: Re: Writing Historically accurate diversity vs. Telling someone else's story I am writing a story that takes place in a period of heavy political tension. It is a fictional world, but based off

@Bethany377

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I'm not sure how you can write a person's point of view and plot line without telling their story. Obviously, it will be the story of this fictional character in this fictional world. I get the impression it's a woman. You will focus on her personal life, thoughts, family, details of home, etc. You can bring authenticity to your character by interviewing woman who have lived through racism and racial discrimination. Given the events of the last few years, especially this week, you should have no problem finding such people. Gaining their confidence may be tricky but if you are truly compassionate there must be a way.

That said, I don't live in the USA so I don't know the true realities of the situation. But there are biographies of POC that you can read if nothing else. It really would be best if you could befriend a POC woman who can help you navigate that world, perhaps talk with others. They can read your story and correct misconceptions where you get it wrong.

Honestly, I don't know the answer to your question re "the line between writing historically accurate experiences for your MC and telling someone else's story." It is my opinion that you will have to choose between not using a POC and telling their story at least to some extent. To tell the story, you will have to do an enormous amount of reading, in person research, interviews, etc. to the extent that you feel and think like a black woman. This will probably take years of dedicated research. That is my opinion.

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