Comments on: Two Steps Backward…

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:07:07 +0000

Hi Margaret. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. This is a passionate issue that spurs heated conversations. But as a writer, the only thing I really want to concentrate on is learning the craft so that I can create a great story.

But it’s still important to discuss the issue. Pretending it doesn’t exist won’t create any solutions.

By: Margaret Ann Abrahams

Margaret Ann Abrahams — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:25:08 +0000

It’s troubling that this practice is still going on. You’re right - writers must continue to write - and discuss these important issues - which you have done here in a constructive way.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:33:06 +0000

That is my hope too Medeia. The only thing that we can do as writers is to continue to create work.

By: Medeia Sharif

Medeia Sharif — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:02:01 +0000

Ari’s letter is powerful. Publishers need to know that their audience is diverse, therefore not only do they want an honest cover, but characters who resemble them. The anecdote about your god-daughter resonated with me. Hopefully in the future, fewer children will feel that way because they’ll relate to characters more.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:53:32 +0000

Jemi, unfortunately, this has been a practice for many years in publishing. I remember reading Octavia Butler’s books, which had misrepresented covers. Ursula LeGuin’s covers have had this issue as well—not sure if they have been updated, but Butler’s covers have been.

I feel for Jaclyn Dolamore, the author who has to deal with this during her debut. What should have been an exciting and good experience is now been marred. And being a debut author, who knows if she had a part if any in the selection of the cover.

Maybe it still can be a good experience with the exposure and possible solution for the paperback release.

From my understanding, Dolamore has written a beautiful magical fantasy of a multicultural girl (from the Mid East or South Asia) and that has been overshadowed because of this controversy.

But as readers and writers, we can voice our opinion and keep creating work that resonates.

It may be an uphill battle, but as a writer, I’ll keep trying to do so.