Bloggers Note:
"I have reached out to various authors, readers, blogger's and reviewers with an idea of promoting Diversity in books. You may be wondering why. Well, after chatting with both Madhuri Blaylock and Kayti Nika Raet amazing authors, by the way) about the subject and what I could do to help, I decided to host a March Special here on my book blog. Please note that this will now be a permanent page on my blog, so please at any time if you have a comment or want to advertise you own blog supporting Diverse Books, then remember you can email me at any time."
So, with out further a do, here is the list of guests taking part in this amazing March Special.
Monday 9th March - An Introduction about the March 'Diverse' Special by me
Tuesday 10th March - Wendy Steele
Wednesday 11th March - Beth Bennet
Thursday 12th March - Laurie Albano
Tuesday 17th March - Shahirah Loqman
Wednesday 18th March - Lyndsay Watts
Thursday 19th March - Mike Wells
Friday 20th March - Devika Fernado
Monday 23rd March - Henry Lion Oldie
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If you know anyone who would like to 'way in', who wants to take part or has there own opinions on the subject of Diversity in Books then please email me at [email protected] and pass me your thoughts/comments.
It can be an opinion on another post or an your own thoughts on what diversity means to you when it comes to books. I also ask for you to send me a little bio on yourself and a picture of something that I can use as a profile pic.
I look forward to hearing from you. All comments and thoughts welcome (but I do have the right to choose if I post it or not depending on the content)
LET'S GET THE WORD OUT THERE! HIT FACEBOOK, TWITTER, GOOGLE+ AND ALL OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITES.
USE THE #WeNeedDiverseBooks WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? WELL HEAD OVER TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES DEDICATED TO CAMPAIGNING FOR DIVERSITY IN BOOKS.
http://weneeddiversebooks.tumblr.com/ ALTERNATIVELY, CHECK OUT - http://weneeddiversebooks.org/
BOTH SITES ARE AMAZING AND WELL WORTH CHECKING OUT!!!
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Global & Local Diversity in Books
- By Henry Lion Oldie
As to our minds, diversity in books writing subdivides into “global” diversity (in different author’s books) and “local” diversity (in the one author’s book). And from another side, diversity has two different aspects: creative and commercial.
“Global” diversity (in different author’s books)
From the creative point of view, a “global” diversity is good and useful for author. Writing in different literary genres, taking different themes and conflicts, using different original worlds (especially for science fiction, fantasy and their sub-genres), creating different types of characters and different plots, expressing different ideas, using different literary styles and stylizations – leads to author’s literary self-development, professional growth and obtaining a large literary experience.
But from the commercial point of view, a “global” diversity is not good in most cases. Large groups of readers (not all, but many of them) prefer one or two their favorite genre(s). So, fantasy fans mainly will not read a detective story, and science fiction fans mainly will not read a mystical thriller, and etc. When a writer already has a group of his (her) own readers (fans), this group may be lost if a next author’s book will be written in another genre then usually. A publisher’s reject is also very possible in such case. And when you write a book series, you can miss many of your readers if you’ll just write a book in the same genre but in another series (or independent book, out of series). Even well-known and famous bestsellers’ authors have such problem. Just compare the circulations of JK Rowling’s “Harry Potter” (any volume) and her “The Casual Vacancy”. It’s only one example of a very large number.
Some exceptions from this rule exist: Dan Simmons, Neal Stephenson and China Mieville, for example, write very different books during many years, and almost all their books sales good enough. But there are just exceptions, not rule.
As for us, we completely agree with Cyril Connolly who said: “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.” But maybe we’re lucky guys: we write what we want (very different books in different genres) and we have our readers and many paper editions (in Russian, Polish, French and some other languages; but we have only eBook editions in English for the time present).
“Local” diversity (in the one author’s book)
According to our writing experience (about 25 years), a diversity in author’s book is good in all meanings. We prefer to write different chapters and fragments in different mood and style corresponding to the events happening in our text. Some fragments may be more serious or more ironic, contain more suspense or more action, psychology or philosophy, to be more romantic or more brutal, realistic or symbolic and etc. But, of course, all these style and mood differences have to fit into the general conception of the book.
A characters’ development. Characters’ personalities have to change during the book plot development. The change of characters’ personalities and their mutual relations makes them alive and creates an “inside dynamic” of the book. Finally, it makes book of any genre more realistic and interesting than a book with “static” characters.
Unexpected plot turnings, bright metaphors, locations changes, dynamic and introspection fragments changing each other and etc. That’s all is good and useful for any book, as we consider – as from literary point of view, as from commercial one.
Author Bio: HENRY LION OLDIE = DMITRY GROMOV + OLEG LADYZHENSKY
Dmitry Gromov and Oleg Ladyzhensky are professional Science Fiction & Fantasy co-authors from Ukraine who write their books under the penname "HENRY LION OLDIE".
From 1991 to 2012 H.L. Oldie had published more than 200 books (including reprints and translations) or more than 40 original books (first prints); as well as several anthologies.
As of today H. L. Oldie had published more than 30 novels, 10 novelettes and more than 70 short stories.
The total amount of all H. L. Oldie's books sold up by September 2012 is more than 1.500.000 copies. H. L. Oldie had obtained more than 30 Russian, Ukrainian and International literary awards and prizes.
At "EuroCon-2006" International European SF & Fantasy Convention H. L. Oldie got a title of The Best European SF & Fantasy Writer of 2006 (ESFS Award): http://esfs.info/esfs-awards-2000.html#2006
Dmitry Gromov and Oleg Ladyzhensky are professional Science Fiction & Fantasy co-authors from Ukraine who write their books under the penname "HENRY LION OLDIE".
From 1991 to 2012 H.L. Oldie had published more than 200 books (including reprints and translations) or more than 40 original books (first prints); as well as several anthologies.
As of today H. L. Oldie had published more than 30 novels, 10 novelettes and more than 70 short stories.
The total amount of all H. L. Oldie's books sold up by September 2012 is more than 1.500.000 copies. H. L. Oldie had obtained more than 30 Russian, Ukrainian and International literary awards and prizes.
At "EuroCon-2006" International European SF & Fantasy Convention H. L. Oldie got a title of The Best European SF & Fantasy Writer of 2006 (ESFS Award): http://esfs.info/esfs-awards-2000.html#2006
Diversity in Books –
By Devika Fernando
While we see a lot of – forced – diversity in movies, the topic is still somewhat of a taboo in books. Especially rare is the combination of protagonists of different races. Interracial or multiracial books are few and far between, especially in the romance genre. There’s now a growing number of novels available that focus (sometimes exclusively) on African American characters – but what about all the other ethnicities out there waiting to be explored?
It’s hard to speak of discrimination, because it’s like this with writers from almost every country. Most Asians write about Asians but hardly include Western / Caucasian / European characters.
Is there a reason for this, apart from maybe fearing to become part of a controversy if you break the chain? I think one reason is the old adage “write what you know”. What if authors risk writing about a protagonist with a different nationality and end up getting things wrong because they’re not familiar with the whole cultural package? What if one tries and is blamed for relying on stereotypes?
In my opinion, the way out of this is writing interracial stories, especially romances where one partner comes from a different country or ethnicity. This way, at least part of the characterization is familiar to the author. Plus, it will make for an interesting contrast – and it is close to life because there are after all millions of interracial couples out there. It was one of my motivations to write my upcoming romance novel “Saved in Sri Lanka” where the hero is Irish and the heroine is Sri Lankan.
It’s hard to speak of discrimination, because it’s like this with writers from almost every country. Most Asians write about Asians but hardly include Western / Caucasian / European characters.
Is there a reason for this, apart from maybe fearing to become part of a controversy if you break the chain? I think one reason is the old adage “write what you know”. What if authors risk writing about a protagonist with a different nationality and end up getting things wrong because they’re not familiar with the whole cultural package? What if one tries and is blamed for relying on stereotypes?
In my opinion, the way out of this is writing interracial stories, especially romances where one partner comes from a different country or ethnicity. This way, at least part of the characterization is familiar to the author. Plus, it will make for an interesting contrast – and it is close to life because there are after all millions of interracial couples out there. It was one of my motivations to write my upcoming romance novel “Saved in Sri Lanka” where the hero is Irish and the heroine is Sri Lankan.
Author Bio
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems.
After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession.
Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds – something that influences her writing.
Her trademark is writing sweet, yet deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust.
What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed.
She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life.
Besides being a romance novel author, she works as a self-employed German web content writer, as a translator, and as a faithful servant to all the cats, dogs, fish and birds in her home.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading or thinking about writing.
Having always loved to read and write, Devika Fernando made her dream come true in 2014 when she became a self-published novelist. The Amazon bestselling author has published several eBooks in the genres contemporary romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Her German and Sri Lankan roots influence her writing.
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems.
After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession.
Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds – something that influences her writing.
Her trademark is writing sweet, yet deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust.
What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed.
She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life.
Besides being a romance novel author, she works as a self-employed German web content writer, as a translator, and as a faithful servant to all the cats, dogs, fish and birds in her home.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading or thinking about writing.
Having always loved to read and write, Devika Fernando made her dream come true in 2014 when she became a self-published novelist. The Amazon bestselling author has published several eBooks in the genres contemporary romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Her German and Sri Lankan roots influence her writing.
Authors & Diversity in Literature -
By Mike Wells
As an author, I think diversity is important in literature because I believe everybody on the planet deserves plenty of good books to read.
Reading stimulates the mind and increases vocabulary, helps people think and express themselves more clearly. I think diversity is a win-win situation.
By creating diverse characters in my books, I appeal to a wider reader base because more people can identify with my heroes and other characters in my stories.
This means more sales for me, which gives me the financial resources to write even more books.
So, the way I see it, diversity in literature can only be a good thing for everyone concerned, readers and authors alike.
Reading stimulates the mind and increases vocabulary, helps people think and express themselves more clearly. I think diversity is a win-win situation.
By creating diverse characters in my books, I appeal to a wider reader base because more people can identify with my heroes and other characters in my stories.
This means more sales for me, which gives me the financial resources to write even more books.
So, the way I see it, diversity in literature can only be a good thing for everyone concerned, readers and authors alike.
Author Bio
Mike Wells is an American best-selling author of over 20 "unputdownable" thriller and suspense novels, including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin.
He is also known for his young adult books, such as The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer, The Wrong Side of the Tracks, and Wild Child, which are used by English teachers in high schools and colleges worldwide.
Formerly a screenwriter, Wells has a fast-paced, cinematic writing style. His work is often compared to that of the late Sidney Sheldon, with strong and inspiring female heroes, tightly-written scenes, engaging action/dialogue, and numerous plot twists.
He currently lives in Europe and has taught in the Creative Writing program at the University of Oxford.
Mike Wells is an American best-selling author of over 20 "unputdownable" thriller and suspense novels, including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin.
He is also known for his young adult books, such as The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer, The Wrong Side of the Tracks, and Wild Child, which are used by English teachers in high schools and colleges worldwide.
Formerly a screenwriter, Wells has a fast-paced, cinematic writing style. His work is often compared to that of the late Sidney Sheldon, with strong and inspiring female heroes, tightly-written scenes, engaging action/dialogue, and numerous plot twists.
He currently lives in Europe and has taught in the Creative Writing program at the University of Oxford.
Diverse Books - The Purpose,
My Thoughts!- By Lyndsay Watts
I think there is diversity in books but not a lot of it and more in certain genres.
I read mostly fantasy and urban fantasy which have very little diversity if any at all. The same characters seem to pop up again and again. I read recently that the vast majority of writer are Caucasian and their characters are the same. I few books I have read that had protagonists who weren’t Caucasian were the “Darkness Rising” trilogy by Kelley Armstrong. The main character is a Native American, raised by white parents, who is a shape shifter and learns about her heritage. The “Blood of Eden” series by Julie Kagawa features a Japanese girl who becomes a vampire. None of those stories particularly emphasizes the characters ethnicities but in their discovery of their background gives the book an interesting dimension.
I also like to read manga because it is so very different from the books I read. The stories and characters constantly surprise me. Japanese culture is so different from my own even the direction the book its read is different. What I love the most about manga is the fantastic worlds they create and highly imaginative storylines. Because I read manga which stems from a culture so very different to my own I appreciate how cultural differences can enrich a story. I read for escapism so I like to experience life from another’s perspective so I would like more diversity.
I have seen there is call for a lot more diversity in books but I don’t think characters of different ethnicities should be included in stories just for the sake of diversity. Such characters should bring something to the story and be an integral part of the plot because of their differences. Putting an obligatory diverse character would, to me, defy the purpose.
I read mostly fantasy and urban fantasy which have very little diversity if any at all. The same characters seem to pop up again and again. I read recently that the vast majority of writer are Caucasian and their characters are the same. I few books I have read that had protagonists who weren’t Caucasian were the “Darkness Rising” trilogy by Kelley Armstrong. The main character is a Native American, raised by white parents, who is a shape shifter and learns about her heritage. The “Blood of Eden” series by Julie Kagawa features a Japanese girl who becomes a vampire. None of those stories particularly emphasizes the characters ethnicities but in their discovery of their background gives the book an interesting dimension.
I also like to read manga because it is so very different from the books I read. The stories and characters constantly surprise me. Japanese culture is so different from my own even the direction the book its read is different. What I love the most about manga is the fantastic worlds they create and highly imaginative storylines. Because I read manga which stems from a culture so very different to my own I appreciate how cultural differences can enrich a story. I read for escapism so I like to experience life from another’s perspective so I would like more diversity.
I have seen there is call for a lot more diversity in books but I don’t think characters of different ethnicities should be included in stories just for the sake of diversity. Such characters should bring something to the story and be an integral part of the plot because of their differences. Putting an obligatory diverse character would, to me, defy the purpose.
Author Bio
My name is Lyndsay and I am lifelong avid reader. In particular I love shojo manga and fantasy, urban fantasy and steampunk books.
Lyndsay works in public libraries, which is were we met and became vast friends!
My name is Lyndsay and I am lifelong avid reader. In particular I love shojo manga and fantasy, urban fantasy and steampunk books.
Lyndsay works in public libraries, which is were we met and became vast friends!
Diverse Books: What I Read - By Shahirah Loqman
"Yes I do try to read more diverse books such as self help, psychology, general fiction, historical fiction, poetry and YA.
I think YA currently has the largest audience/media attention because of the age group of its average reader. most of its readers are those in their teens or young adulthood.
so ever since I entered college, I tried to pry myself away from those kind of books cause I didn't want to only know the view of a young adult. I wanted to know how other age groups think too.
So yes, I think it is highly encouraged for us to mature along with our books.
Books reflect our growing up phase and if you're only reading a certain genre, there is no harm in that.
But it displays your preference for being in the comfort zone only.
which can be both a good and bad thing, I believe."
I think YA currently has the largest audience/media attention because of the age group of its average reader. most of its readers are those in their teens or young adulthood.
so ever since I entered college, I tried to pry myself away from those kind of books cause I didn't want to only know the view of a young adult. I wanted to know how other age groups think too.
So yes, I think it is highly encouraged for us to mature along with our books.
Books reflect our growing up phase and if you're only reading a certain genre, there is no harm in that.
But it displays your preference for being in the comfort zone only.
which can be both a good and bad thing, I believe."
Author Bio
My name is Shahirah and I am from Malaysia.
I'm 23 and finishing my final (hopefully!) semester in chemical engineering in a local university.
My favourite genres include general fiction, historical fiction and psychology-related books.
I love cats and hope to experience working in a book-store one day! :)
My name is Shahirah and I am from Malaysia.
I'm 23 and finishing my final (hopefully!) semester in chemical engineering in a local university.
My favourite genres include general fiction, historical fiction and psychology-related books.
I love cats and hope to experience working in a book-store one day! :)
My Thoughts - By Laurie Albano
"If you ask me, diversity is alive and well in the world of books, more so than in any other medium. While women and girls, people of color, and the LBGT community struggle for leading, worthwhile roles in film and television, books are creating new worlds and extreme possibilities for readers.
Evidence of this is playing at the movies as we speak: EL James’ Fifty Shades of Grey presented an alternative lifestyle to millions of the books’ adoring fans. Whether you agree with this lifestyle or not, the movie probably wouldn’t have been possible without the wildly popular book series. No movie producer would have dared to green-light such a project without the books to prove this type of material could be marketable to a mass audience.
Evidence of this is playing at the movies as we speak: EL James’ Fifty Shades of Grey presented an alternative lifestyle to millions of the books’ adoring fans. Whether you agree with this lifestyle or not, the movie probably wouldn’t have been possible without the wildly popular book series. No movie producer would have dared to green-light such a project without the books to prove this type of material could be marketable to a mass audience.
And without the diversity of books, I doubt we would have ever seen the young female
leads gracing our movie screens as they do in The Hunger Games and Divergent series. Katness Everdeen and Tris Prior are heroes in their worlds and role models for young girls everywhere.
They are brave, loyal, complex and fierce as they stand up to evil around them and in the case of Tris from Divergent, not particularly pretty. Again with such popular books, I don’t believe these female-led movie franchises would have been possible without the novels that came before.
leads gracing our movie screens as they do in The Hunger Games and Divergent series. Katness Everdeen and Tris Prior are heroes in their worlds and role models for young girls everywhere.
They are brave, loyal, complex and fierce as they stand up to evil around them and in the case of Tris from Divergent, not particularly pretty. Again with such popular books, I don’t believe these female-led movie franchises would have been possible without the novels that came before.
The diversity found in writing continues to drive and influence our entertainment. In recent years we’ve seen a movie and a TV adaptation of the books The Help and True Blood, respectively. The former featured people of color, the latter, bisexual and lesbian/gays. Though more diversity is needed in most entertainment genres, these books, which have had a major influence on popular culture, were titles I just ticked off the top of my head; I’ve not read either one. Another series which features many gay and bisexual characters are the Amanda Blake: Vampire Hunter novels. Amanda Blake is also not something I’ve personally read but even so, I’m aware it exists.
While there’s always room for improvement, I believe diversity is thriving on the written page. What I love about all the books I mentioned is that every single one was authored by a woman! As a fledgling novelist, I know that certain agents and publishers give special attention to minority writers, be it Hispanic, Asian or even South African. They’re constantly in search of new and alternate views and ideas that can only come from people’s varied personal histories and experiences. Everyone can and really does have a voice through writing, which is the richest way to mine our unique experiences and perspectives."
Author Bio
Lauire Albano is a shark advocate and like myself loves Sharks.
Laurie has just written a book called 'IN DEEP', which is a romance and pro shark novel, which will be released 17th March 2015.
Lauire Albano is a shark advocate and like myself loves Sharks.
Laurie has just written a book called 'IN DEEP', which is a romance and pro shark novel, which will be released 17th March 2015.
#WeNeedDiverseBooks -
Did You Know?
These figures come from the cooperative children's book centre in 2012.
I have tried to find updated results but as of yet, I not been able to find them. The question I want to know is why?
Especially in children's books, surely there needs to be more out there than promotes diversity.
Nowadays, there are same sex couples whom have children, yet is there really anything out there with this as a 'guideline' for young children to read? To help them understand the differences between their families and their friends?
Then what about adult books? I have read some with different characters being from varied ethic backgrounds, but there aren't many that I have found to read where they are actually the main heroes/heroines in the stories.
With these figures it is extremely disgusting that the numbers are not higher than this.
All I can think to do is to keep writing, talking and tweeting about it on all social media websites out there to ensure that more books are created/published to help promote Diversity. All I ask is to add the following hash-tag to your social media messages and for us to never stop talking about it.
Diversity in any form is an important part of life, of culture and it is needed in our lives today, tomorrow and always.
Remember use the hash tag:
#WeNeedDiverseBooks
I have tried to find updated results but as of yet, I not been able to find them. The question I want to know is why?
Especially in children's books, surely there needs to be more out there than promotes diversity.
Nowadays, there are same sex couples whom have children, yet is there really anything out there with this as a 'guideline' for young children to read? To help them understand the differences between their families and their friends?
Then what about adult books? I have read some with different characters being from varied ethic backgrounds, but there aren't many that I have found to read where they are actually the main heroes/heroines in the stories.
With these figures it is extremely disgusting that the numbers are not higher than this.
All I can think to do is to keep writing, talking and tweeting about it on all social media websites out there to ensure that more books are created/published to help promote Diversity. All I ask is to add the following hash-tag to your social media messages and for us to never stop talking about it.
Diversity in any form is an important part of life, of culture and it is needed in our lives today, tomorrow and always.
Remember use the hash tag:
#WeNeedDiverseBooks
Q & A: Diversity In Books -
By Beth Bennett.
Why is diversity important in books?
Countries are becoming increasingly multicultural, and I think it is important for different types of people to see themselves represented in books. It is also equally important for everyone to learn about people from different backgrounds. Books are a great way to introduce people to the traditions, lifestyles, and the struggles that different types of people go through. Diversity in books also helps foster understanding and build relationships; it sends the message to people that everybody is important, that everybody has a story worth telling.
Have you written books with diversity in mind?
I’ve only written one book so far, and the sort of diversity I focused on in The Blood God was about diversity in personalities and environments. In future sequels to my book, which will take place in modern times, there will be more racial diversity and I will also continue with diversity in personalities and environments as well as the struggles that each character faces and how they perceive and handle their problems.
What does diversity mean to you?
Diversity isn’t just about race, which is probably the first word that comes to mind for a lot of people. It’s about different personalities, different cultures, and different challenges we all face and how we are affected by them, how we handle them based on our own individualities, and also how our upbringing can influence our perception of the world.
Author Bio
“Elizabeth Bennett is a full time college student and proud mother to a sweet 4 1/2 year old little boy.
She is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Her favourite things are scuba diving, researching a cure for cancer, her dog, spending time with her son, anything outdoors, and writing in her book series when she can.”
(A quick note from the Bookworm blogger:- Just in case you were wondering, this Elizabeth Bennett is not the synonym of Jane Austen.)
“Elizabeth Bennett is a full time college student and proud mother to a sweet 4 1/2 year old little boy.
She is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Her favourite things are scuba diving, researching a cure for cancer, her dog, spending time with her son, anything outdoors, and writing in her book series when she can.”
(A quick note from the Bookworm blogger:- Just in case you were wondering, this Elizabeth Bennett is not the synonym of Jane Austen.)
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The Blood God (Josith Chronicles Book 1) Blurb "A thousand shrieks filled the damp air, and blood caked the walls..." Jezebel and Josith were best friends and lovers in the beginning, until their town was attacked by vampires one night, setting them irreversibly down separate paths. Both enter into a world of darkness and danger, of secrets and destinies. There is something evil manifesting, something that terrifies the human race. A war is on the horizon as the humans must enter into a battle to save themselves from a fate worse than death. The Blood God is a story that revolves around vampire society and the humans that fight to annihilate them. Set with a dark atmosphere and ripe with action and suspense, it is the story of a hero who becomes an enemy and an enemy who becomes a hero. It is about the manifestation of something purely evil and whether or not anyone will be able to stop it on time. |
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Diversity: A Personal Opinion -
By Wendy Steele.
Sat on the grass in the sunshine in a London park, I watched a dance group perform on stage. A dozen young men came alive to the music. Some were tall, others shorter but in perfect synchronicity they bopped and slid, back flipped and boogied, creating new shapes and formations in perfect time to the music. The group was called Diversity.
Do all books slip effortlessly into the world of literature? What if a book is unique?
Pigeon holing fiction makes books easier for a publisher to sell. Upon the book shop and library shelves, we are encouraged towards the categories chosen. A book about Henry VIII fits neatly into historical fiction, life on a planet a trillion miles away is labelled science fiction and when a girl goes on holiday and falls in love with the beach ice cream seller, who turns out to be a millionaire, we call it romance. What if the book about Henry VIII focussed on his penchant for hunting and womanising, would it still be historical fiction? If life on this far away world was populated by women, with a few men kept purely for procreative needs, is this still science fiction? If the millionaire turns out to be a sadistic, sex craved lunatic, is it still a romance?
I hate pigeon holes. I've spent my whole life being told I personally don't fit and my writing doesn't either but isn't that the beauty of the creative artistic process? Isn't the writing process about producing unique, exciting and original work?
The kindle opened up a world of genres for me that I might not have otherwise read. My reading preferences are much more diverse but as writers, how can we establish unique fiction in a world of pigeon holes? Robert Rankin created Far Fetched Fiction in an attempt to have a shelf to himself so I'm walking away from the fantasy label and selling my books for what they are....magical realism- real people, real magic. As yet, this label is not particularly recognised, but I'm on a mission to keep writing unique and diverse and I hope you will join me on my journey.
Author Bio
Wendy Steele lives on a hillside in Wales. She can see the mountains from a place on her land where one day, she'll build a straw bale writing room.
She worked in the City, BC (Before Children) but since 1999 has indulged her creative side, training in natural therapies, belly dance and writing. Publication of dance articles led to writing courses, and summer school, producing her first novel 'Destiny of Angels - First book in the Lilith Trilogy.'
In 2012 she published her first non-fiction title ' Wendy Woo's Year - A Pocketful of Smiles', as well as two short story anthologies and an erotic accompaniment to the Lilith Trilogy 'Too Hot for Angels'.
In 2014, Wendy published her second novel 'Wrath of Angels – Second book in the Lilith Trilogy', available on kindle and in paperback and 'The Standing Stone – Home for Christmas', the first book in the Standing Stone Series.
Wendy lives with her partner, Mike, and four cats. When not writing or teaching dance, she spends her days renovating her house, clearing her land and, when time and weather allows, sitting on her riverbank, breathing in the beauty of nature.
Book, Blurbs and Links
Destiny of Angels (First book in the Lilith Trilogy)
Traumatic events in her childhood, send Angel Parsons upon a different life path.
Fifteen years later, with the help of her new 'family' and the resurrected relationship with Jenny Parkes, her only friend from school, Angel confronts the perpetrators of her misery. Rather than seeking revenge and to free herself from her past, Angel uses the skills she has acquired to offer her persecutors the chance of redemption.
Will Angel fulfil her destiny and put her past behind her or will the demons she unleashes consume herself and her 'family' and leave her empty and alone once more?
Wendy Steele lives on a hillside in Wales. She can see the mountains from a place on her land where one day, she'll build a straw bale writing room.
She worked in the City, BC (Before Children) but since 1999 has indulged her creative side, training in natural therapies, belly dance and writing. Publication of dance articles led to writing courses, and summer school, producing her first novel 'Destiny of Angels - First book in the Lilith Trilogy.'
In 2012 she published her first non-fiction title ' Wendy Woo's Year - A Pocketful of Smiles', as well as two short story anthologies and an erotic accompaniment to the Lilith Trilogy 'Too Hot for Angels'.
In 2014, Wendy published her second novel 'Wrath of Angels – Second book in the Lilith Trilogy', available on kindle and in paperback and 'The Standing Stone – Home for Christmas', the first book in the Standing Stone Series.
Wendy lives with her partner, Mike, and four cats. When not writing or teaching dance, she spends her days renovating her house, clearing her land and, when time and weather allows, sitting on her riverbank, breathing in the beauty of nature.
Book, Blurbs and Links
Destiny of Angels (First book in the Lilith Trilogy)
Traumatic events in her childhood, send Angel Parsons upon a different life path.
Fifteen years later, with the help of her new 'family' and the resurrected relationship with Jenny Parkes, her only friend from school, Angel confronts the perpetrators of her misery. Rather than seeking revenge and to free herself from her past, Angel uses the skills she has acquired to offer her persecutors the chance of redemption.
Will Angel fulfil her destiny and put her past behind her or will the demons she unleashes consume herself and her 'family' and leave her empty and alone once more?
Wrath of Angels (Second book in the Lilith Trilogy)
Angel Parsons – wife, lover, entrepreneur and witch – is back and though she strives to put her past behind her, Lilith the Dark Goddess has other ideas.
Angel has the power at her finger tips. The choice is hers. Will she evoke her wrath to take her revenge on Lilith or will she summon nature's forces and the strongest emotion on earth to put right the wrongs of the Dark Goddess?
The Standing Stone – Home for Christmas
Rachel arrives in Wales to begin a new life but will Marcus jeopardise their future together before it's begun?
Candy knows the punishment for leaving Station 23 unguarded. Will she succeed in convincing Paul to obey the Lesson?
Fern loves her life in the village but when the Tall Folk arrive with metal working skills, will her peace be shattered forever?
Though distanced by time and space, three women find the Standing Stone and the teachings of the Great Mother, Binah.
Wendy Woo's Year – A Pocketful of Smiles 101 ideas for a happy year and a happy you
Once upon a time, two eleven year old girls made a pact of friendship. One left school at sixteen while the other stayed on to study. The friendship remained. One went abroad while the other stayed at home. Years passed, marriage and children followed and the friendship continued to flourish via letters and video messages.
After twenty nine years the girls were reunited and the friendship sparked with renewed love and affection. Three months later, one friend was diagnosed with cancer. Nine months later, she died.
I was the girl who lived and I made a promise to live my life for two and make sure that every day included a smile in memory of my beautiful friend.
It isn't easy and I don't claim to hold the key to a life of everlasting happiness but the ideas in 'A Pocketful of Smiles' are used or have been used by me and have brought smiles and happiness to my life.
'A Pocketful of Smiles' is about being happy, irrespective of the challenges life brings.
'A Pocketful of Smiles' is often practical, sometimes spiritual but never religious, occasionally witty and full of ideas to bring a smile to your day.
An Introduction By Me.
What is diversity? The English Dictionary tells us that diversity is actually a noun
- the state of being diverse.
"there was considerable diversity in the style of the reports" - a range of different things.
plural noun: diversities
"newspapers were obliged to allow a diversity of views to be printed"
synonyms: variety, Miscellany, assortment. mixture array and range to name a few.
As my example of diverse books, I have chose 'The Curious Incident on the Dog in the Night time' by Mark Haddon.
PLEASE NOTE - Before you read the plot note this is spoiler in this for the purpose of this post.
The Plot
Christopher, a fifteen-year-old boy with an autistic spectrum condition, lives with his father; he explains that his mother, Judy, died two years ago. He discovers the dead body of Wellington, the neighbour's dog, speared by a garden fork. Mrs Shears, Wellington's owner, calls the police, and Christopher comes under suspicion. When a policeman touches him, he hits the policeman, and is arrested, then released with a police caution. He decides to investigate the dog's death, despite his father's orders to stay out of other people's business. However, he is severely limited by his fears and difficulties when interpreting the world around him. Throughout his adventures, Christopher records his experiences in a book: a "murder mystery novel". During his investigation, Christopher meets people whom he has never before encountered, even though they live on the same street, including the elderly Mrs Alexander, who informs Christopher that his mother had an affair with Mr Shears and had been with him for a long time.
Ed, his father, discovers the book and confiscates it from Christopher, after a brief fight between them. While searching for the confiscated book, Christopher uncovers a trove of letters which his mother wrote to him, dated after her supposed death, which his father has also hidden. He is so shocked by his father lying about his mother's death that he is unable to move, curls up on the bed, vomits and groans for several hours until his father returns home. Ed realizes that Christopher has read the letters and cleans him up. He then confesses that he had indeed lied about Judy's death and also that it was he who killed Wellington, stating that it was a mistake resulting from his anger after a heated argument with Mrs Shears. Christopher, having lost all trust in his father and fearing that Ed might try to kill him since he had already killed the dog, runs away. Guided by his mother's address from the letters, he embarks on an adventurous trip to London, where his mother lives with Mr Shears.
After a long and event-filled journey, evading policemen, and feeling ill from the overwhelmingly large amount of information and stimuli from the trains and crowds around him, he finally finds his way to his mother and Mr Shears' home, and waits outside until they arrive. Judy is delighted that Christopher has come to her; she is upset that Ed told Christopher that she was dead. Mr Shears does not want Christopher living with them and never did. Moreover, very soon after arriving, Christopher wants to return to Swindon in order to take his mathematics A-Level. His mother leaves Mr Shears, their relationship having broken down because of the conflict and his rejection of Christopher. Judy then moves into a rented room in Swindon, and after an argument with Ed, agrees to let Ed meet Christopher for daily brief visits. However, Christopher remains terrified of his father and makes repeated attempts to prevent him from talking. He hopes Ed will be imprisoned for killing Wellington, although his mother explains that for this to happen, Mrs. Shears would have to press charges.
The story ends with Ed getting Christopher a Golden Retriever puppy, whom Christopher has the power of naming, and promising that he will rebuild trust with Christopher slowly, "no matter how long it takes". Christopher asserts that he will take further A-level exams and attend university. He completes his first mathematics A-level with top grades and, despite previously wanting to be an astronaut, his ultimate goal is to become a scientist. The book ends with Christopher optimistic about his future, having solved the mystery of the murdered dog, gone to London on his own, found his mother, written a book about his adventures, and achieved an A* in his A-level maths exam. Christopher goes on to live with his mother, and occasionally visits his father's house.
My Thoughts
As a children's story, Mark has managed to take a very special boy who would normally be 'cast' as an outsider by social standard.
To me Christopher is a very special boy and although his Asperger's can sometimes debilitate him in certain aspects, Mark has turned him in to an 'unlikely hero' in this amazing story about family, mystery and over coming issues.
To me this is the perfect example of Diversity in Books and there truly does need to be more out there. Whether they are children books or adult, it truly does not matter as long as people like Mark are able to show readers that although some things can be difficult and challenging by having diversity in books can widen a persons mind as well as understanding that in books things don't always have to be plain or just black and white, they can change the boundaries to what ever they wish to enable people to truly enjoy and lose themselves in stories.
PLEASE NOTE - Before you read the plot note this is spoiler in this for the purpose of this post.
The Plot
Christopher, a fifteen-year-old boy with an autistic spectrum condition, lives with his father; he explains that his mother, Judy, died two years ago. He discovers the dead body of Wellington, the neighbour's dog, speared by a garden fork. Mrs Shears, Wellington's owner, calls the police, and Christopher comes under suspicion. When a policeman touches him, he hits the policeman, and is arrested, then released with a police caution. He decides to investigate the dog's death, despite his father's orders to stay out of other people's business. However, he is severely limited by his fears and difficulties when interpreting the world around him. Throughout his adventures, Christopher records his experiences in a book: a "murder mystery novel". During his investigation, Christopher meets people whom he has never before encountered, even though they live on the same street, including the elderly Mrs Alexander, who informs Christopher that his mother had an affair with Mr Shears and had been with him for a long time.
Ed, his father, discovers the book and confiscates it from Christopher, after a brief fight between them. While searching for the confiscated book, Christopher uncovers a trove of letters which his mother wrote to him, dated after her supposed death, which his father has also hidden. He is so shocked by his father lying about his mother's death that he is unable to move, curls up on the bed, vomits and groans for several hours until his father returns home. Ed realizes that Christopher has read the letters and cleans him up. He then confesses that he had indeed lied about Judy's death and also that it was he who killed Wellington, stating that it was a mistake resulting from his anger after a heated argument with Mrs Shears. Christopher, having lost all trust in his father and fearing that Ed might try to kill him since he had already killed the dog, runs away. Guided by his mother's address from the letters, he embarks on an adventurous trip to London, where his mother lives with Mr Shears.
After a long and event-filled journey, evading policemen, and feeling ill from the overwhelmingly large amount of information and stimuli from the trains and crowds around him, he finally finds his way to his mother and Mr Shears' home, and waits outside until they arrive. Judy is delighted that Christopher has come to her; she is upset that Ed told Christopher that she was dead. Mr Shears does not want Christopher living with them and never did. Moreover, very soon after arriving, Christopher wants to return to Swindon in order to take his mathematics A-Level. His mother leaves Mr Shears, their relationship having broken down because of the conflict and his rejection of Christopher. Judy then moves into a rented room in Swindon, and after an argument with Ed, agrees to let Ed meet Christopher for daily brief visits. However, Christopher remains terrified of his father and makes repeated attempts to prevent him from talking. He hopes Ed will be imprisoned for killing Wellington, although his mother explains that for this to happen, Mrs. Shears would have to press charges.
The story ends with Ed getting Christopher a Golden Retriever puppy, whom Christopher has the power of naming, and promising that he will rebuild trust with Christopher slowly, "no matter how long it takes". Christopher asserts that he will take further A-level exams and attend university. He completes his first mathematics A-level with top grades and, despite previously wanting to be an astronaut, his ultimate goal is to become a scientist. The book ends with Christopher optimistic about his future, having solved the mystery of the murdered dog, gone to London on his own, found his mother, written a book about his adventures, and achieved an A* in his A-level maths exam. Christopher goes on to live with his mother, and occasionally visits his father's house.
My Thoughts
As a children's story, Mark has managed to take a very special boy who would normally be 'cast' as an outsider by social standard.
To me Christopher is a very special boy and although his Asperger's can sometimes debilitate him in certain aspects, Mark has turned him in to an 'unlikely hero' in this amazing story about family, mystery and over coming issues.
To me this is the perfect example of Diversity in Books and there truly does need to be more out there. Whether they are children books or adult, it truly does not matter as long as people like Mark are able to show readers that although some things can be difficult and challenging by having diversity in books can widen a persons mind as well as understanding that in books things don't always have to be plain or just black and white, they can change the boundaries to what ever they wish to enable people to truly enjoy and lose themselves in stories.
