Thoughtful and interesting insights on writing a supporting character whose identity is different from your own and how to do that with respect.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The content is very good and vitally important. It covers a wide range of stereotypes/tropes/pitfalls to avoid harming marginalized communities. It also goes way beyond those lists to discuss methods for doing your research as a writer, not just in the current climate for how things stand at the moment but how to navigate these issues as they naturally evolve. As a writer I feel much better equipped to approach writing identities not my own in a respectful, nuanced, untokenized way. Many fantastic resources are listed throughout the book.

While the author discusses genres like historical fiction and fantasy, much of the advice/focus seems to be on contemporary fiction. She acknowledges that her information and opinions may not be complete or universal and does a good job of standing by that throughout the book, and sometimes I disagreed with her assertions (especially regarding her list of ""tired"" romance tropes, which doesn't seem to belong in this book anyway since it doesn't connect to the topic of writing marginalized identities).

Even for an advanced reader copy, I was surprised at how unfinished the book is. It desperately needs a proofreader, there were missing/placeholder page numbers and links, and the digital formatting was atrocious (e.g. tables spanning multiple pages and overlapping other content, making it impossible to read). Hopefully these issues are addressed before publication.

I really like this book. There's a lot going on and personally I do believe the formatting makes it difficult to utilize well. I think the writer attempted to conquer a monumental task and does a decent job trying to address all the various topics and facets of identity. It is a huge undertaking and Temblador does so well and with acknowledgements for all the variety of opinions from people within those groups. This is well done.

As I said though I do think the way it's formatted makes the text a little unwieldy and difficult to really work through well. This is a masterclass set in a book which is very overwhelming.

I found this book extremely useful as I'm trying to write my first novel which includes people of races other than white. Just ordinary people that  typically live in my hometown of Dartmouth Nova Scotia. I want to do it respectfully. 
Three comprehensive sections cover “Before you Write” “As You Write” and “Editing Identities Other than Your Own.” 
The book is a great combination of detail and precision in an approachable tone  and covers topics thoroughly, aided by subheaded tables of contents that help you zero in on what you want. I was most interested in historically marginalized identities and there's a long chapter on every aspect: physical appearance stereotyping,  skin tone, hair, race ethnicity, and body types, etc. which I found really helpful. Sex and gender identity is also covered.
 It's up to all of us to understand bias and harmful representations and ensure our work is free of it. 
When this book comes out in August I will have to buy myself a copy. Put it on your shelf next to Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses. 

Many thanks to @stmartinsessentials, @netgalley and the author for this advance e copy in exchange for an honest review

I typically don’t read much nonfiction, but when I saw Writing an Identity Not Your Own as an ARC in NetGalley, I was intrigued. Anyone who personally knows me is aware I believe representation is important, and should be represented authentically. I had high hopes, and this book delivered.

Writing an Identity Not Your Own is an AMAZING resource for every person– while this focuses on authors/writers, I think anyone can read this and learn something new.

Something about nonfiction that has always bothered me was how dry the genre can be (at least to me), but this book reads like a story and isn’t dry at all– I was happily surprised. The book is broken into sections and the information is given in small chunks, which makes it very manageable to read.

Alex Temblador (the author) touches on so many important topics, and does it well. She makes you aware of stereotypes, tropes, gives you examples, exercises, suggestions, and so much more.

I want to stress that EVERY writer should read this– we all have biases and stereotypes in our heads that society has fed us, and this does a good job of helping you realize that.

Writing an Identity Not Your Own by Alex Temblador comes out on August 13th!

And thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of the book!

I'm really not a writer, but I am very interested in the craft. I found this book fascinating and so well done. It was like taking a college course on writing from other perspectives, and I can see that it'll be extremely helpful to new and experienced writers as they bring more diversity into their characters and stories.

Wow! Loved it!

By far, this is the single most important book that EVERY writer should purchase. Not only does Alex do a deep dive into all the aspects of writing characters that you do not identify with, she also gives an inside look as to what is happening in the publishing world. I found myself hanging on to every word as she described (with wit and intelligence) the ins and outs of inherent biases that we all carry.

I also loved that she owns we are all flawed but that we must, as writers, do the research and seek answers because it is our responsibility to do so. I will admit that I am now questioning my own work in progress and wondering how the hell I'm going to ensure the communities I am writing about are a correct representation of them - I'll likely be adding even more sensitivity readers to my list!

Also, I've already pre-ordered this book for all of my writer friends - it's that good and that important!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an incredibly important book! I'm so grateful to Temblador for writing this. As an author, it's important to me to include people different than myself in my books, to try to fully represent the world around us, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because I want my friends who are all unique individuals and many of whom are very different than me, to see themselves in my books and others' books as well. I also like that this book discusses issues of misrepresentation, appropriation, and stereotypes (per the back cover copy). I never try to write a main character who is an identity other than my own, but in. my real life, I am surrounded by all sorts of people, all colors, all genders and sexual orientations--I think it's so important to reflect reality in my books, but I want to do so in a respectful way that doesn't merely reflect stereotypes. While this is a constant practice, learning every day, I feel as though this book is an excellent guide book, a great start.

Writing an Identity Not Your Own is a much needed, eye opening resource. As a writer I learned so much from this book. Things I had not previously considered in my own writing. I highly recommend this book to writers of every type. Adherence to the advice and tools found in this book will save writers from heartache and possible legal woes in the future. This is definitely a book I will be adding to my library.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.

Do you have to share a culture with someone when you're creating a fictional character? Even if you do share a culture, you can fall into the trap of misrepresenting or stereotyping your character.
This book offers advice on how to deal respectfully with different characters. The most helpful part for me was the list of tropes at the back, which just went on and on, because it's true, there are so many tropes. If we become aware, we can do better when we write.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Representation is so important, and I found this title to be a very well written, thoughtful guide and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to read this and learn.

I feel that this could prove an invaluable resource for writers and highly recommend.



Thank you to St. Martin’s Essentials and NetGalley for the DRC

📚 PRE-PUBLICATION REVIEW 📚

"Writing An Identity Not Your Own: A Guide for Creative Writers"
By Alex Temblador
Publication Date: August 13, 2024

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Synopsis:

This book is a practical guide to help authors authentically write and edit a character whose identity is different than their own. Temblador discusses one of the most contentious topics in creative writing: crafting a character whose identity is historically marginalized. The book will guide writers through the pre-writing phase to the editing process so they can gain a full understanding of the complexities of writing other identities and why it's important to get it right.

My Review:

This book is a phenomenal resource for writers to utilize as they begin any new writing project! It's absolutely a book I will refer to, time and time again, as I'm creating characters and checking to ensure I'm considering the authenticity of each character's voice and perspective.

What I particularly loved, was the way that Temblador walked through the process step-by-step, starting with definitions and a basic understanding of terms used in the book -- wanting to be certain the writer begins this process from the most informed spot possible. I especially loved the section about unconscious bias, confirmation bias, and bias blocks -- so helpful!!

From there, the author includes a guide to walk the writer through the process of creating characters who are authentic and genuine. Temblador raises considerations that I'm not sure all writers would consider in character creation, and yet these considerations are SO IMPORTANT. I plan to use this book each time I'm preparing a character in a new project. The information is versatile for multiple genres and types of writing, yet individualized enough to work through on a regular basis in one's writings.

I'm grateful to Net Galley and St. Martin's Essentials for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review!! This one will stay on my bookshelf and be an important resource in my writings!

#NetGalley #WritingAnIdentityNotYourOwn
#AlexTemblador

Important and informative read to assist with improving cultural competence and representation among writers. Topics, themes, and examples pertaining to the subject matter were explored to identify biases, problematic, and culturally insensitive narratives. One of my favorite chapters featured common themes within specific genres such as trauma porn for historical fiction and the token marginalized person in the horror genre. This was a good book that examines how perspective influences how stories are told.

Writing an Identity Not Your Own
A Guide for Creative Writers
by Alex Temblador
The book was very useful. I started small, longer journal of myself. And this helps, keeps me in my head, and writes as if magic is happening. This book offers a skillfully crafted response to a common with to start. I will buy the book and keep it going.

Summary: Award-winning author Alex Temblador fearlessly tackles the elephant in the writing room – how to authentically portray characters with identities different from our own. From dissecting the meaning of 'identity' to navigating the minefields of unconscious bias, Temblador guides aspiring writers through the process of crafting characters of diverse backgrounds. The book explores intersectional identities, delving into considerations for race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disabilities, nationalities, and more. Whether you're in the pre-writing phase or knee-deep in editing, this guide promises to be your compass through the uncharted territories of diverse storytelling.


🌈 Pros:
✨ Four stars for the helpful information! The book stands out as an invaluable resource, offering insightful guidance on writing and editing characters with authenticity and respect. Aspiring writers will find it not only informative but also a source of enlightenment.

🎓 The education extends beyond the craft of writing, offering a nuanced understanding of the state of diversity in publishing. It's not just about crafting characters; it's about understanding the societal landscape in which these characters exist.

📚 Cons:
🤯 Brace yourself! This book may induce a few literary identity crises. As you frantically revise your novel-in-progress, questioning every creative choice (which is *definitely* not me right now), remember: growth often comes with a side of existential dread.


🌟 In conclusion, "Writing an Identity Not Your Own" stands tall as a beacon for writers navigating the choppy seas of identity representation. Temblador's wit and wisdom make this educational journey an engaging and eye-opening experience. As you embark on this rollercoaster of self-reflection and creative exploration, remember: a little existential crisis is a small price to pay for writing that transcends boundaries. 🚀📖

Disclaimer: A colossal thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for entrusting me with this ARC. The opinions expressed here are as unpredictable as a writer's plot twists – wild, varied, and subject to change. 📚🎭

Writing an Identity Not Your Own, is an informative book to help writers connect with the characters they create.

In this day and age it’s important when representing diversity, to write with care and knowledge.

This book will help in the beginning stages as you pre-write and start to connect with characters and the direction of your book.

You’ll learn about writing different race/ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, disabilities, nationalities, and more.

This process will help writers gain an understanding in writing other identities and how we need to give these characters the justice they deserve.

While this book was informative, at times could be difficult to understand or follow. However, I do recommend to all writers especially now more than ever.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy. This book was educational. A tool that can be used on a day-to-day basis during your writing journey.

This book offers a skillfully crafted response to a commonly experienced dilemma. In our current reading culture, there's a growing desire for diverse fiction, and this work is poised to become an essential resource for crafting such narratives. Written in an accessible style, it not only guides writers on effectively portraying diverse identities but also sheds light on potential pitfalls and stereotypical writing challenges. Whether you're a writer or a writing craft enthusiast, picking up this book from the store shelves promises valuable insights and guidance.

This is a FANTASTIC book to help writers improve their writing craft, teaching writers how to better understand the harm of writing characters unlike themselves from their POV is not only harmful but will end in backlash from people who KNOW you don’t know anything about what you’re writing. It’s about accountability, and treating characters with the respect you would show the very people they represent.

I really enjoyed this read and believe it should be taught in classes and workshops if people need help getting out of their limited perspective. It puts into words just how limited our view of life is until someone else’s life and experiences affects our own.

Fantastic read.

Writing an Identity Not your own by Alex Temblador is a well written answer to a widely felt dilemma. Now more than ever we as a reading culture are craving diversely written fiction and this book will surely become an indispensable tool in creating those stories. Written in an easy to understand manner this work provides insight both into how to write other identities well but also into some pitfalls and stereotypical writing issues an author may encounter.
Writers and writing craft enthusiasts alike will find great use in picking this one up off the store shelves.