Episode 44: Writing about social issues

Notes:

Since the definition of Social Issues is so broad, it is difficult to identify and define every single one. Here are some lists that include many of them:

UCMERCED Library - Contemporary Issues: Social Issues - https://libguides.ucmerced.edu/c.php?g=425381&p=2905597

Understanding Social Problems https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_social-problems-continuity-and-change/s04-understanding-social-problems.html

There are many resources for writing about some of the topics we discussed. Here are a few:

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing About the Disabled

https://lithub.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-writing-about-the-disabled/

10 Things Fiction Writers Need to Remember About Disability (1-5) http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2012/07/10-things-fiction-writers-need-to.html

10 Things Fiction Writers Need to Remember About Disability (6-10) http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2012/07/10-things-fiction-writers-need-to_10.html

Do’s and Don’ts of Including Mental Illness in Your Fiction

http://booksbywomen.org/dos-and-donts-of-including-mental-illness-in-your-fiction-by-elena-mikalsen-ph-d/

How to Treat Mentally Ill Characters When Writing a Novel

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/treat-mentally-ill-characters-writing-novel

Fable and the Verbivore discuss trigger warnings that are included in the books themselves, but there are also many resources dedicated to identifying trigger warnings connected with works of fiction. Here are several:

https://bookriot.com/trigger-warnings-for-books/

http://www.laurenhannah.net/book-trigger-list/

Books Mentioned:

Poinsettia by Marlene Devose

Kindred by Octavia Butler

Beloved by Toni Morrison

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Music from: https://filmmusic.io
’Friendly day’ by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
Licence: CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)