An "It's Complicated!" post by author Cynthia Leitich Smith
Meanwhile, nearly every author must write characters and
situations that spring from beyond her own experiences, identity markers and
comfort zone. If your specialty is, say, nonfiction about creatures of the sea,
perhaps not. But muse on the global environmental-industrial-health effects of
overfishing or, hey, toss in a merman, and believe me, you’re right back in the
thick of it.
If you live in the world, you’re in this conversation—and,
yes, staying quiet is a statement, too. What that silence means may vary from
writer to writer, but for far too many, it’s a product of fear.
You, the fearfully silent, I’m talking to you. Have you ever thought “I’ll mess up” or “they’ll reject me,” and then set aside a story or character or plot line?
If so, you’re not alone. As a teacher and mentor, I’ve heard
those thoughts expressed countless times.
Usually, “I’ll mess up” comes from those seeking to reflect someone different from themselves. Different in terms of culture, ethnicity, region, religion, sexual orientation, social class or another attribute that folks use to, at least in part, define themselves and each other…one that carries with it baggage and lends itself to heightened sensitivities.
You who care so much that you’re immobilized, silenced, I’m
asking you to make yourselves heard. You already know how. Set aside
preconceptions, take advice, study. Make friends and listen to them—when they
talk and when they’re quiet. Risk rejection. Ask permission. Take no for an
answer. Don’t take no for an answer. Weigh differing opinions. Admit mistakes.
Learn from them.
