentic characters ... who just happen to be diverse.
'A timely guide to creating original characters and reinvigorating tired storylines' - Debbie Moon, creator and showrunner, Wolfblood (BBC)
'Lucy V. Hay nails it' - Stephen Volk, BAFTA-winning screenwriter: Ghostwatch, Afterlife, The Awakening
'Packed with practical and inspirational insights' - Karol Griffiths, development consultant and script editor, clients include ITV, BBC, Warner Brothers
- GenresNonfictionWriting
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2017
13 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Lucy V. Hay
22 books174 followersLucy V. Hay script editor and blogger who helps writers via her Bang2write consultancy. She is the associate producer of Brit Thrillers DEVIATION (2012) and ASSASSIN (2015), both starring Danny Dyer. Lucy is also head reader for The London Screenwriters' Festival. Lucy is also an author, writing both screenwriting books and crime fiction. Check out her website.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 10, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. I just finished reading Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race and was set to have my eyes opened on how to improve my writing.
Pros:
- We need more books on writing diversity well.
- There are some very interesting statistics about diversity in the media which would help introduce someone to the subject and why its important.
- There is some very vague, general advice on general characterisation that would be useful starting points for beginners.
Cons:
- The scope is too ambitious for such a compact book. It deals with a complex, multilayered subject in such broad strokes that it becomes as guilty of box-ticking as the examples it tells you to avoid.
- It literally said one of the reasons an author should consider diversity in their work is because diversity sells.
- It downplayed the sexualisation of female superheros by stating that even though women have to fight in their underwear at least they never get fully naked like Wolverine does. Because one makes the other okay?! (I DNF shortly after this point.)
- The actual bits of writing advice that are sound pieces of wisdom are so general that you could obtain them from nearly any writing guide, without half the fluff this one has.
- It read like someone mashed together a bunch of unedited blog posts. And then went through and added in a bunch of condescending summaries at the end of each blog post. You literally read a summary as soon as you finish a section.
In summary, we need books on this subject. But ones that actually do it justice, and don't just feel like they're trying to make money off it.
Pros:
- We need more books on writing diversity well.
- There are some very interesting statistics about diversity in the media which would help introduce someone to the subject and why its important.
- There is some very vague, general advice on general characterisation that would be useful starting points for beginners.
Cons:
- The scope is too ambitious for such a compact book. It deals with a complex, multilayered subject in such broad strokes that it becomes as guilty of box-ticking as the examples it tells you to avoid.
- It literally said one of the reasons an author should consider diversity in their work is because diversity sells.
- It downplayed the sexualisation of female superheros by stating that even though women have to fight in their underwear at least they never get fully naked like Wolverine does. Because one makes the other okay?! (I DNF shortly after this point.)
- The actual bits of writing advice that are sound pieces of wisdom are so general that you could obtain them from nearly any writing guide, without half the fluff this one has.
- It read like someone mashed together a bunch of unedited blog posts. And then went through and added in a bunch of condescending summaries at the end of each blog post. You literally read a summary as soon as you finish a section.
In summary, we need books on this subject. But ones that actually do it justice, and don't just feel like they're trying to make money off it.
January 13, 2019
This was an excellent non-fiction book about how to include diversity in fiction/TV/film. I really enjoyed the up-to-date writing (it was very current with social media, etc.).
It helped me have a clear idea of stereotypes vs. tropes vs. archetypes. I would recommend this to anyone interested in writing fiction!
This will definitely help me with the SF novel I'm writing.
It helped me have a clear idea of stereotypes vs. tropes vs. archetypes. I would recommend this to anyone interested in writing fiction!
This will definitely help me with the SF novel I'm writing.
July 23, 2022
NOT RECOMMENDED.
Awful. I’ll break down the book into what this ignorant white author — who has proven on PAGE ONE how awful she is as a person to write about diversity — said:
1. “Idk why but diversity is the new trend so we gotta like get behind and stuff or else because the internet’s giving all these marginalised groups a voice— which is like super annoying, but we gotta like, write them now for money.”
2. “Ya can write anything ya want, you are ENTITLED and PERFECT fam, it’s okay, you’re doing ya best, haters just gonna hate, ya know? Block out that white noise, and go write your super black, super gay, disabled woman that’s going to sleep with every man you throw at her. Hashtag #feminism! #woke culture!”
3. “We gotta like normalise seeing other people instead of just seeing white, but don’t diversify to the point ya forget to include us whites. And by normalise, I mean like, write a white character and just change the skin tone or just make it gay or something. Doesn’t matter. Audience are dumb — they are desperate for these stuff so add it in to reel those money bags in!”
4. “Oh worried about hurting people’s feelings? Fam, I get you. But ya gotta understand, like, we’re doing our best — they — women, LGBTA+, disabled, POCs — should just be grateful we’re even including them in! We researched like crazy (i.e read bunch of articles and books — and by that, ONE article or ONE “one size fits all” book that we chose ourselves without consulting because we don’t got time to focus on non white side characters).”
5. Word for word, the author said, “I don’t like capitalism” and proceeds to write 200 pages of trash about on how to make money off including other people??????? This two-faced author!
Also, hilariously enough, the author goes on to give a few superficial writing tips that boils down to “dos and don’ts”, “what makes money, what doesn’t”, and “be ORIGINAL” but doesn’t clarify HOW. Aside from all of the shamelessly self-promoting of her “great” blogs, writing like a four year old with excessive use of bullet points, the author honestly had believed “quantity over quality” and that her readers won’t have the intelligence to scrutinise her writing. And ya know what, with some of the four/five stars on her review page? She’s right! 🙄
Was hoping to learn something but apparently not. This is an INSULT to writing, to people and the rich cultures of the world. The editors must have been as shortsighted as this author to have allowed this monstrosity to be published.
Awful. I’ll break down the book into what this ignorant white author — who has proven on PAGE ONE how awful she is as a person to write about diversity — said:
1. “Idk why but diversity is the new trend so we gotta like get behind and stuff or else because the internet’s giving all these marginalised groups a voice— which is like super annoying, but we gotta like, write them now for money.”
2. “Ya can write anything ya want, you are ENTITLED and PERFECT fam, it’s okay, you’re doing ya best, haters just gonna hate, ya know? Block out that white noise, and go write your super black, super gay, disabled woman that’s going to sleep with every man you throw at her. Hashtag #feminism! #woke culture!”
3. “We gotta like normalise seeing other people instead of just seeing white, but don’t diversify to the point ya forget to include us whites. And by normalise, I mean like, write a white character and just change the skin tone or just make it gay or something. Doesn’t matter. Audience are dumb — they are desperate for these stuff so add it in to reel those money bags in!”
4. “Oh worried about hurting people’s feelings? Fam, I get you. But ya gotta understand, like, we’re doing our best — they — women, LGBTA+, disabled, POCs — should just be grateful we’re even including them in! We researched like crazy (i.e read bunch of articles and books — and by that, ONE article or ONE “one size fits all” book that we chose ourselves without consulting because we don’t got time to focus on non white side characters).”
5. Word for word, the author said, “I don’t like capitalism” and proceeds to write 200 pages of trash about on how to make money off including other people??????? This two-faced author!
Also, hilariously enough, the author goes on to give a few superficial writing tips that boils down to “dos and don’ts”, “what makes money, what doesn’t”, and “be ORIGINAL” but doesn’t clarify HOW. Aside from all of the shamelessly self-promoting of her “great” blogs, writing like a four year old with excessive use of bullet points, the author honestly had believed “quantity over quality” and that her readers won’t have the intelligence to scrutinise her writing. And ya know what, with some of the four/five stars on her review page? She’s right! 🙄
Was hoping to learn something but apparently not. This is an INSULT to writing, to people and the rich cultures of the world. The editors must have been as shortsighted as this author to have allowed this monstrosity to be published.
July 19, 2019
Review 5 stars
This timely and excellent book was everything I’ve needed especially since attempting to write a novel about a queer Welsh detective and her Tamil partner. (There are days when I feel totally out of my experience zone.)
This is essential reading for any serious writer - especially one aware of the value in addressing the 'diverse issue'. It was full of invaluable advice and information for me – a WASP, albeit one with Latin blood and in a wheelchair.
Lucy Hay has researched the hot issue of ‘diversity’ for many years. She has become a prolific advocate of diverse characters in all areas of fiction as a writer, script editor and blogger who helps writers via her www.bang2write.com consultancy, which I follow. This book builds on her knowledge and suggests how writers can embrace the thorny topic – “as long as they do it justice” with “due diligence”
That ‘due diligence’ means recognising where the debate is going, the mistakes and progress, how to ensure diverse characters function effectively – and not as stereotypes – plus, the potential and the pitfalls. Hay provides a wealth of observations, suggestions and links with which writers can develop their own craft. Many assets are provided to inform those that are serious about ensuring they tread wisely.
These range from a definition of ‘diversity’, and the myths surrounding it, to examples from modern movies and novels to explain aspects of how to handle ‘diversity’ – and how not to. All Hay’s thoughts provide food for further discussion and research.
I’m still learning and researching the best approach to diversifying my plots. This book has great insights that will help me as a writer as I progress into this complex area. Many of my characters are not ‘diverse’ like my leads, but there are techniques that Hay provides which will help them stand out as unique as well.
This book is timely and important so a guide that will be a stalwart on my desk as I now have both Kindle and paperback versions.
Utility – five stars
Content – five stars
Topicality – five stars
Authenticity – five stars
Readability – five stars
Structure – five stars
Editing – five stars
Originally review posted at: https://rolandclarke.com/2019/07/19/w...
This timely and excellent book was everything I’ve needed especially since attempting to write a novel about a queer Welsh detective and her Tamil partner. (There are days when I feel totally out of my experience zone.)
This is essential reading for any serious writer - especially one aware of the value in addressing the 'diverse issue'. It was full of invaluable advice and information for me – a WASP, albeit one with Latin blood and in a wheelchair.
Lucy Hay has researched the hot issue of ‘diversity’ for many years. She has become a prolific advocate of diverse characters in all areas of fiction as a writer, script editor and blogger who helps writers via her www.bang2write.com consultancy, which I follow. This book builds on her knowledge and suggests how writers can embrace the thorny topic – “as long as they do it justice” with “due diligence”
That ‘due diligence’ means recognising where the debate is going, the mistakes and progress, how to ensure diverse characters function effectively – and not as stereotypes – plus, the potential and the pitfalls. Hay provides a wealth of observations, suggestions and links with which writers can develop their own craft. Many assets are provided to inform those that are serious about ensuring they tread wisely.
These range from a definition of ‘diversity’, and the myths surrounding it, to examples from modern movies and novels to explain aspects of how to handle ‘diversity’ – and how not to. All Hay’s thoughts provide food for further discussion and research.
I’m still learning and researching the best approach to diversifying my plots. This book has great insights that will help me as a writer as I progress into this complex area. Many of my characters are not ‘diverse’ like my leads, but there are techniques that Hay provides which will help them stand out as unique as well.
This book is timely and important so a guide that will be a stalwart on my desk as I now have both Kindle and paperback versions.
Utility – five stars
Content – five stars
Topicality – five stars
Authenticity – five stars
Readability – five stars
Structure – five stars
Editing – five stars
Originally review posted at: https://rolandclarke.com/2019/07/19/w...
September 3, 2017
I am so happy to finally have found a book that covers this subject. As stated in the book, it may well be the first of it's kind and for any writer, it is so needed!
Firstly, not only are we given an understanding of why diversity is so important in film or books, but we are given the tools to explore and understand how we can write diverse characters in a genuine and positive way. As a BAME writer myself, there were a multitude of writing tips and examples that i know will really help give a fresh perspective with my own work. It's stressed how important diverse characters should be in any story, and not just used as a token steretype or filler to tick a box - and the brilliant examples used throughout this book really helped to clearly illustrate each point made. I particularly loved the summing up sections at the end of each chapter, which helped hone the main points of what you should be noting. My favourite part was the explanation and description/examples of diverse "tropes" and how we can break away from the audience's cliche expectations of them and turn them on its head for an interesting and new perspective. This book literally has it all covered, protagonists/antagonists/villains/sidekicks/secondary characters - even crowds! Lucy even shines a light on the specs she receives on a daily basis (as she's a Script Editor) and lists the lack of diverse examples that are overdone. However, with each example we are given a short summary of how to flip it to be a more unique version of the character, which in turn can help us writers repeating the same cliche mistakes made by those before us.
I definitely feel this book will be key to any of my writing projects in the future as i absolutely will be referring to and using the tips to keep my work relative and fresh. I think no matter what you are writing, this book should be a staple on any writer's bookshelf. A big hurrah to finally having a fantastic in-depth look into creating genuine diverse characters and stories to reflect our truth.
Firstly, not only are we given an understanding of why diversity is so important in film or books, but we are given the tools to explore and understand how we can write diverse characters in a genuine and positive way. As a BAME writer myself, there were a multitude of writing tips and examples that i know will really help give a fresh perspective with my own work. It's stressed how important diverse characters should be in any story, and not just used as a token steretype or filler to tick a box - and the brilliant examples used throughout this book really helped to clearly illustrate each point made. I particularly loved the summing up sections at the end of each chapter, which helped hone the main points of what you should be noting. My favourite part was the explanation and description/examples of diverse "tropes" and how we can break away from the audience's cliche expectations of them and turn them on its head for an interesting and new perspective. This book literally has it all covered, protagonists/antagonists/villains/sidekicks/secondary characters - even crowds! Lucy even shines a light on the specs she receives on a daily basis (as she's a Script Editor) and lists the lack of diverse examples that are overdone. However, with each example we are given a short summary of how to flip it to be a more unique version of the character, which in turn can help us writers repeating the same cliche mistakes made by those before us.
I definitely feel this book will be key to any of my writing projects in the future as i absolutely will be referring to and using the tips to keep my work relative and fresh. I think no matter what you are writing, this book should be a staple on any writer's bookshelf. A big hurrah to finally having a fantastic in-depth look into creating genuine diverse characters and stories to reflect our truth.
September 7, 2017
Well what can I say, this book has been so helpful, I think this is a book that every writer whether aspiring or established should add to their shelves.
With more readers calling for diverse characters, it has become crucial as a writer to think about how we are representing people from different backgrounds in our work. However it can be a little daunting to make sure that your character seems authentic and isn’t just ticking the box of diversity. Writing Diverse Characters is a brilliant guide on how to better craft diverse characters. Dealing with specifically the four elements of race, gender, LGBT and disability, this book gives a unique perspective on what makes a well rounded diverse character.
It has lots of tips to stop any writer from falling into very clichéd territory when it comes to including diverse characters and is backed up by examples and ways in which you can turn tired ideas on their head. The examples used tend to be quite well known but even if you aren’t familiar with a character the points are always explained so well that you will still understand what Ms. Hay is trying to get across. Also the fact that Lucy is script editor means that you know she has had a lot of experience in seeing the trends that characters and scenarios have taken.
A lot of research has gone into this book, there are quotes from authors and people who work in the TV or film industry and I really liked reading what they thought, it helps to further put ideas into perspective. There is also a lot of useful information in terms of reaching your audience as a writer and on dealing with agents.
This is definitely another go to book for when I’m sitting down to do some writing, and I will be checking out the books that she has written.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
With more readers calling for diverse characters, it has become crucial as a writer to think about how we are representing people from different backgrounds in our work. However it can be a little daunting to make sure that your character seems authentic and isn’t just ticking the box of diversity. Writing Diverse Characters is a brilliant guide on how to better craft diverse characters. Dealing with specifically the four elements of race, gender, LGBT and disability, this book gives a unique perspective on what makes a well rounded diverse character.
It has lots of tips to stop any writer from falling into very clichéd territory when it comes to including diverse characters and is backed up by examples and ways in which you can turn tired ideas on their head. The examples used tend to be quite well known but even if you aren’t familiar with a character the points are always explained so well that you will still understand what Ms. Hay is trying to get across. Also the fact that Lucy is script editor means that you know she has had a lot of experience in seeing the trends that characters and scenarios have taken.
A lot of research has gone into this book, there are quotes from authors and people who work in the TV or film industry and I really liked reading what they thought, it helps to further put ideas into perspective. There is also a lot of useful information in terms of reaching your audience as a writer and on dealing with agents.
This is definitely another go to book for when I’m sitting down to do some writing, and I will be checking out the books that she has written.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
October 4, 2018
This book is not just a primer for discussing diversity, although it does a very good job at that. It is, actually, a great introduction to the art of writing in itself. It may not go into the detail of structure and concept like Vogler, Field or McKee do, but it does provide a good grounding in what is definitely one of (if not the) most important components of a good story – Character. If you have never read a screenwriting book before, this wouldn’t be a bad place to start. While understanding structure is vital, understanding your audience and how your characters affect story and create sympathy and empathy with your audience is just as important, and Lucy gives you a crash course in how to do this in her book.
August 30, 2019
This book has needed writing for a very long time and I'm glad Lucy V Hay wrote it.
With film producers and TV commissioning directors clamouring for more diverse characters it becomes increasingly important for screenwriters to understand the challenges of writing for them.
What Lucy does, is to link a straight-forward, non-nonsense approach to the task of creating characters, with a ton of research into the needs and issues of writing authentic and credible characters from diverse background. It's not PC gone mad, it's about the hunt for authentic representations of people whose life experiences and challenges may be very different from our own.
It's a book any serious screenwriter should have on their bookshelves.
With film producers and TV commissioning directors clamouring for more diverse characters it becomes increasingly important for screenwriters to understand the challenges of writing for them.
What Lucy does, is to link a straight-forward, non-nonsense approach to the task of creating characters, with a ton of research into the needs and issues of writing authentic and credible characters from diverse background. It's not PC gone mad, it's about the hunt for authentic representations of people whose life experiences and challenges may be very different from our own.
It's a book any serious screenwriter should have on their bookshelves.
January 26, 2021
A book good at helping you learn about the necessity and virtues of adding diversity for fiction, as well as tips on helping you to do that well while also supplying a wide breadth of references of examples of diversity in fiction and where it could be better implemented.
Written candidly and openly, this is also clear and compact. It also benefits from the writers experience of what works in field and her professional opinion.
It may not be a long volume, but it seems to deal with enough and can add extra points to an already eager knowledge, or add sparks to the reader to let them know how much diversity is needed in modern fiction.
Written candidly and openly, this is also clear and compact. It also benefits from the writers experience of what works in field and her professional opinion.
It may not be a long volume, but it seems to deal with enough and can add extra points to an already eager knowledge, or add sparks to the reader to let them know how much diversity is needed in modern fiction.
July 25, 2019
This book covers some common characters and tropes that appear and points out ways to flip things and make a story more diverse. The writer is good at pinpointing these frequent aspects and explaining them. Some of the ideas for alternatives are useful as starting points.
At times it could be frustrating to read because the advice seemed geared to the screen and many examples were from either the big screen or TV.
I would say that this book is more useful if you are exploring creating diverse characters and aren’t familiar with common and problematic tropes. As someone who is somewhat familiar, it could be a little slow. That being said, the author does recommend some research resources, which is great.
At times it could be frustrating to read because the advice seemed geared to the screen and many examples were from either the big screen or TV.
I would say that this book is more useful if you are exploring creating diverse characters and aren’t familiar with common and problematic tropes. As someone who is somewhat familiar, it could be a little slow. That being said, the author does recommend some research resources, which is great.
September 19, 2021
Does this book have a few "yikes" statements? Yes. Does it argue passionately for intentional diversity/variety in media regardless, with tips on how to look outside the box when writing it in and how to research for it? Yes!
My favorite sections were the characterization of secondary and peripheral characters. I haven't gotten through many books on writing yet, but this topic had not been covered by what I'd read previously.
My favorite sections were the characterization of secondary and peripheral characters. I haven't gotten through many books on writing yet, but this topic had not been covered by what I'd read previously.
August 13, 2021
Felt very surface level and the advise given should've been obvious from the get-go.
June 6, 2022
Fcking loved it.
September 13, 2017
At last! A book that pinpoints why we need more diversity in the characters we read about, watch or importantly, write about. Not only does Lucy's book highlight the same dreary old stereotypes (my own particular bête noire being the lack of complexity in disabled characters), she gives the reader some excellent observations and insights as to how to actually redress the situation in their own writing without reorting to jargon (I hate jargon!) or exhortations to the writer to flagellate themselves IMMEDIATELY in the name of white, male, middle-class, ableist, homophobic guilt. Save it for the writing, people!
Which is not to say that the writer shouldn't examine their own unconscious bias when writing about characters that have hitherto been marginalised. If the adage 'write what you know' has any value at all, it is surely the writer's own inner workings that prove a worthy source of knowledge. In the age of the internet, as Lucy says, it's never been easier to research the reality of lives that are dramatically different from the writer's own. Authenticity is the name of the name of the game when writing diverse characters, not the recycling of tired old stereotypes (dead sex worker, inspirational disabled person - AARGH!) from OTHER FILMS. This is certainly soemthing I've been guilty of in the past in my own writing. Reading Lucy's book has sparked off some interesting tangents that I hope will enliven my own work.
Lucy backs up her observations with facts and figures, quotes from peers, established writers and producers and her own expertise built up over many years of script reading, writing and blogging. She's not afraid to practise what she preaches. Most importantly, she is passionate about writing, writers and the strength of connections, relationships and community. And if you think it's 'political correctness gone mad' - consider this: audiences want stories that reflect their own realities. Films, series and books that flip the usual characters on the head will be the ones that get made, talked about and REMEMBERED. Isn't that what any writer wants?
Which is not to say that the writer shouldn't examine their own unconscious bias when writing about characters that have hitherto been marginalised. If the adage 'write what you know' has any value at all, it is surely the writer's own inner workings that prove a worthy source of knowledge. In the age of the internet, as Lucy says, it's never been easier to research the reality of lives that are dramatically different from the writer's own. Authenticity is the name of the name of the game when writing diverse characters, not the recycling of tired old stereotypes (dead sex worker, inspirational disabled person - AARGH!) from OTHER FILMS. This is certainly soemthing I've been guilty of in the past in my own writing. Reading Lucy's book has sparked off some interesting tangents that I hope will enliven my own work.
Lucy backs up her observations with facts and figures, quotes from peers, established writers and producers and her own expertise built up over many years of script reading, writing and blogging. She's not afraid to practise what she preaches. Most importantly, she is passionate about writing, writers and the strength of connections, relationships and community. And if you think it's 'political correctness gone mad' - consider this: audiences want stories that reflect their own realities. Films, series and books that flip the usual characters on the head will be the ones that get made, talked about and REMEMBERED. Isn't that what any writer wants?
October 3, 2017
"Writing Diverse Characters for Fiction, TV or Film" is a straight-to-the-point guide showing you how to avoid your manuscript getting rejected due to boring characters. Many books make similar claims - but unlike the rest, this tackles the never-more-relevant subject of diverse characters.
Lucy V Hay is no stranger to writing guides (this is her third, and the most assured yet) and anyone who’s spent a few moments on her Bang2Write site will know how important diversity and equality are to her. A brief discussion early in the book reminds us of recent controversies (#OscarsSoWhite, anyone?) putting this firmly into context and showing why this subject will be ignored no longer. Throughout the book you’ll also learn:
· Why Grease the movie (1978) wouldn’t work now
· The importance of market research (and how it helped fashion Lucy’s debut thriller, The Other Twin)
· What tropes are, why every story needs them, and how to make yours stand out from the rest
· The definition of a Mary Sue, a Disposable Sex Worker, a Manic Pixie Dream Girl and many more...
With a useful summing up section concluding each chapter, dozens of suggestions for giving old characters a new spin, and a resources section at the end which is worth the cover price alone, this is the book for anyone who’s wanted to write diverse characters but didn’t for fear of causing offence. Diversity is a delicate subject, with more traps and pitfalls than an Indiana Jones movie, but Lucy navigates us through it with ease. It’s the only book of this type on the market – fortunately, it’s also the only book you’ll need.
Lucy V Hay is no stranger to writing guides (this is her third, and the most assured yet) and anyone who’s spent a few moments on her Bang2Write site will know how important diversity and equality are to her. A brief discussion early in the book reminds us of recent controversies (#OscarsSoWhite, anyone?) putting this firmly into context and showing why this subject will be ignored no longer. Throughout the book you’ll also learn:
· Why Grease the movie (1978) wouldn’t work now
· The importance of market research (and how it helped fashion Lucy’s debut thriller, The Other Twin)
· What tropes are, why every story needs them, and how to make yours stand out from the rest
· The definition of a Mary Sue, a Disposable Sex Worker, a Manic Pixie Dream Girl and many more...
With a useful summing up section concluding each chapter, dozens of suggestions for giving old characters a new spin, and a resources section at the end which is worth the cover price alone, this is the book for anyone who’s wanted to write diverse characters but didn’t for fear of causing offence. Diversity is a delicate subject, with more traps and pitfalls than an Indiana Jones movie, but Lucy navigates us through it with ease. It’s the only book of this type on the market – fortunately, it’s also the only book you’ll need.
November 27, 2017
It felt like the timing for this book was the right one. And yet, sooner would have been a blessing.
Thing is, I'm from diverse origins myself (aren't we all?...). So, it's a tricky position to be put into, reviewing a book about diversity in the media. This book clearly states there is a lot of work to be done, to differentiate characters from the average Jane & Joe. It shines a light on very specific aspects that should be taken into consideration from now on.
Some of the things discussed in it were a bit obvious to me, but I'm positive not to everyone and that's the take away. It reminds you that cultures, genres and ethnicities have to be treated carefully, not as an afterthought, clearly. In most cases, they can even become multiplier of emotions, ideas, meaning, box office eventually...
Otherwise media (books, tv shows, movies, videogames) will feel sanitized without real human depths. In itself, it's a universal conflict worth fighting for... On many fronts...
Thing is, I'm from diverse origins myself (aren't we all?...). So, it's a tricky position to be put into, reviewing a book about diversity in the media. This book clearly states there is a lot of work to be done, to differentiate characters from the average Jane & Joe. It shines a light on very specific aspects that should be taken into consideration from now on.
Some of the things discussed in it were a bit obvious to me, but I'm positive not to everyone and that's the take away. It reminds you that cultures, genres and ethnicities have to be treated carefully, not as an afterthought, clearly. In most cases, they can even become multiplier of emotions, ideas, meaning, box office eventually...
Otherwise media (books, tv shows, movies, videogames) will feel sanitized without real human depths. In itself, it's a universal conflict worth fighting for... On many fronts...
September 12, 2017
Review
This is an instructional guide and not a novel so this is a long way out of my comfort zone.
Years ago I was a gamer and created my own worlds and even wrote short stories about the characters in that world. This book would have helped me a lot especially as it goes over the items that I had the most trouble with.
While not everything I can agree with you have to respect the convictionof the writing as well as how well it is handled.
To describe this book I will use one sentence.
This is a must read book for those with very basic ability with characters
This is an instructional guide and not a novel so this is a long way out of my comfort zone.
Years ago I was a gamer and created my own worlds and even wrote short stories about the characters in that world. This book would have helped me a lot especially as it goes over the items that I had the most trouble with.
While not everything I can agree with you have to respect the convictionof the writing as well as how well it is handled.
To describe this book I will use one sentence.
This is a must read book for those with very basic ability with characters
September 13, 2017
When creating a new piece of work, it's so easy to get bogged down by structure, genre and theme that there's never enough real thought given to characters. Lucy has researched and created an in depth guide to help writers create real and original characters that leap off the page. Apart from being a great read, this is also an invaluable tool for any writer, which I will certainly be referring back to time and time again.
Marc Pye, screenwriter.
Marc Pye, screenwriter.
April 2, 2019
The characters I was writing suddenly started insisting on being different from my original imaginings, so I went in search of a guide to help me sort them out.
This did the opposite, and made me rethink all my other characters and how I could do a better job of them.
It wasn't what I was looking for, but it was probably what I needed, like Mick Jagger said, you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes...
Essential reading for 21st century writers
This did the opposite, and made me rethink all my other characters and how I could do a better job of them.
It wasn't what I was looking for, but it was probably what I needed, like Mick Jagger said, you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes...
Essential reading for 21st century writers
September 12, 2017
the movie, and especially fiction and TV business are changing at an alarming rate. As a produced screenwriter and TV writer for several years, I'm glad diversity is becoming more important. Lucy's book is incredibly valuable and easy to read. Ignore the haters, they criticise because they don't have the talent to write. Buy this book to improve your writing career.
April 1, 2018
The reason I opened this account was because I was tired to read and watch stories about white cis straight guys - or worse, stories about minorities trivialized by an arrogant white cis straight guy. I really enjoyed this essay, it's full of useful advices & I recommend it to everyone who wants to start to write (and to think) beyond stereotypes.
March 26, 2018
Overall, this is a good book. There's some tangible advice and guidance in here, and doesn't fall prey to just becoming a soapbox for why diversity in writing needs to occur. However, it's a short book; I would have preferred a longer book that went into more detail about the nitty-gritty of writing, such as dialogue, instead of feeling like a starting point and mainly covering broad strokes.
April 10, 2019
Level headed and quite comprehensive.
Full of practical tips to consider when writing.
Full of practical tips to consider when writing.
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