Letters to a Writer of Colour

A vital collection of essays on the power of literature and the craft of writing from an international array of writers of colour, sharing the experiences, cultural traditions and convictions that have shaped them and their work. 'Electric essays that speak to the experience of writing from the periphery. a guide, a comfort, and a call all at once' Laila Lalami, author of Conditional Citizens. Filled with empathy and wisdom, instruction and inspiration, this book encourages us to re-evaluate the codes and conventions that have shaped our assumptions about how fiction should be written, and also challenges us to apply its lessons to both what we read and how we read. Featuring: Taymour Soomro. on resisting rigid stories about who you are Madeleine Thien. on how writing builds the room in which it can exist Amitava Kumar. on why authenticity isn't a license we carry in our wallets Tahmima Anam. on giving herself permission to be funny Ingrid Rojas Contreras. on the bodily challenge of writing about trauma Zeyn Joukhadar. on queering English and the power of refusing to translate ourselves Myriam Gurba. on the empowering circle of Latina writers she works within Kiese Laymon. on hearing that no one wants to read the story that you want to write Mohammed Hanif. on the censorship he experienced at the hands of political authorities Deepa Anappara. on writing even through conditions that impede the creation of art Plus essays from Tiphanie Yanique. , Xiaolu Guo. , Jamil Jan Kochai. , Vida Cruz-Borja. , Femi Kayode. , Nadifa Mohamed. in conversation with Leila Aboulela. , and Sharlene Teo. The start of a more inclusive conversation about storytelling, Letters to a Writer of Colour. will be a touchstone for aspiring and working writers and for curious readers everywhere.