I thought I would link to this piece which I posted on my website so you could see it here as well, readers. Enjoy, and have a safe, happy Independence Day!
I have not written any inspirational posts in recent memory. Truth be told, I am not entirely certain that this article would qualify as one, yet the fact remains that I find my country offers abundant inspiration for my stories. Not obviously, perhaps, but we all write as well as act: according to our culture.
Allow me to explain: I cannot write as Andre Norton* would without immersing myself – as best I may be capable – in the culture in which she lived. Nor can I write as Asato Asato* does, since she is Japanese and comes from a nationality quite different from my own. We three have similar aims, as well as some overlapping tastes and ideas, but we are all very different women in part due to being raised and formed in different cultures. Ms. Norton also passed to her reward in 2005 and is no longer available for comment this side of eternity. Attempting to write anything in her voice…it may not be impossible, per se, but it would be inauthentic.
Read more here.