S3E8 – How to write non-binary characters

In this episode of Doing Diversity in Writing, Bethany and Mariëlle discuss the dos and don’ts of writing non-binary characters.

Listen to it here on Podbean or find us on your favourite podcast app.

Here’s what we talk about:

• What non-binary means
• How diverse the non-binary community is
• How to handle characters who are questioning their gender identity
• Pronouns and how to use them in our writing
• Naming characters beyond the binary

(Re)sources mentioned on the show

• “Tweens and teens explore the power of pronouns” by Matt Vilano: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/19/health/pronouns-guide-for-parents-wellness/
• “How to Create Nonbinary Characters” by Jules: https://allwritealright.com/how-to-create-nonbinary-characters/
• “Six tips for writing genderqueer and nonbinary characters” by Eris Young: https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/articles/6-tips-for-writing-genderqueer-and-nonbinary-characters
• “How to Write Non-binary Characters: a three part guide” by D.N. Bryn: https://brynwrites.tumblr.com/post/190062852159/how-to-write-non-binary-characters-a-three-part
• “How to Write Non-binary Characters: Part II” by D.N. Bryn: https://brynwrites.tumblr.com/post/190062852159/how-to-write-non-binary-characters-a-three-part
• “How to Write Non-binary characters: Part III” by D.N. Bryn: https://www.dnbryn.com/2020/01/18/how-to-write-non-binary-characters-part-iii/
• “List of nonbinary identities”: https://nonbinary.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_nonbinary_identities
• “List of uncommon nonbinary identities”: https://nonbinary.miraheze.org/wiki/List_of_uncommon_nonbinary_identities
• The Love Language series by Reese Morrison: https://www.goodreads.com/series/288294-love-language
• The Adelaide series by Mustang Rabbit, one of Bethany’s pen names: https://www.goodreads.com/series/301418-the-adelaide-series
• Onesies and Ouijaboards by Jamie Sands: https://www.witchyfiction.com/books/onesies-and-ouijaboards
• Sex Education: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7767422
• Supernatural: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460681
• Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen by Robert McKee: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27416067-dialogue

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For those who want to stay in touch, this is where you can find us:

Bethany

• Website: https://theartandscienceofwords.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076459593900

• Goodreads (Bethany A. Tucker): https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20948950.Bethany_A_Tucker

• Goodreads (as Mustang Rabbit): https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20130552.Mustang_Rabbit

• Goodreads (as Ciara Darren): https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8186590.Ciara_Darren

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartandscienceofwords

Mariëlle

• Website: https://mswordsmith.nl

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswordsmith

• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18455235.Mari_lle_S_Smith

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariellessmith

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariellessmith

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtnYOpjmj83mvMM2L348F1w

• Diving into Writing podcast: https://divingintowriting.com/