Welcome 2019! Like most people, I have big plans. At least they’re big for me. Book 2 is due by mid autumn, I have a novella due (hopefully) no later than Valentine’s Day, and the usual…exercise more, find new fairy tales and folklore, etc. And it’s also a good time to take stock of my reading.
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There’s been a lot of articles about diversity in the publishing industry. It’s the idea du jour—people want to see themselves reflected in the art around them, be it writing, movies/tv, music, etc. It’s something I think about more now that I’m a parent and want to make sure that my daughter sees herself in our culture. But just like wanting to have better citizens means raising them, wanting to see more diversity in culture means seeking it out.
So, in that vein I’m setting a myself a task for 2019. I’m calling it my Year of Diversity in Speculative Fiction–#YDSF2019. I will read one book a month that features people of color as main characters. Since one of my favorite genres is speculative fiction, I’m going to concentrate on that corner of the market (just as I tend to read about women in historical novels). I think it’s a genre that has the best opportunity to expand the mind and therefore should allow for a wider world of characters.
I hope you will do the same, or just send ideas for books I should consider. And if you’re looking for a book to consider, A Smuggler’s Path follows a Latina noblewoman and smuggler of magical contraband who uncovers innate magical abilities she must hide or be executed for war crimes.
Whether you read my book or read someone else’s, traditional or indie make it a year of mindful reading. And if you choose to participate, let everyone know with #YDSF2019 Happy New Year and may it bring you new and exciting reading!
Books I read:
January: The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke
February: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
April: This Time by Azaaa Davis
May: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
July: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
September: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
December: The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Fairy Tale Feminista 
This sounds like a lovely goal. Happy 2019!
Thanks. Happy 2019 to you, too!
What a great goal! You have reminded me I still need to rewrite my diversity post that failed to save.
Becoming an indie author has made me a more thoughtful reader. At least I hope it has!