Doing Diversity in Writing Bethany A. Tucker & Mariëlle S. Smith

In this episode of Doing Diversity in Writing, Bethany and Mariëlle discuss the dos and don’ts of writing non-binary characters.
 
Here’s what we talk about:
What non-binary means
How diverse the non-binary community is
How to handle characters who are questioning their gender identity
Pronouns and how to use them in our writing
Naming characters beyond the binary
           
And here are the (re)sources we mentioned on the show:
 
“Tweens and teens explore the power of pronouns” by Matt Vilano: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/19/health/pronouns-guide-for-parents-wellness/
“How to Create Nonbinary Characters” by Jules: https://allwritealright.com/how-to-create-nonbinary-characters/
“Six tips for writing genderqueer and nonbinary characters” by Eris Young: https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/articles/6-tips-for-writing-genderqueer-and-nonbinary-characters
“How to Write Non-binary Characters: a three part guide” by D.N. Bryn: https://brynwrites.tumblr.com/post/190062852159/how-to-write-non-binary-characters-a-three-part
“How to Write Non-binary Characters: Part II” by D.N. Bryn: https://brynwrites.tumblr.com/post/190062852159/how-to-write-non-binary-characters-a-three-part
“How to Write Non-binary characters: Part III” by D.N. Bryn: https://www.dnbryn.com/2020/01/18/how-to-write-non-binary-characters-part-iii/
“List of nonbinary identities”: https://nonbinary.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_nonbinary_identities
“List of uncommon nonbinary identities”: https://nonbinary.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_uncommon_nonbinary_identities
The Love Language series by Reese Morrison: https://www.goodreads.com/series/288294-love-language
The Adelaide series by Mustang Rabbit, one of Bethany’s pen names: https://www.goodreads.com/series/301418-the-adelaide-series
Onesies and Ouijaboards by Jamie Sands: https://www.witchyfiction.com/books/onesies-and-ouijaboards
Sex Education: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7767422
Supernatural: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460681
Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen by Robert McKee: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27416067-dialogue
 
This week’s episode page can be found here: https://representationmatters.art/2023/02/10/s3e8
 
For those who want to stay in touch, this is where you can find us:
 
Bethany:
 
Website: https://theartandscienceofwords.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076459593900
Goodreads (Bethany A. Tucker): https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20948950.Bethany_A_Tucker
Goodreads (as Mustang Rabbit): https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20130552.Mustang_Rabbit
Goodreads (as Ciara Darren): https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8186590.Ciara_Darren
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartandscienceofwords
 
Mariëlle:
 
Website: https://mswordsmith.nl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswordsmith
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18455235.Mari_lle_S_Smith
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariellessmith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariellessmith
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtnYOpjmj83mvMM2L348F1w
Diving into Writing podcast: https://divingintowriting.com/
 
Subscribe to our newsletter here and get out Doing Diversity in Writing Toolkit, including our Calm the F*ck Down Checklist and Cultural Appropriation Checklist: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r3p6g8 
 
Website: https://representationmatters.art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doingdiversityinwriting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtHfIaeylIgbAWVy3E66lmw

In this episode of Doing Diversity in Writing, Bethany and Mariëlle talk about how to write transgender characters.
 
Here’s what we discussed:
 
Who gets to write trans characters
Which stereotypes and tropes to avoid
Other things to avoid when writing trans characters
The things we SHOULD be writing about when writing trans characters

And here are the (re)sources we mentioned on the show:
 
“The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Transgender Characters” by Alice Thomas: https://properz.medium.com/the-dos-and-don-ts-of-writing-transgender-characters-15ae8fbfab6b
“How to Write About Trans People” by Eli Cugini: https://electricliterature.com/how-to-write-about-trans-people/ 
Quora forum: https://www.quora.com/What-should-a-cisgender-author-remember-to-take-into-account-when-writing-transgender-characters
“Writing Better Trans Characters” by Cheryl Morgan: http://strangehorizons.com/non-fiction/articles/writing-better-trans-characters/
“Writing Trans Characters” by Alex DiFrancesco: https://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2016/11/08/writing-trans-characters/
“How to Write Transgender Characters” by Michael Brewer-Berres: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/write-transgender-characters
“Before you write about a transgender character, read this” by Casey Plett: https://www.cbc.ca/arts/before-you-write-about-a-transgender-character-read-this-1.3919848
“Transgender People” in the GLAAD Media Reference Guide 11th Edition: https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender
“Glossary of Terms: Transgender” in the GLAAD Media Reference Guide 11th Edition: https://www.glaad.org/reference/trans-terms
“Trans 101: glossary of trans words and how to use them” by Gender Minorities Aotearoa: https://genderminorities.com/glossary-transgender/
Disclosure: https://www.disclosurethemovie.com/about 
Sense8: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2431438/ 
Dreadnought by April Daniels: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30279514-dreadnought
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52339313-cemetery-boys
Silence of the Lambs: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102926
Tootsie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084805
Mrs. Doubtfire: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: https://www.caseymcquiston.com/red-white-royal-blue 
 
This week’s episode page can be found here: 
representationmatters.art/2023/02/08/s3e7
 
Subscribe to our newsletter here and get our Doing Diversity in Writing Toolkit, including our Calm the F*ck Down Checklist and Cultural Appropriation Checklist: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r3p6g8 
 
Website: https://representationmatters.art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doingdiversityinwriting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtHfIaeylIgbAWVy3E66lmw

In this episode of Doing Diversity in Writing, Bethany and guest host Louvie Tucker talk about writing better male characters. This is the second part of a two-part episode on the topic.
 
Here’s what we talk about:
Physical representation of male characters
Derogatory language often applied to men and how we might handle it in fiction
Representation in media that we’ve found encouraging
Touch and intimacy (primarily nonsexual)
Using name calling as world building and character communication

And here are the (re)sources we mentioned on the show:
Tough by Terry Crews
The Mask of Masculinity by Lewis Howes
The Art of Manliness 
White Rage by Carol Anderson
Reading biographies and memoirs in general. 
Youtube Channel Writing with Jenna Moreci has two good videos on “10 Best Tips for Writing Male Characters”. We sincerely recommend her channel and these episodes in particular.
“How to Write a Damn Good Man” by Robert Wood: (this is the article quoted at the very end of the podcast recording) https://www.standoutbooks.com/writing-male-characters/
 
Films and novels we reference: 
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien 
BBC’s Doctor Who (the current series)
BBC’s Sherlock series
The Visitor by Louvie Tucker 
The Queen’s Enforcer by Ciara Darren 
 
Find Louvie Tucker’s novel, The Visitor, here. Available in eBook and print form on Amazon, and as an eBook in most online stores. 
 
This week’s episode page can be found here: ?????
 
Subscribe to our newsletter here and get out Doing Diversity in Writing Toolkit, including our Calm the F*ck Down Checklist and Cultural Appropriation Checklist: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r3p6g8 
 
As always, we’d love for you to join the conversation by filling out our questionnaires. 
 
Our Doing Diversity in Writing – Writer Questionnaire can be filled in at https://forms.gle/UUEbeEvxsdwk1kuy5
 
Our Doing Diversity in Writing – Reader Questionnaire can be filled in at https://forms.gle/gTAg4qrvaCPtqVJ36 
 
Website: https://representationmatters.art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doingdiversityinwriting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtHfIaeylIgbAWVy3E66lmw

In this episode of Doing Diversity in Writing, Bethany and guest host Louvie Tucker talk about writing better male characters. This is the first part of a two-part episode on the topic.
 
Here’s what we talk about:
Masculinity in terms of definition 
How class affects definitions of masculinity 
Deconstructing arrogance, emotionality, and protective instincts assigned to male characters
Should we write all male characters with straightforward personalities? 
The male character, lust, and ego
Making room in our stories for male characters who aren’t leaders or in search of power
The myth of the capable gentleman 
The effects of wish fulfilment writing on men

And here are the (re)sources we mentioned on the show:
May 10th, 2022 Video Tiktok by @marcusterritory “When I stopped identifying with the label ‘man’”: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcusterritory/video/7096216725351337222?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1
“The Selfishness of Altruism” by Loretta G. Breuning: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-neurochemical-self/201604/the-selfishness-altruism
“Men and Things, Women and People: A Meta-Analysis of Sex Differences in Interests” by Rong Su et al.: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38061313_Men_and_Things_Women_and_People_A_Meta-Analysis_of_Sex_Differences_in_Interests
“How to Write a Damn Good Man” by Robert Wood: https://www.standoutbooks.com/writing-male-characters/
 
Articles that we found problematic but useful for conversation: 
“How to Write a Male Character” by Josh Prior: https://www.jeuneauthors.com/post/how-to-write-a-male-character#:~:text=Even%20if%20you%27re%20writing,what%27s%20in%20it%20for%20him.
“On Writing Convincing Male Characters” by Randy Ingermanson: https://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/08/13/on-writing-convincing-male-characters/
 
Films and novels we reference: 
The Indiana Jones franchise 
Gladiator starring Russel Crowe
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien 
The Hunger Games series written by Suzanne Collins 
John Wick 1, 2, & 3
The Visitor by Louvie Tucker 
The Queen’s Enforcer by Ciara Darren 
 
Find Louvie Tucker’s novel, The Visitor, here. Available in eBook and print form on Amazon, and as an eBook in most online stores. 
 
This week’s episode page can be found here: https://representationmatters.art/2022/07/31/s3e4/
 
Subscribe to our newsletter here and get out Doing Diversity in Writing Toolkit, including our Calm the F*ck Down Checklist and Cultural Appropriation Checklist: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r3p6g8 
 
As always, we’d love for you to join the conversation by filling out our questionnaires. 
 
Our Doing Diversity in Writing – Writer Questionnaire can be filled in at https://forms.gle/UUEbeEvxsdwk1kuy5
 
Our Doing Diversity in Writing – Reader Questionnaire can be filled in at https://forms.gle/gTAg4qrvaCPtqVJ36 
 
Website: https://representationmatters.art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doingdiversityinwriting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtHfIaeylIgbAWVy3E66lmw

In this episode of Doing Diversity in Writing, we—Bethany and Mariëlle—talk about writing better female characters. This is the second part of a two-part episode on the topic.
 
Here’s what we talk about:
Words and descriptions to avoid when describing women
Words and description to deeply consider before using them
Gendered words to avoid or consider when writing about women
The ridiculous misconceptions there are about the female body and how to describe the body and bodily functions right
How the (male) author’s Point of View can skew descriptions and characterizations of female characters
Making sure your own POV won’t get in the way of your female characters’ POVs
Some final thoughts about the “strong female character” and how we should expand our definition of “strong”

And here are the (re)sources we mentioned on the show:
 
“In response to boob plate” by Sam the Sword: https://samanthaswords.tumblr.com/post/62968403257/in-response-to-boob-plate
“Women are sharing how little the men in their lives know about reproduction” by Brittany Wong: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/women-are-sharing-how-little-the-men-in-their-lives-know-about-reproduction_l_627e8906e4b0eb0f0711cb80
Tweet by Sabrinafon about her ex boyfriend’s beliefs about periods: https://twitter.com/Sabrinafon/status/1521981744668454913
Alice Oseman’s work: https://aliceoseman.com/
Kana Akatsuki’s Violet Evergarden: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_Evergarden
“21 words we ONLY use to describe women” by Nadia Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/21-words-we-use-only-describe-women-nadia-khan/
“Shrill, mumsy, bossy…” by Roshan McArthur: https://togetherband.org/blogs/news/words-that-describe-women
“11 words we need to stop using to describe women” by Suzannah Weiss: https://www.bustle.com/articles/150273-11-words-we-need-to-stop-using-to-describe-women-because-housewife-doesnt-capture-anyones-job
“Everyday misogyny: 122 subtly sexist words about women (and what to do about them) by thaliakr: http://sacraparental.com/2016/05/14/everyday-misogyny-122-subtly-sexist-words-women/
“7 words you should avoid using about women in the workplace” by Hayley Gleeson: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-01/words-you-should-avoid-using-about-women-in-the-workplace/7467848
“Don’t say I’m ‘dramatic’” by Jessica Bennett: https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/feminist-fight-club/almost-z-list-words-avoid-when-talking-about-women-sexist-language
“Half of Brits don’t know where the vagina is – and it’s not just the men” by Victoria Waldersee: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/health/articles-reports/2019/03/08/half-brits-dont-know-where-vagina-and-its-not-just
“I Don’t Want to Be the Strong Female Lead” by Brit Marling: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/07/opinion/sunday/brit-marling-women-movies.html
Bethany’s Editing Your Novel's Structure: Tips, Tricks, and Checklists to Get You From Start to Finish: https://theartandscienceofwords.com/new-book-for-authors/
 
This week’s episode page can be found here: https://representationmatters.art/2022/06/30/s3e3 
 
Subscribe to our newsletter here and get out Doing Diversity in Writing Toolkit, including our Calm the F*ck Down Checklist and Cultural Appropriation Checklist: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r3p6g8 
 
As always, we’d love for you to join the conversation by filling out our questionnaires. 
 
Our Doing Diversity in Writing – Writer Questionnaire can be filled in at https://forms.gle/UUEbeEvxsdwk1kuy5
 
Our Doing Diversity in Writing – Reader Questionnaire can be filled in at https://forms.gle/gTAg4qrvaCPtqVJ36 
 
Website: https://representationmatters.art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doingdiversityinwriting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtHfIaeylIgbAWVy3E66lmw

In this episode of Doing Diversity in Writing, we—Bethany and Mariëlle—talk about writing better female characters. This is the first part of a two-part episode on the topic.
 
Here’s what we talked about:
That, in the US, women are estimated to buy 70–80% of fiction books
There are way more male than female leads in children’s books
That novels, on average and across the board, only have one female character to four male characters
But that many readers FEEL like there are way more female protagonists these days than there are male protagonists 
That women writers also have a tendency to write male characters, and that women are not exempt from perpetuating problematic female representations
What kind of roles women tend to have in fiction
A selection of tropes to avoid or seriously consider when writing female characters
Some of the most persistent narrative structures that disempower and/or harm women
Why it is important to write female characters better, even if books with badly written women are selling well 

And here are the (re)sources we mentioned on the show:
 
“How many books per year do Americans read?” by Jamie Ballard: https://today.yougov.com/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2018/08/14/reading-books-men-women
“Gender in twentieth-century children’s books” by Janice McCabe: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241647875_Gender_in_Twentieth-Century_Children%27s_Books
“It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World, Even in a Pandemic Year: Portrayals of Female Characters in the Top U.S. Films of 2021” by Dr. Martha M. Lauzen: https://womenintvfilm.sdsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2021-Its-a-Mans-Celluloid-World-Report.pdf  
“Women Buy Fiction in Bulk and Publishers Take Notice” by Trip Gabriel: https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/17/business/women-buy-fiction-in-bulk-and-publishers-take-notice.html
“AI study finds that males are represented four times more than females in literature” by Maya Abu-Zahra: https://viterbischool.usc.edu/news/2022/04/ai-study-finds-that-males-are-represented-four-times-more-than-females-in-literature/
“Male leads in fiction sell 10 million more books on average than female leads” by Kelly Jensen: https://bookriot.com/male-leads-in-fiction/
“A new study shows that girls write fewer female characters as they get older” by Walker Caplan: https://lithub.com/a-new-study-shows-that-girls-write-fewer-female-characters-as-they-get-older/
RWBY TV Series: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3066242/
“The Problem with Female Protagonists” by Jo Eberhardt: https://writerunboxed.com/2016/08/06/the-problem-with-female-protagonists/
“Discussion Time: Why are there More Female Protagonists than Male?” by Beth: https://readingeverynight.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/discussion-time-why-are-there-more-female-protagonists-than-male/
7 Figure Fiction by T. Taylor: https://7figurefiction.com/
“It is time to kill the cool girl trope” by Raha Murtuza: https://thermtide.com/14279/popular/it-is-time-to-kill-the-cool-girl-trope/
Gone Girl – Cool Girl: https://youtu.be/0o4heKCLeTs
“Name That Trope: She’s hot! She’s cool! She’s one of the guys!” by Kelsey Wallace: https://www.bitchmedia.org/post/name-that-trope-the-super-hot-bro-girl
How to Write About Sexual Assault: An Incomplete Guide by Salt and Sage Books: https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-About-Sexual-Assault-ebook/dp/B08DHHN82D 
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Pérez: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41104077-invisible-women 
How NOT to Write Female Characters by Lucy V. Hay: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41739262-how-not-to-write-female-characters
“10 MORE SEXIST Tropes in Science Fiction and Fantasy” by DZA: https://youtu.be/oiooafKkVMI
“I Don’t Want to Be the Strong Female Lead” by Brit Marling: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/07/opinion/sunday/brit-marling-women-movies.html
“10 Best Tips for Writing Strong Female Characters” by Writin