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.