The Writing Barn Creative Connections Series
At The Writing Barn, we believe deeply that the purpose of publishing is to be seen and heard, to have the tapestry of human experience communicated from writer to reader, heart to heart. It is time for deep and lasting change, and we are committed to learning, listening, and developing equitable programs and inclusive and exclusive offerings when needed.
We thank Jyoti Gopal, author and member of our DEI committee, for moderating a lively and intimate conversation, and for sharing key takeaways in the essay below.
For the publishing industry to shift from the broken country-club model of the past to an inclusive and thriving industry where we can grow, separate and together, a community garden of varied voices, #ownvoice writers must meet in community to bond, share experiences, and contemplate the continued needed actions allies and other #ownvoice identities can take to move the publishing industry forward.
The Writing Barn’s Series’ Creative Connections: A Tapestry of Voices was conceived to facilitate just such conversations. Our first panel discussion, Embracing Our many Voices: Desi Writers in Community, gathered on Feb. 25. Our panelists were Executive Editor of Kokila, Zareen Jaffrey, Literary Agent of DeFiore and Company, Tanusri Prasanna, and author Rajani LaRocca. Moderated by author Jyoti Rajan Gopal, the conversation covered a broad range of topics. Here are some points to ponder, whether you are in the publishing industry, are a writer in community, or are an ally.
Historically, publishing mostly catered to a largely white readership and was not overly concerned with having a diverse list of authors or stories. Although things are shifting and changing, and houses are actively looking to diversify and expand their lists, there is much work to be done. Money and resources need to back up the talk, and talk is only talk if it is not followed through with concrete and visible action.
It’s easier to sell issue-driven stories, especially if it’s the flavor of the month and might garner huge sales, but Desi writers have so much more to offer. Although issue-driven stories are valuable and important, publishing houses should also look beyond, expanding their acquisitions to stories that move beyond issue-driven ones.
Editors and publishers still have a lot of power over the way writers’ work ultimately gets told. It’s important to give as much creative freedom to BIPOC writers as you would give to mainstream voices.
Desi creatives need to counteract not only years of under-representation but also misrepresentation. To do this, we need to tell the many diverse stories that make us who we are.
It is not our job to explain our story or educate our readers. It is our job to craft a well-told engaging story. Your readers will learn through your storytelling, and if they don’t understand an allusion or a reference, they can go look it up.
Sometimes, your story will be a story that has nothing to do with being Desi. And that’s OK. Write that STEM book. Write that non-fiction book about that really cool person in astronomy (who maybe is not Desi). Write about whatever you want. Just make it the best possible story you can.
We are all more than one story, and no one should box you into any Desi category. Write what you know, write your truth, write what you feel a deep connection to, write what you feel compelled to write.
Not every agent, editor or publishing house will be the right one for your story. Find the match that will best serve your story.
Publishing is a dynamic and changing industry. Find the team that will support your journey and keep you moving forward, whether that is an agent, a critique group, writer friends or all of the above. Learn about who you are as a creative and what you need in this business to keep you engaged, growing and challenging the status quo.
Following Creative Connections Panel
Thursday, March 25th: More Than a Model Minority: Challenging Stereotypes of the East Asian and Southeast Asian Community
Upcoming Creative Connections Panels
Thursday, June 24: Writing While Latinx: Getting Past the Gatekeepers