K. Tempest Bradford just hipped me to the Writing the Other workshop coming up this Sunday. The workshop is aimed at giving creative tools to writers on how to approach creating characters in ways that are human, respectful and broadening beyond the creative pitfalls it can be easy to stumble into.
And, if you’ve been reading my blog or writings for any time, you know that a lot of times I’ve seen perfectly decent game design get mixed with horrible portrayals and hateful messages. If you’re a designer and actually interested in broadening your creative tools and doing better, it might be worth your time to check out.
Are you afraid to write about characters whose racial heritage, sexual orientation, or religion differs from your own? Do you think you’ll get it wrong or cause offense?
In this renowned workshop, basis for the classic text Writing the Other: A Practical Approach, authors and editors Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward teach you to write sensitively and convincingly about characters of diverse backgrounds.
Appropriate for all fiction writers, Writing the Other: Bridging Cultural Differences for Successful Fiction combines lectures, discussions, and writing exercises in a safe, supportive atmosphere.
PLEASE NOTE: This is an introductory workshop for the concept and practice of writing the other, and it is the basis for the writing handbook Writing the Other. If you have read the book, this workshop repeats the information given there in a different format and offers students the opportunity to do the exercises and get feedback from the instructors and your peers. It is different in scope from the 6 week and weekend intensive workshops.
The class will cover:
- Identifying differences from the unmarked state that are, in this culture, considered to be deeply significant differences
- The Dominant Paradigm
- The Marked and Unmarked States
- Parallax
- Categorical Thinking
- Congruence
- Resonance
This workshop is appropriate for all writers (fiction, plays, comics, screenplays, and games included) from all backgrounds and any skill level. Technical requirements below.
Deeper in the Game 