Ep. 4 - Empowering Writers Through Feedback With Denise Madre

In this conversation, Denise Madre, an editor and sensitivity reader, discusses the intricacies of writing, editing, and the importance of sensitivity in storytelling. She emphasizes the need for writers to understand their characters deeply, especially when writing outside their own experiences. The discussion covers the role of sensitivity readers, the challenges of writing characters of color, and the significance of feedback in the writing process. Denise shares insights on how to approach writing authentically and the responsibility that comes with it, ultimately highlighting the power of storytelling to impact readers.

Takeaways
Denise Madre is an editor and sensitivity reader dedicated to helping writers improve their work.
Sensitivity editing has become a crucial part of the editing process, especially for diverse characters.
Writers often fear sharing their work due to attachment and vulnerability.
Feedback is essential for growth and improvement in writing.
Characters of color should be written with care and authenticity to avoid stereotypes.
Sensitivity readers can provide invaluable insights into marginalized experiences.
It's important to start with lower stakes when writing characters outside your experience.
Community and collaboration among writers can enhance the writing process.
The impact of a story can resonate deeply with readers, often in unexpected ways.
Writers should embrace feedback as a tool for refining their work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Denise Madre
03:25 The Importance of Sensitivity Editing
06:06 Writing Characters of Color
09:14 Navigating Cultural Representation in Writing
12:08 The Role of Sensitivity Readers
15:25 Feedback and Community in Writing
18:06 Understanding Marginalized Experiences
21:23 The Writer's Responsibility in Representation
24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
28:01 The Importance of Authenticity in Character Development
30:35 The Impact of Fiction on Readers
33:07 The Power of Small Moments in Storytelling
36:17 Understanding Character Consistency
39:46 Receiving and Processing Feedback from Editors
42:26 Navigating Sensitivity in Writing Diverse Characters

Follow Denise:   / prosewithoutthorns  
  / prosewithoutthorns  

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🎵 Music Credits:
Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com