Delve into the possibilities of writing characters and stories outside of our own experience, and explore what it means to write sensitively and respectfully with and about diversity with Dr Renée Otmar.

Writers often set out to capture readers’ imaginations, but first they must engage with the reality of their lived experience. Ultimately, it is the reader’s sense of a work’s relatability that matters above all else. The writer’s style, which includes their authorial and/or narrative voice, grammatical nuances and word choices, is what creates the reader’s sense of connection with the story. Connection demands from the writer an inherent sensitivity and respect for the reader. So how do we ensure respect? That our story and style reflect the sensitivities of contemporary Australian society and its diverse communities? How might we ensure representation that is authentic and appropriate to context? In doing so, do we risk limiting our freedom of expression?

In this online seminar, Dr Renée Otmar will explore what it means to write sensitively and respectfully with and about diversity. She will introduce contemporary debates on artistic freedom, cultural appropriation, representation of culture, ethnicity, neurodiversity and dis/ability, gender identity and sexuality, and the influences of recent social movements. She will look at options for formal and informal review, including when to engage alpha, beta or gamma readers, or a sensitivity editor for assessment of authenticity, representation, diversity and inclusion. The seminar will include the opportunity for interaction through Q&A, and participants are invited to submit questions or examples of problems in their own writing, in advance to [email protected] Suitable for all writers looking to respectfully incorporate characters outside of their own experiences.

**This session will not be recorded**

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Bookings are essential. 

Free for Writers SA members / $88 non-member

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom. Instructions will be emailed to you, please check your spam/junk folders if you don't receive an immediate confirmation. 

—Writers SA members must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you would like to use a workshop credit to book in, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the workshop commencement date. Our staff don’t work full time and we don’t want you to miss out!

—If you are a member of another state based writers centre, SCBWI SA or Editors SA, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the program commencement date to get a code for the member price.

—Writers SA provides complimentary membership for First Nations writers and for writers experiencing economic hardship. Please contact [email protected] to redeem.

About Dr Renée Otmar

Dr Renée Otmar has been a professional editor since 1989 and has worked extensively as an editor, public health researcher and ethicist. She is a consultant and practising editor in academic, creative nonfiction and fiction genres – mostly in contemporary fiction, historical fiction, crime fiction, romance and memoir. She is a writer, ghost writer and producer of life stories. Renée provides teaching and training for writers and editors, and regularly presents guest lectures, workshops and seminars on writing craft, editing practice, and writing and editing for diversity and representation. She is a manuscript assessor for the Australian Society of Authors. A certified coach, Renée provides training and professional supervision for writers and editors working with sensitive, explicit or traumatic content. Renée has served as a board director and on human research ethics committees since 2013.