How to Write Diverse Characters

If you're active on Twitter, you've probably noticed that there's a huge push in the publishing world to increase diversity in all genres of literature.

Whether it's an institution like We Need Diverse Books, which grew from a hashtag into a full on organization that provides awards, grants, mentorships and more, or literary agents tweeting about wanting more diverse manuscripts in their slush pile, both readers, agents, and publishers want to see more diversity in today's stories.

A reader recently contacted me about wanting to write a story with a diverse protagonist, but being scared about getting it wrong. I realized this is a fear several writers might have, so here are 3 easy tips to help you write diverse characters today.

The NaNoWrimo Success Series: How To Create Characters Using The MBTI Method

Alright writers, we’re officially 5 days away!

If you’ve been following the NaNoWriMo Success Series, by now you’ve:

- Chosen Your NaNoWriMo Story

- Outlined Your NaNoWriMo Plot

By choosing your story and outlining your plot, you’ve already set yourself up for success. With your scenes in place, you get to avoid writer’s block because you know where your story is headed. Even when writing gets hard, you’ll be able to keep pushing forward and finish your novel (If you haven’t done those things, it’s not too late to get started!)

Now that you’ve ensured you’ll finish your story, it’s time to move onto techniques that will improve the quality of your first draft. One common issue with many first drafts is character differentiation and authenticity.

Kick-Ass Characters: How to Create Epic Characters in 4 Easy Steps

When I start a story, I love falling in love with my main character. Eager to join the Hermione Grangers and Katniss Everdeens of today, I dream up my heroine's quirks and skills.

I think about her favorite Chinese takeout, how often and how long she looks at herself in the mirror. These details may seem mundane, but detail builds character.

The girl who orders vegetarian’s delight and curls her hair each morning is not the same girl who stuffs her face with crab rangoon and avoids looking at her reflection in the mirror. The more details I add, the more I discover. The more I discover, the easier it is to write!

But no matter how much detail I create in the beginning, there are always moments where I find myself stuck. I think, “What would my protagonist say in this situation? Is she doing what she would actually do or what I need her to do?”

In these moments I turn to the very basics of character, and here are a few rules and exercises to help you build your own epic story characters!