- Joined
- Jan 2, 2012
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- Walking the Underworld
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- www.richardgarfinkle.com
This is a thread for members to ask for readers with different religious and/or philosophical backgrounds.
When posting here please title your posts with what kind of work you need a reader for and what background you'd like.
The following are suggestions only.
For Writers:
1. If you have characters whose religions or philosophies are unfamiliar to you, asking for a reader from those backgrounds can be helpful.
2. Don't assume that one member of a group speaks for all.
3. As always try to make your work as good as you can before asking for readers.
4. It's a good idea to read materials from the religion or philosophy before writing about it. Note: that's from the religion not about it.
5. Don't make strawmen. Be honest about such characters in your writing. Be wary of tropes and stereotypes.
6. Listen to the readers.
For Readers:
1. Be charitable and assume good intentions. Ignorance of other religions and philosophies is endemic. It is not normally incumbent upon people to explain their religions or philosophies to others. However, if you accept the responsibility of reading for others, you should be willing to explain your understanding of your religion or philosophy.
2. However, you don't need to wade through evangelism or abuse. If the work is trying to force an untenable POV, let the writer know it.
3. Make suggestions that reveal the inside of the religion or philosophy. Explain how people of that religion or philosophy might think and approach the events of the story. Say what rings false, but don't try to rewrite the character.
When posting here please title your posts with what kind of work you need a reader for and what background you'd like.
The following are suggestions only.
For Writers:
1. If you have characters whose religions or philosophies are unfamiliar to you, asking for a reader from those backgrounds can be helpful.
2. Don't assume that one member of a group speaks for all.
3. As always try to make your work as good as you can before asking for readers.
4. It's a good idea to read materials from the religion or philosophy before writing about it. Note: that's from the religion not about it.
5. Don't make strawmen. Be honest about such characters in your writing. Be wary of tropes and stereotypes.
6. Listen to the readers.
For Readers:
1. Be charitable and assume good intentions. Ignorance of other religions and philosophies is endemic. It is not normally incumbent upon people to explain their religions or philosophies to others. However, if you accept the responsibility of reading for others, you should be willing to explain your understanding of your religion or philosophy.
2. However, you don't need to wade through evangelism or abuse. If the work is trying to force an untenable POV, let the writer know it.
3. Make suggestions that reveal the inside of the religion or philosophy. Explain how people of that religion or philosophy might think and approach the events of the story. Say what rings false, but don't try to rewrite the character.