Comments on: Writer Victory!—Yearning, Empathy, & How Political Correctness is Killing Diversity in Literature

By: Kathy Azevedo

Kathy Azevedo — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 22:48:59 +0000

In reply to Jami Gold. What about The Help? It was written by a Caucasian.

By: Bae Fox, Writer

Bae Fox, Writer — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 05:33:23 +0000

Great post! Thank you!

For some strange reason I like writing female characters, even though I’m a mid-thirties guy. I think they must fascinate me and I work a lot harder to observe them then other males. Like you, I take my own gender for granted. Boring, I say. Though that will likely change as I have an idea for a story which I think will connect uniquely with boys and men. We’ll see!

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.

Bae

By: Thaddeus Dombrowski

Thaddeus Dombrowski — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 09:32:54 +0000

Sorry, too, for the typos. I should re-read before posting, not after.

By: Thaddeus Dombrowski

Thaddeus Dombrowski — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 09:31:37 +0000

I thought you should know this. I first discovered you through a writing group. But, my writing journey is not centered here. So, I am not a regular reader. But, I do come back from time to time to see what is going on. Every six months or so.

I do believe I have seen you grow as a writer tremendously as a writer. And the main reason I can see it is that I am having to grow, too. I behind your words something of my own experience,

By: Maryann Miller (@maryannwrites)

Maryann Miller (@maryannwrites) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:30:57 +0000

I cracked up when I got to this line. Great stuff as usual, Kristen. I always learn so much and get so motivated when I can come by and read your blog. Thanks for all you share.

By: Sarah Brentyn

Sarah Brentyn — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:18:57 +0000

I guess I’m always on the job. I like how you weave all this together here. Nice post.

I’ve also had some dreadful teachers who were successful writers in their field. DREAD-ful. But, I’ve taught writing for many years and enjoy it. I don’t write about writing, though. Well…maybe the occasional post about how I can’t write because my kids are running cars over my feet or something. 😉

P.S. I’m totally checking out John Maberry’s series. Thanks!

By: Author Kristen Lamb

Author Kristen Lamb — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 03:19:44 +0000

In reply to Glynis Jolly. There is a difference between blogging about writing and having a WRITING BLOG. One is dictated by the author, the other constrained by the subject. It's a good way to burn out and readers don't care about How-To. I blog about writing but lots of other stuff, too. It keeps me fresh and my audience diverse.

By: Glynis Jolly

Glynis Jolly — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 20:30:15 +0000

You stated writers who are actually writing shouldn’t have a blog about writing. At least that’s the mean I got. Who else is going to have a writing blog that is worth reading? I was to read what a seasoned writing has to say about writing. I hope to learn a thing or two from them. Writers who are newbies, however, I feel should definitely stay away from telling others how to write unless, in the posts, they are rephrasing what a knowledgeable author has said AND have not screwed up the meaning of it.

Yes, I have the yearning, no doubt about it. I’ve been told I also have the natural talent but I have yet to see that.

By: Nan Sampson

Nan Sampson — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 13:54:00 +0000

Kristen – as always, amazing and insightful post. I believe that as long as writers have the courage to step outside their own skin to write characters that are not carbon copies of themselves, the spectre of PC will remain merely that – a vaguely-perceived, shadowy presence. And posts like this, that make us re-examine what we’re doing and shine a light on those shadowy places, will provide the “Ghostbusting” power to keep those spectres in their place.

And OMG, that picture of the Spawn made my day! The boots are even on the wrong feet! Adorable!
Thanks, Kristen

By: Nan Sampson

Nan Sampson — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 13:38:11 +0000

In reply to Thomas Weaver.

Thomas – it’s so nice to hear someone else validate what I’ve been thinking for years. I used to hear the same thing from “writing teachers” but I write SF/F as well and it always seemed like an oxymoron. Thanks!