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I am working on a novel and one of my main characters is a black woman. I myself am white, but I wanted to have some diversity in my cast. What descriptive words are appropriate for deeper skin tones that aren't based on food. I don't want her to be fetishized. Its important to me that she is described and viewed in a way that is appropriate for a strong leader.

Wow you’re so good at reading ahead of events! I’m terrible at it 😂

I love your passion! ✨

Pop off Joanna! So well spoken

Authors are not always in control of the illustrator's work. And many illustrators didn't read the book, they're just following the instructions of whoever hired them, the publisher usually.

I'm baffled by people who do not know the author they are reading from. How about we stick with authors who do not feel the need to hide behind another name? Who are very open about who they are and are trusted as authors. There are so many good REAL BIPOC stories out there. Read those! ❤

I know of two authors that have been told by publishers that they have to remove diverse characters or references to other cultures from their novels on the basis that only diverse creators are allowed to write about diverse characters or culture. If this is the attitude in the industry it isn't surprising that representation is being played down.

I enjoyed your talk. It was informative. I teach at an incredibly diverse University. I am a white male American but many of my colleagues are not. Our university is on the southern border and aspiring to tier one status. The student body is 90% or more Latin X, Hispanic. Most students finish with little student debt. I recommend it to anyone wanting this type of experience, to any student. It has a strong medical college. I teach ceramics and design. My immediate colleagues are Latin X, Italian, Chinese, African, and white. Even with the diversity laws changed in Texas, this is just the way it is. There are 17 woman in our School of Art and Design. this is still a minority, but it is well over a third and every hiring committee I have been on there was consensus between men and women of who we should hire from the pool that applied. I am at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on the Brownsville Campus. See link: www.utrgv.edu/rankings/

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This is such a great video 👏 thank you for making it! I love hearing about you and your experiences. In a similar vein, I read a YA book semi recently that really advertised having a diverse cast of characters. The main 4 girls all were of a different minority. But when I got into reading it… all of the characters were VERY stereotypical. It was borderline (or just… straight up) offensive. Why market yourself as a diverse book when you can’t take the time to write meaningful and accurate representations of these minority groups? Oh yes… bipoc baiting 🫠

Thank you for your thoughts on an important conversation. ❤

Yess! Fandoms (cough SJM Cough) have grown so toxic. Sometimes I can't believe their excuse. My "favorite" one on Rhys is "he was under the mountain so of course he is pale " 😤

preach! I'm from the northern central valley and live with such a wonderful, diverse community. when I was younger, I moved down south where everyone was rich and white and i missed my diverse community SO MUCH. People don't understand what they are missing learning and living with people who don't look, act, talk, or laugh like them. people are wonderful, let's not make us all the same please. that's so fucking boring.

got to expose the fakes to find the real ones

A tough topic, but very real in the book world. Thanks for following along!

'Promo sm' 😴

Sometimes young adult books are better and more entertaining than adult books

More amazing books to add to my kindle device!

Yay, someone else who really feels something when listening to Overcompensate. That song hits me on another level, not many songs do that. None of my friends/family get it.

I love seeing how passionate you get 🥹🫶 literally want to read all of these but thank you for reminding me I need to pick up They Both Die at the End! It’s been on my shelf for YEARS

Yes we need a full vid in spanish, i mean... Disculpa, los necesitamos absolutamente *espera in español*

Still feeling the energy from the yallwest event right?? This video is very contagious on your energy!! I am glad you have an amazing adventure!!!! ❤ good job!

Whatsss??? 😱😱 did you propose to Aiden what??? 😳😱😱 ahhhh nvm to be a best friends??? 😅 uffffff 😂😂😂

3:56 I am Hispanic and I think it’s good to keep our language un translated. 4:13 gives me vibes of “Babel” by rf Kuang.

PS: I apologize for the wind. I thought it would be nice to record outside and didn’t realize how much the wind howled 😂 I did my best to edit the background noise without making ears bleed!

Let’s goooo 😏✨

3:15 I know about those authors cause of Neal Shusterman. It’s so cool u talk about these! Sending encouragement to you!

I met 1:17 Carolina Ixta too. She’s so cool. Got her on video too!!

yesssssssssssssssssssss time to get my notebook and write down the name of the books

Not me watching this after Yallwest 🥲 BOOK CLUB!!!!!

The bookfest looked SO fun!! Loved chatting with you about those thrillers ☺️🫶 I’m soo intrigued by The Bad Ones, I need to pick a copy up bc that cover is too good

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This came at the perfect time! Definitely considering some of these as a Mother’s Day gift 🌸 I love that you provided a mixed bag here

I love The Fifth Season is part of this list.

Love this!! I recently read A River Enchanted and absolutely loved Sidra 😍 The Fifth Season and The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi are on my TBR!

The Fifth Season yes! Great video idea!

I’m so happy to run into your channel, I subscribed and look forward to see all your videos. I made a list of all the recommended books can’t wait ❤👍\