This is my last twitter thread of the day I swear b/c I *need* to get some work done. However, I want to do this one before I forget.
Courtney laid out some *excellent* action items in this thread. They're intended to be sure that Black women are given the same opportunities...
Courtney laid out some *excellent* action items in this thread. They're intended to be sure that Black women are given the same opportunities...
...in romance publishing/community that others get. She's not just stating things others have to do, but ways that she will hold herself accountable and use her clout to work toward an even playing field.
It's an excellent list. It needs to be a template for y'all in SFF as well
It's an excellent list. It needs to be a template for y'all in SFF as well
If big name white writers were to adopt some of these same actions -- modified for the particular circumstances -- and actually follow through on them over the course of years and not just when Twitter is paying attention, it would have a real impact on our genre & community.
And I'm gonna be #ThatBitch and name some of the people I'm thinking about:
@PatrickRothfuss, @ChuckWendig, @scalzi, @BrandSanderson, @JamesSACorey (yes I know that's not one person), @longshotauthor, @jeffvandermeer, @scottlynch78, @GRRMspeaking
About this list...
@PatrickRothfuss, @ChuckWendig, @scalzi, @BrandSanderson, @JamesSACorey (yes I know that's not one person), @longshotauthor, @jeffvandermeer, @scottlynch78, @GRRMspeaking
About this list...
First, I'm not calling these ppl out and saying they are trash. Several of the authors listed are ones I *know* are down to do this work and are dear friends. This list is literally just high profile authors who could make a big difference by following Courtney's lead.
2nd, it's not a mistake that all those authors are white/white passing men. That's not to let white women off the hook. But I'll be honest: it's white men that first come to mind when I think "Certain of y'all need to step up for this." Cis white men still have the most privilege
White women and white folks of all genders are just as necessary and can be just as effective. We need all our allies.
And hey, do feel free to tag in any author you think should step up.
And hey, do feel free to tag in any author you think should step up.
An aspect I think needs to be circled in neon is how Courtney specifically talks about Black women in that thread, not the general Women of Color. Not to say that other women of color don't also face issues, but it does acknowledge that anti-Blackness has played a big role.
That's true for SFFH as well. Anti-Blackness continues even as "diversity" has increased. There are more Writers of Color in magazines, on bookshelves, and included in award nominations, but the % Black authors isn't rising @ the same rate.
medium.com/fireside-ficti…
medium.com/fireside-ficti…
And while I don't want to say that white folks should exclude other people of color from their pledges and thinking around this issue, a focus specifically on Black authors of all genders would not be undue.
After all, we tend to bring along all our friends when we're included.
After all, we tend to bring along all our friends when we're included.
The items of Courtney's list are concrete steps that authors on multiple levels of influence can do. One high profile writer doing them can make some difference, multiple writers on the same page can make a huge difference.
You say you support diversity? Show it.
You say you support diversity? Show it.
