Listen, ruffled white writers, think a minute on why you feel so threatened by the mere request & suggestion that we not write BIPOC POVs. If you dare to dig deep, I’m gonna guess it has nothing to do w/ what you actually want to write. It’s about being told “this isn’t yours.”

Because the truth is, BIPOC stories aren’t ours. Nor should they be, whether you’re writing from a BIPOC POV about falling in love, immigration, facing racism, or arguing with siblings & parents. It’s. Not. Ours.

These stories, all of them, belong to BIPOC. When we try to write them, no amount or research is going to get it right. It’s a lived experience. We don’t even know what we don’t know.

By writing them, selling them, we, white authors, are taking space in the industry that belongs to BIPOC. A seat that’s not ours.

Now, yes, the industry needs to change from the top down. We need to value BIPOC stories by BIPOC & back that up with money & marketing. And it’s damn sure not helping anyone when white authors are out here pitching fits that they’re “not allowed” to write a BIPOC’s story.

It’s not about “allowed.” There’s “can” and there’s “should.” Can you? Sure! Knock yourself the fuck out. Should you? Think long and hard about that. Think about why. Think about the space you’d be taking.

White people fear being called a racist more than they fear actually being a racist. And that needs to change. Know one good way to start? Let’s stop co-opting BIPOC stories as our own.

And, don’t come at me with your reverse racism “well that means BIPOC can’t write white POVs” bullshit. It’s not the same. BIPOC have been forced to bend to white standards & ideals since the dawn of this country, so no, I will not engage with any of that nonsense.

“But Ashley, what about fantasy & second worlds?” I said it last night & I’ll say it again. If you don’t see that created worlds reflect our own, you’re not ready to write it.

Final thought: Read & support & boost more books by BIPOC. Period.

Final final thought: As many have said already, there are myriad amazing BIPOC authors on here that you can follow & listen to. Do that. Listen w/out getting your knickers in a twist. Or get them in a twist, fine. This work is uncomfortable & it should be. That’s ok. Just listen.