Reviews

Writing in Color: The Lessons We've Learned by Melody Simpson, Nafiza Azad

gretchen_lynn's review

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5.0

Really nothing negative to say about it; honestly I thought it was really good insight!! And I really am interested into one of the comparisons made between Mulan Disney (westernized) version and the original myths because it’s so wrong to me that people changed it to fit their ideals when the story didn’t belong to them in the first place. Like hello???

editorbrenna's review

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

pogatshnik's review

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5.0

Though this book is aimed at upcoming authors, I found this book to be very interesting as a reader. Most of the advice could span any career path but especially those in the arts. Where "no" is a very common word and luck plays more of a role than you would like.

desikauwa's review

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

starrysteph's review

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hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

A quick but thoughtful collection of essays by authors of color that I think would be informative, inspiring, and illuminating for any aspiring writer.

These authors are encouraging to readers - but also honest about the racism they’ve experienced & their uphill battles & other systemic issues within the messy world of publishing.

Though I found some of the content to be repetitive (I would have loved a clearer throughline with more distinct essays from each author), some of them stood out for their thoughtfulness and compassion.

My favorites were “Coping with Imposter Syndrome”, “Untold Rebellions: Character Agency through the Lens of Collectivism”, “Perseverance”, and “The Care and Keeping of Jealousy.”

CW: racism, bullying, discrimination, colorism, xenophobia, panic attacks, death of a parent, cancer, grief, toxic friendship, animal death (briefly mentioned)

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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)

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mezzythedragon's review

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hopeful medium-paced

4.0

Nice boost of encouragement, which is much needed if you want to break into an industry that is often unwelcoming to POC. 

ddnreads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

5.0

OH WOW
This anthology consists of stories for aspiring bipoc authors, how to find ideas, stick with your idea, characterization, etc. HOWEVER, as the publishing is white-centred company, these essays also revolved around systemic racism, colorism, selected diversification and unfairness. Thus, making it very very valuable.

As a person of color myself, if not an aspiring writer, I feel seen and understood. This is what I've been dealing with my life the whole time and things I shouldn't be comfortable with. Things about being global south countries🫶🏽

Some of these essays are totally wholesome 😭🥺

It told about affirmation as well as struggles. But it reminded us all the same that we're not doing it alone💗

I love it. Highly highly recommended 👌

emmysreading's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

saleenanival's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.0

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