Comments on: Reading a Multi-Cultural Life

By: Elen Grey

Elen Grey — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:31:54 +0000

I love this post so much. And, and, and… that image. Awesome. Your book is in the TBR, K.

By: Kwana Writes » Blog Archive » Gumbo Time!

Kwana Writes » Blog Archive » Gumbo Time! — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:26:51 +0000

[...] Writes home of writer K.M. Jackson Reading a Multi-Cultural Life 04 Oct Gumbo Time! [...]

By: kwana

kwana — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 03:05:51 +0000

Thanks so much for all the fantastic comments. It does my heart good and gives me conformation that 10 years later I’ve made the right decision.

By: Vristen Pierce

Vristen Pierce — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 02:08:46 +0000

Great post! That agent who told you to amp up the “Blackness”…um, say what now? Sadly, I think I know what that meant to *him*, too. Even sadder? These notions don’t seem to be going anywhere and it’s nearing 2013. It’s a crazy world out there, folks. The silver lining seems to be that, more and more, these archaic ideas are losing steam with society at large. I really think more are opening their eyes to the fact that, whatever the race, we’re all still people. It’s a slow change for many, but I can only pray that it’s a change that’s happening.

By: Farrah Rochon

Farrah Rochon — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:17:13 +0000

Absolutely wonderful post, Kwana. I’ve encountered the “your characters are not black enough” statement, too, which both baffles and irritates me. “Blackness” automatically conjures stereotypes in my mind. Some may argue that it refers to culture, but I don’t buy that.

Kudos to you for having the courage to leave your agent and write your characters the way you wanted to write them. You did a fabulous job with that book. Best of luck with your current WIP.

By: Eileen Cohen

Eileen Cohen — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:32:33 +0000

I have tears in my eyes. Love you soul sister!!!

By: Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:45:52 +0000

Great post.

I grew up in Spain and I have an accent. Stereotypes follow. It’s up to us to ignore them so they eventually disappear.

By: Deborah O'Neill Cordes

Deborah O'Neill Cordes — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:11:51 +0000

What a wonderful post! I’m so glad you ditched that agent and kept writing from the heart! Kudos to you – and to Crimson Romance for sharing your vision!

By: pve

pve — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:04:03 +0000

Kwana,
Beautifully written and how wonderful that your passion for writing has a voice, and one that is heard and not put on a “labeled shelf” – Kudo’s to you for writing for “women like us” who view diversity as real life.
How thrilled am I for you, your writing and for counting you as a dear “real” friend in my life.
I will also consider this with my artwork and try to keep a “real” picture in my head and heart.
pve

By: Reese Ryan

Reese Ryan — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:56:51 +0000

I loved this post! Our styles are similar Kwana. My characters are always multicultural, but the story isn’t about that, it’s about thee journey, the relationships, the friendships, and family. Subjects that women of any race can relate to. Love that Crimson has integrated your book into the contemporary line and not separated it.

I celebrate the fact that my characters are diverse, not because I want them to be separated as such, but because it reflects my world and my style. It is something I hope we continue to see more often in literature, television, and movies.