#214. Subverting the Mainstream Lens: Writing Stories That Stay True to Your People (With Tiffany Grimes)

episode

Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice not yet transcribed

▲ 0

Transcript

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet Upvotes decide what gets transcribed next — 0 so far. Sign in to upvote

More from Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice

#261. 5 Mistakes Writers Make Using the Save the Cat! Beat Sheet 23 min · 18 Aug 2026

#260. Student Spotlight: From Stuck at 25k Words to a Finished Draft With Lindsay Sfara 41 min · 11 Aug 2026

#259. How to Finish a Novel With Kids at Home & Limited Writing Time 25 min · 04 Aug 2026

#258. 5 Myths Keeping You From Finishing Your First Draft 21 min · 28 Jul 2026

#257. Stuck in Chapter One or the Messy Middle? What Your Stuck Point Reveals 16 min · 21 Jul 2026

#256. Why “Just Start Writing” Can Be Terrible Advice for New Writers 14 min · 14 Jul 2026

All episodes from Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice →

Report any issue

Source

Recorded07 Oct 2025

Publisherfeeds.buzzsprout.com ↗

Handlerec:10988875

Show notes

Learn how to write authentic, diverse characters without over-explaining or fearing criticism.Writing diverse characters can feel intimidating. You want to include different voices in your story, but worry about misrepresenting them. This leads many writers to either avoid diversity altogether or fall into the trap of over-explaining everything for a mainstream gaze, thereby diluting the power of their story.In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany Grimes, founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial and an MFA-trained editor who specializes in amplifying marginalized voices. After recognizing areas for growth in her own feedback, Tiffany has spent years helping writers shed performative expectations and write with radical honesty.Here's what we cover:[05:40] Tiffany's vulnerable experience writing about a Vietnamese character and learning she wasn't the right person to tell that story.[10:06] The core framework that separates writing "about" a community versus writing "to" your community from the inside.[18:48] Why you should give yourself permission to write the stereotype first in early drafts.[20:24] How Jesinia (a deaf character in the Fourth Wing) shows why trusting your audience creates better representation.[21:20] The protection question that helps you identify when you're diluting your story for mainstream audiences.[26:53] Understanding emotional clarity and how readers' experience goes deeper than just character representation.Whether you're writing characters from your own experience or exploring different perspectives, this conversation offers compassionate guidance for creating authentic, powerful stories that honor both your characters and your readers.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Tiffany Grimes WebsiteFree Workbook: Breaking Mindset Barriers and Setting Intentional Goals⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.