This is How I Walk; In My Black Shoes
A writer recalls her favourite stories; those that have influenced her from childhood up until now; but they haven't actually been written yet.
We are all different. As an example: The moment 'Black Author' is mentioned, it ignites in people's minds, expectations of being lectured to on slavery or tales of struggle, oppression and woe. Although vastly under represented as readers and writers, displaced peoples have long been very involved and expressive in both respects.
From a reader's point of view, the Western dominated publishing industry needs to be aware of cultural differences which may affect the ethnic and minority readership, and re-organise their output to reflect this.
For the black or minority reader, historical fiction is a bit of a non-starter for obvious reasons. Exotic locations are generally unappealing because most of them have relatives already living there or have spent half their lives there. You'll find most cultures do not associate migration and travel with pleasure.
The concept of a pet or an animal that does not perform some kind of practical function may be alien to many – aliens.
This is How I walk; In my Black Shoes is an anthology by displaced writers, split into two parts. In part one you'll find some excellently crafted short stories. In part two you'll find stories from a viewpoint of, or on, being different.
The Big Story, incorporating 32 Short Stories from ...
Anne Lyken-Garner
I'm a freelance writer. I also work as a television supporting artist with shows like Dr Who, Torchwood, Skins and Casualty.
In the past, I have been a stage actress and model and even a missionary in my home country of Guyana in South America, and have also had my own call-in radio show.When I'm taking a break from writing my second book, I do freelance writing for two online women's magazines and other web content sites.
I've had a couple of fictional short stories published.
I am a member of the Writers Bureau, and also manage two blogs.
Julie Farrell
I went travelling in India in 2004, and discovered the delights of Eastern philosophy. I also discovered the distress of dysentery, and came home celebrating the fact that we have clean water literally on tap in the UK!I consider myself to be honoured to have been privy to these beautiful ways of seeing the world, and I would be overjoyed to share them with the world. Simply put, I just want everyone to be happy – imagine a world like that!
How did I come to be in an anthology of mainly black writers? Good question, long story. When I was in India, I learned what it was like to feel 'different'.
Helen Doyle
I’m infinitely intrigued by people. I write to entertain them, I write to amuse, to provoke thought and to enable a shared experience that is outside of a person’s usual context.
Dania El-Kadi
Elizabeth Lindberg
