Dear writers,

As I draft this email, multiple American cities are burning. You may have Opinions on this. Today let's address a popular tidbit of advice about being an author on social media.

The advice goes, "STAY ON BRAND. Don't get political!" 

That advice is, frankly, bullshit. It comes from a place of privilege, and assumes the listener has the same privilege, namely that of being white. 

See, white authors can pretend their very existence is not political. White people are normal, default, ordinary. White authors can act like they're above the fray of politics, they're just here to tell stories! 

But stories are political. Art is political. Breathing is political. 

As an obvious example, author Angie Thomas' brand is inseparable from the fact that she's a Black woman writing books for Black young adults. Her first book, The Hate U Give (which is brilliant, read it), is about a police shooting and was directly inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Angie can't pretend she's above politics. The fact that she is a Black woman in publishing who advocates for more stories like hers is political. 

And every BIPOC author carries a similar weight. Their stories, their presence, make political statements just by existing. 

What arrogance, what folly, to think that white authors writing books aren't just as political. When a white author publishes it comes with the tacit approval of a system that has always approved of them. It's reinforcing the status quo. At times it means directly taking a slot away from someone who isn't white. It means white stories get heard and disseminated and other voices do not. 

So don't pretend that white authors should stick only to books and stories. That is itself a political opinion.

I believe we also have a moral duty, all of us, to use our platforms for good. If you follow me on Twitter you know that I don't follow the bad advice to "stay on brand." My brand includes my politics. The book I'm working on now has plenty to say about teens and religion and sex, which is very political. 

You may not like my politics. You may only be here for the writing advice, or the fiction. You may unsubscribe. That's political, too. 

But like I said, I think we have a moral duty to speak up when we see injustice. I stand with the protesters fighting for justice for George Floyd, and the countless others who have died like he did. Black Lives Matter. 

To my Black readers: I know you're not okay right now, but how are you holding up? If you need someone to talk to, I can be that person. You can hit reply. I want the spaces I curate to be safe and welcoming for you. 

To my white readers: If you have not already, please educate yourself about the long history of brutality against Black people in America. Understand the social contract. Learn why protests, riots, and looting are effective tools for disenfranchised communities. Challenge your biases and acknowledge your privilege. If you're still uncertain, or uncomfortable, or you want to tell me off, go ahead. Hit reply. I can give you more resources, and hear what you're feeling. I ask that you bring those feelings to me and not to the Black people in your life--they've got more than enough going on right now. 

Email Me

Briefly, here are the things I wanted to pass on this week before the hellfire of 2020 took on yet another dimension.

1) You can still download the print-at-home version of The Monster Novel Structure Workbook. It's in the downloads bundle for a limited time. Instructions here.

2) I'm working on a mini-book about fiction pacing. I wanted to have it for you this week but it's going to be bigger than I thought. If there's anything you've ever wanted to know about pacing, please ask so I can include it.

3) In case you missed it, I'm considering starting a virtual writing group. If you're interested in joining, I have a few quick questions for you.

4) Something special is happening on Thursday! Expect another email.

5) Instead of a recipe today, I'm going to direct you to Epicurious' YouTube channel. They have a great series of 4 Levels of Chefs, where they get people of different skill levels to make the same dish. The cooks are delightful, and I've learned a lot watching the different takes on each meal.  If you've seen those already, don't miss Pro Chef vs Home Cook and the Epicurious FAQs both of which have the same cast and build on the jokes. 

Stand strong, stay safe, and look after yourselves. 



The Monster Novel Structure Workbook

Now with print-at-home file!

Learn More | Buy Now

Tw: @bronniesway | IG: @monsterwriters | Pin: Monster Writers