x: a variable used to represent something unknown.
We’ve seen an influx of questions about how to write stories based around characters of color, disability, non-binary, etc. when the author does not fall into these categories. Rather than have these posts take over the site, we’ve decided to compile a list of resources to help our fellow writers become more educated about writing what they do not immediately know. However, this list is not the end-all-be-all of knowledge; one should always try to learn from someone with first hand experience in any topic. The world is constantly growing and changing, and because of that, there will always be more to learn. The admins at Plotline Hotline want to help writers form respectful, informed, and realistic characters that broaden the narrow range we see in literature today.
*Be wary that some of the topics listed below contain sensitive material. Reader discretion is advised.*
As always, the links I found to be especially apt will be in bold. Topics are listed alphabetically, excepting the “other” section.
Appropriate Cultural Appropriation
What is Cultural Appropriation? [1,2,3]
Cultural Appropriation Is, In Fact, Indefensible
Voice Appropriation & Writing About Other Cultures
Diversity, Appropriation, and Writing the Other [List]
Writing Disibilities [1,2,3,4,5]
Guides to Writing Deaf or Hard of Hearding People
National Association of the Deaf - Resources [List]
World Federation of the Deaf
Using a Prosthetic Device
Prostehtic Limbs (Character Guide)
How NOT to Write Disabled Characters
A Guide to Disibility Rights Law (United States)
Timeline of Disibility Rights in the United States
Social Security Disability: List of Impairments, Medical Conditions, and Problems [List] (United States)
How to Write Disabled Characters: An Opinion Piece
Artificial Eye Resources [List][Various]
Adapting to the Loss of an Eye
Misconceptions and Myths About Blindness
Blind Characters: A Process of Awareness
Writing Blind Characters [List]
Types of Learning Disabilities [List]
A Guide to Spotting and Growing Past Stereotypes
How to Prepare to Write a Diverse Book
The Diversity of Writing
Why Diversity Matters for Everyone
Writing a Driverse Book [1,2,3,4,5]
Diversity, Political Correctness and The Power of Language
Diversity Book List [List][Books]
Basic Tips To Write Subcultures & Minority Religions Better
Basic Tips to Avoid Tokenism
GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender
Creating Well-Written Trans Characters
A Few Things Writers Need To Know About Sexuality & Gender Expression
Trans (Character Guide & Bio Building)
A Non-Binary Person’s Guide to Invented Pronouns
Gender Neutral Writing [List]
Keeping a Trans* Person a Person
Suggestions for Reducing Gendered Terms in Language [Photo]
How to Review a Trans Book as a Cis Person
Writing Characters of Different Genders [List]
Understanding Gender
Gender Spectrum Resources [List]
Gender History
Writing Chronic Illness [1,2]
The Spoon Theory - Also pertains to disibility
About HIV/AIDS
Sexually Transmitted Diseases [List]
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sex and Gender Differences in Health [Study]
All Chronic Illness Topics [List]
Coping with Chronic Illness
All Cancer Types
A Day in the Life of a Home Health Aide/Health Coach
Fiction Books With Chronically Ill Main Characters- Not Cancer [List][Books]
Writing an Autistic Character When You Don’t Have Autism
Depression Resources [List]
What to Consider When Writing Mental Illness
Stanford Psychiatric Patient Care
Inpatient Psychiatric Questions and Tips
Don’t Call Me Crazy [Documentary]
(Avoid) Romanticizing Mental Illness [1,2]
A Day in the Life of a Mental Hospital Patient
State-run vs. Private Mental Hospitals
Mental Disorders
Mental Hospital Non-Fiction [List][Books]
National Institute of Mental Health - Mental Health Information [List]
Writing Autistic
What Causes PTSD?
Remember, Remember: The Basics of Writing Amnesia
ADHD Basic Information
What is a Learning Disability?
What is Neurotypical?
Writing Race: A Checklist for Authors
Transracial Writing for the Sincere
Is my character “black enough”
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
Challenge, Counter, Controvert: Subverting Expectations
Writing With Color: Blogs - Recs - Resources [List]
Writing People of Color (If you happen to be a person of another color)
7 Offensive Mistakes Well-Intentioned Writers Make
Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone
Religion in Novels: Terrific or Taboo?
How to Write a Fantasy Novel that Sells: The Religion
Writing About Faith And Religion
From Aladdin to Homeland: How Hollywood Can Reinforce Racial and Religious Stereotypes
Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [List]
Writing Gay Characters [1,2,3]
American Civil Liberties Union - LGBT+ Rights
LGBT+ Rights by Country or Territory
History of Gay Rights
Gay Rights Movement
LGBT+ Culture
Gay Myths and Stereotypes
LGBT+ Studies Web Sites [List]
LGBTQ Youth Issues
LGBTData.com
Overview of Gay and Lesbian Parenting, Adoption and Foster Care (United States)
How Doctors’ Offices—and Queer Culture—Are Failing Autistic LGBTQ People
Five Traps and Tips for Character Development
Developing Realistic Characters
I hope that this list will provide topics a writer may not initially think to research when writing. If there are any resources that you think would be fitting for this list, please let us know! We want to have as many helpful sources as possible to maximize learning opportunities.
Stay educated,
xx Sarah
Hey I know that we’re dealing with something huge right now but trump is trying to allow adoption agencies to refuse services to lgbtq+ families.... not only is this descrimination but there are TOO many children in the system for them to allow this. Those kids need homes.... I’m disgusted
As protests against injustice in legal system, discrimination, police brutality spread through the US, it is necessary to educate yourself about these issues.
Here are just a few book recommendations (there are so much more out there), include both non-fiction and fiction about racism and challenges that black people face throughout their lifetimes.
Thank you so much for more recs. Below are some more amazing book recommendations from the comments:
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Noughts and Crosses series by Malorie Blackman
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Between the World and Me by Ta-nehisi Coates
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals
Wouldn’t it?
Blacklivesmatter.carrd.co
#pascalcampion
Reblog if you believe the BLM Movement is good, and that we need the protests.
Trying to prove a point to my racist mom.
follow for more news
HEY IF YOURE IN THE US. CONGRESS IS TRYING TO END ENCRYPTION SO THEY CAN POSSIBLY LIMIT OUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH UNDER “FOR THE CHILDREN” ITS BEEN AT THE START OF THE PANDEMIC AND NOW AT THE SENATE, CALL YR REPS AND TELL THEM YOUR AGAINST THE EARN IT BILL. TELL THEM ITS THE END OF FREE SPEECH.
PLEASE PLEASE SIGN THIS AND REBLOG! IF YR NOT IN THE US AND WANNA TRY* AND HELP. REBLOG THIS AND LET OTHER US CITIZENS KNOW. edit; i didn’t realize apparently signing if your not a us citizen invalidates it, so please DON’T sign it if youre not in the us. please reblog this version if you can. also the thing about this bill is it fucks over digital security in general as in you can get hacked easily, or hackers can gain access to things without encryption.
If you are against BLM, you are unwelcome on my page.
If you support AllLivesMatter or BlueLivesMatter, you are not my friend.
If you think the riots are unjustified and irrational, unfollow me right now.
I am not black, but I support the black community all the way. I cannot possibly understand your pain or your suffering, but I'm with you. Now and forever.
Archaeologists Excavate a Stunning Roman Mosaic That’s Untarnished From an Italian Vineyard
Mobs of angry white people, protesting for their right to [checks notes] get a haircut—in the middle of a pandemic—yelled at cops, shoved them, threw things at them, and were nowhere near being respectful or peaceful, but for some reason, police officers didn’t mace them, didn’t shoot rubber bullets at them, didn’t tear gas them, and didn’t kneel on their necks and choke them to death. Qwhite interesting how differently white people are treated even when they disrespect the police and even when they riot over things like [checks notes again] their sports team losing or hell, even winning a game.
#BlackLivesMatter
Are you going to any protests?
It’s sure an incredible coincidence that this anon with this exact same wording is getting sent to so many people, officer
In case any of y’all haven’t heard by now, don’t answer anything like this. Don’t brag about your actions online. You don’t need the spotlight, don’t trade your safety for a few good boy points
REBLOG!!!! SPREAD THIS PLS!!! EVERYONE IN OR AROUND VIDOR PLEASE STAY SAFE!!!
If you have a problem with that, I am not a blog you will want to follow.
Italy
Germany
Australia
United Kingdom
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
Sweden
Netherlands
Denmark
Ireland
Syria
Brazil
Iran
Switzerland
Slovenia
Spain
France
Israel
*・゜゚・*:.。..。.:*・・*:.。. .。.:*・゜゚・・*:.。. .。.:*・゜゚・*
I was just at HEB (cause I’m Texan) and I had to stop zooming (on my Heelys babyy!!) every time I went past a group of workers cause they were getting evaluated by corporate and I felt unprofessional. This is despite the fact that I don’t work there and was just going to get some bootleg coco pebbles.
the ancient texts have returned
my wife’s so cute because we both love animals so much but her way is very pure and genuine whereas my family is:
me, holding up my cat: stinky
wife: no!! don’t be mean!!!
me, swaying him back and forth in the air: stinky bastard man
wife: No!!!!!!!!
my mother, not looking up from chopping veggies: naughty boy. brat cat
wife, distraught: NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just gonna leave this here………. \(°^°)/
what is the price of a human life?
if we asked them, what would they say?
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
reblogs are very welcome !! please don’t repost without credit // full image here
January:
February:
march:
April:
You know what sex ed lessons for girls really need to do more on?
Body hair.
Like, from what I remember, we pretty much just got told as part of our puberty lessons that we were going to start growing hair on our armpits and pubic area and then it was on to the periods and breasts— because it’s not like there’s anything else to talk say about hair, right?
Things they didn’t cover:
You are going to have to shave your legs and armpits regularly from the age of about 11 until the age of about seventeen when you are finally allowed to drop PE.
If you don’t, all the girls in your PE class will tell you you are too hairy and ask you when you last shaved.
If you tell your Mum you want to start shaving your armpits, she will give you a razor and show you how to do it. If you then attempt to shave your legs as well, you will immediately stab yourself in the leg because you have no idea what you are doing. Your parents will come running when they hear you screaming about all the blood on the bathroom floor.
(Shower water dilutes blood, making it look like there’s way more than there is. You are fine.)
When you go swimming in the Summer holidays aged 13, your 11 year old little brother will feel entitled to tell you you need to shave your armpits.
We lied to you about how much hair you’re going to grow. Armpits and legs and privates are just the start.
Some girls get unibrows, some girls get moustaches, some girls get stray hairs on their breasts or chins. A lot of girls get hair on their stomachs or backs— if you’ve got dark hair, you might end up with noticeably hairy arms.
No matter what configuration of hair you’ve got on your body, society will treat you like a freak who needs to either shave or go live in the woods with the other animals— because at some point we all just decided that all women are naturally hairless except for their heads, eyebrows and eyelashes, and now you better damn well jump to meet that standard.
If you don’t want to shave, you may find yourself covering up instead, wearing clothes that are really too warm for the weather because the alternative is letting people see your body.
Body hair is perfectly natural, but the whole world is going to tell you it isn’t.
No matter what a post on tumblr tries to tell you, your moral and ethical stances will never be determined by what you reblog and what you scroll past. Don’t let manipulation tactics force you into doing anything you don’t want to do.
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was slowly and mercilessly killed by 4 Minneapolis police officers while being videotaped by concerned citizens begging them to stop. Floyd was surrounded and brutally dealt with by the police as Derek Chauvin’s knee pinned down his throat. Floyd kept screaming “I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe!” but they didn’t listen. He then became unresponsive but was continually choked until his nose began to bleed, and his lifeless body was shoved into a stretcher and into the back of an ambulance.
The officers involved have been fired and the FBI has been called to investigate. But we must do our part to ensure that George Floyd receives the justice he deserves. Please sign these petitions addressed to the FBI, The President, The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, The Minneapolis Police Department, & DA Mike Freeman. An email on your behalf will be sent to all of the above. The lawyer representing Floyd’s family, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, urges us to call DA Mike Freeman (612-348-5550) and tell him to arrest and charge these officers for the Murder of George Floyd, I encourage you to do so.
SIGN THESE PETITIONS:
https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd
https://www.change.org/p/change-org-the-minneapolis-police-officers-to-be-charged-for-murder-after-killing-innocent-black-man
https://www.change.org/p/department-of-justice-mandatory-life-sentence-for-police-brutality
https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd-2
https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/justiceforfloyd-demand-the-police-officers-who-killed-george-floyd-are-fired
https://go.theactionpac.com/sign/justice-for-george-floyd?akid=s126290..-x2Vhw
https://go.theactionpac.com/sign/stand-with-breonna?akid=s170063..jxQ_ei
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE INTERNATIONALLY: if you cannot sign without american postal codes, feel free to use these:
90015 - Los Angeles, California 10001 - New York City, New York 75001 - Dallas, Texas
DONATE TO GEORGE FLOYD’S FAMILY:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
TEXT “FLOYD” TO 55156!
TEXT “JUSTICE” TO 668366!
If you want to be educated and informed more, refer to the official page for #BlackLivesMatter:
https://blacklivesmatter.com/
reblog this if your blog is a safe space for poc