Writing Diverse Characters Responsibly (Andi Cumbo-Floyd)

This seminar will meet in person for 2 sessions on Saturdays, May 10 and May 17th from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. 

Description:

The writing adage is to write what you know, but if we, as writers, only write about our own experience, are we limiting ourselves and our readers to a world that is too monochromatic?  In this seminar, we’ll discuss the challenges of writing “the other” as well as our ethical and social responsibilities when doing so. We’ll talk about strategies and processes to help us be responsible and compassionate writers as well as what the limits might be for writing in the experience of a person who differs from us in ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or economic class. Participants will walk away from the course with a clear and personalized sense of what is available to them and what territories of experience they feel uncomfortable exploring.  

About the Instructor:

Andi Cumbo-Floyd is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages.  She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together.  She lives in Crozet.