I think in part it is that people simply aren't used to seeing lead characters who are Hispanic (or any other ethnicity apart from caucasian) unless the writer is also part of a minority group. And writers from these minority groups are almost certainly expected to have lead characters who reflect their own ethnicity to "keep it real" as it were. I want to say it's the "write what you know" dealie, but I'm not positive about that. Maybe most white folk think they're not "allowed" to write about folk what ain't white. ;-)
RE: Marge - you need to put coolant in her. Water doesn't keep it cool enough. Sucks to keep buying it, but that's all that's going to work.
Bah! It would have to be coolant, wouldn't it? Thanks for the head's up. I have some in my car as a matter of fact, but the frequency with which I'm adding fluids has kept me from using it. Plus, it's antifreeze! I don't want any critters poisoning themselves drinking from the massive puddles Marge is leaving everywhere. But if coolant it has to be, coolant she shall have. Hmmm, maybe I should spray paint, "WARNING: My car leaks DEATH!" on the hood
( ... )
The "write what you know" altruism gets on my nerves, because I write speculative fiction. By its very *nature* it's - you guessed it - all about speculation! I haven't the foggiest idea what it's actually like to step through a time/space portal to another dimension. I highly doubt anyone else who's written that trope does either. So, that said, I think the advice is okay for people just starting out in a creative writing class in school, but should be promptly thrown away once one leaves that class.
RE: the coolant, the only thing I can think of is carry around a box of cat litter along with your supply of coolant (I know, more stuff to buy), to pour over the spillage. I use it to soak up the oil that leaks from my Subaru, since I've yet to replace those seals under the timing belt.
My car leaks DEATH! And kitty litter!ladyattercopJuly 26 2007, 16:58:19 UTC
... I think the advice is okay for people just starting out in a creative writing class in school, but should be promptly thrown away once one leaves that class.
Absolutely! If you only wrote about characters that were exactly like you and that lived lives parallel your own, your work would be boring as hell! Or, at least mine would be. d-:
And thanks for the tip about the kitty litter. That's a brilliant idea! I wish I had thought of that myself before our driveway became oil encrusted.
Comments 7
RE: Marge - you need to put coolant in her. Water doesn't keep it cool enough. Sucks to keep buying it, but that's all that's going to work.
Reply
Reply
RE: the coolant, the only thing I can think of is carry around a box of cat litter along with your supply of coolant (I know, more stuff to buy), to pour over the spillage. I use it to soak up the oil that leaks from my Subaru, since I've yet to replace those seals under the timing belt.
Reply
Absolutely! If you only wrote about characters that were exactly like you and that lived lives parallel your own, your work would be boring as hell! Or, at least mine would be. d-:
And thanks for the tip about the kitty litter. That's a brilliant idea! I wish I had thought of that myself before our driveway became oil encrusted.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment