Thoughts by Anthony Ehlers...
At RosaCon16, we wrapped up
the weekend with a panel discussion on Diversity in Romance, with panelists
Fiona Khan, Elaine Pillay, and myself, Anthony Ehlers. The session, moderated by
Rebecca Crowley, was to be a brutally honest analysis of this often overlooked
issue in the romance genre.
In the US, for example, we see
a growing market and readership, one that reflects a multicultural demographic.
Gay marriage and equality has also brought a new focus on same-sex
relationships. In India, we see a
massively growing readership, and Fiona gave the popular Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi as
just one example.
Here in South Africa, our
democracy has brought about an exciting melting pot of race, culture, and is
seen by many as a cosmopolitan and international setting by many. We have an
opportunity as South Africans, and those that have made South Africa their
home, to write our unique and fascinating love stories – whether they’re
historical, contemporary, or futuristic.
So
where are the stories – and authors – that showcase this diversity?
There are barriers to crossing
the diversity divide, from a lack of empowering writers and fostering new
talent to not enough platforms for emerging writers. Often cost is a barrier to
entry – as emerging or new markets don’t have the same income as established
demographics.
However, editors, agents, and
publishers are waking up to the need for a more diverse romance genre. It has
become a commercial imperative to change the way they look at love stories in a
rapidly changing world – otherwise their books won’t keep pace with their
readership. Readers want to see themselves reflected in the stories they read –
whether it’s a reflection of race, sexuality, culture or even just a setting
they know as home.
As writers who are passionate
about writing love stories, we must look beyond the entrenched archetypes of
the past and find ways to show the world we live in right now – and reflect the
diversity we see in our communities, our families, the workplace, and our
friends. Be aware and open to the
possibilities of characters and stories that shake up the status quo and rattle
our complacency. Write about what excites us, yes, but also what challenges us.
Here
are some useful links to other sites on diversity
I agree: also write what challenges us.
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