Thursday, June 18, 2009

Can a non-Indian write about Indian subjects?

I had the pleasure of going to the Western Writers Conference today in Oklahoma City and witnessing a panel with the subject matter being writing from the Indian perspective. It was interesting in the fact that as a black man I do feel as if I do have a bit of insight into what people of color went through during those wild western days. I believe my Indian brethren have that same viewpoint to a certain extent. That the fact that they live in the culture and have received information about their culture makes them more capable of writing about certain subjects that are Indian related.

Now let me state that I believe that anyone can write about another race (I have done so many times in my novels), but the authenticity of it is another question. I think after much discussion it was debated that if you want to write from an Indian perspective that it is in the best interest of all that you do your homework and get your facts straight

Like to know what you all think on the matter.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Western Writers 2009 Conference

I can hardly stand it. The anticipation of this event is beyond anything I have experienced recently. Finally, the Western Writers Conference is coming to Oklahoma City and I can't wait. It will be a whole week of lectures, and discussions with people that write, and manufacture the western genre that I love. If you get a chance to check it out do so!