Exploring Diverse Voices: Writing Inclusively and Authentically

Today’s readers want more than just good stories—they want stories that reflect the real world. That means stories with characters from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences.

But writing inclusively isn’t just about adding variety. It’s about doing it with care, curiosity, and respect.

Why representation in writing is important

Representation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s personal. When someone sees a character who shares their identity, it can feel powerful. It says, You matter. Your story belongs here too.

Inclusive writing can help break down stereotypes, widen worldviews, and make your stories richer and more relatable to a broader audience. But when done carelessly—through clichés or shallow portrayals—it can do the opposite: reinforce harmful ideas or push readers away.

Writing with intention helps make sure your story includes rather than excludes.

Start with curiosity, not assumptions

You don’t need to be an expert in someone else’s culture or experience to write about it—but you do need to care enough to learn first.

Start by asking honest questions:

• What don’t I know?

• What assumptions am I making?

• Who’s already telling these stories?

  
  

From there, dive into research. Read books and articles by people from the communities you want to write about. Watch documentaries. Listen to interviews. It’s about going deeper than surface-level facts—understand the why behind traditions, emotions, and lived experiences.

Research is not about “getting it perfect,” but about building enough context to write with empathy and care.

Write full, human characters

No one is just their identity. A person isn’t only Black, disabled, Muslim, neurodivergent, or any other label. They’re also funny, shy, ambitious, sarcastic, clumsy, brave, or struggling with something you didn’t expect.

So when you create diverse characters, give them goals, flaws, backstories, relationships, humor, regrets, and dreams—just like anyone else.

Inclusive writing doesn’t mean putting a label on someone and calling it done. It means writing people who feel real, layered, and alive.

✅ Ask yourself: If I removed this character’s identity label, would they still feel like a full person?

Watch for stereotypes and tokenism

Here’s where good intentions can go wrong.

• Stereotypes are oversimplified and often negative ideas about a group of people.

• Tokenism is when you include a diverse character just to seem inclusive—but don’t give them a real role or personality.

  
  

If your character only exists to be “the Black friend,” “the sassy sidekick,” or “the wise elder,” pause and rethink. These roles have been done—and they’ve done damage.

Instead, ask:

• Why is this character here?

• What do they want?

• How do they grow?

• Would they still matter to the story if their identity changed?

  
  

Give them space to be more than a symbol.

Get honest feedback from the right people

If you’re writing outside your own lived experience, it helps to get input from people who do share it. This is where sensitivity readers come in.

They can point out blind spots, harmful assumptions, or missed opportunities to deepen a character. And they’re not there to censor your voice—they’re there to help you get it right.

💡 Pro tip: Be open. Getting feedback doesn’t mean you failed. It means you care enough to listen and do better.

Writing inclusively is about respect, not perfection. You’ll probably mess up at some point. That’s okay. What matters is that you stay open, keep listening, and keep writing stories that reflect a world where everyone belongs.

-----

Tools for Writers

Looking for guidance as you write, edit, or market your book? Explore our collection of free resources for authors — including templates, checklists, and workbooks to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Access our resources here.