C. N. Garraway

Photo by: Irina Kryvasheina

What I’ve noticed in the writing community and writing groups is that race comes up a lot, and often, it’s glanced over. Many writers skip detailed character descriptions, believing it’s unnecessary or even distracting to the reader. But I ask: Why would it be distracting? Isn’t part of what draws us into a character the ability to picture them, knowing their name, their background, and at least a brief description? I believe race is naturally part of that.

This leads me to another question: Do some readers, particularly Caucasians, not want to read about African American or other brown-skinned characters? I disagree and here’s why. As an African American woman, I experience life differently from someone of another race. Even compared to others from similar backgrounds, my upbringing has shaped how I speak, act, and perceive the world. Representation matters, and our characters should reflect the reality of the world around us.

Since I was a teenager, I’ve always incorporated mixed-race characters into my stories and novels. That may be because I’ve grown up surrounded by people from diverse racial backgrounds. My niece is multiracial, African American, Puerto Rican, and Caucasian. My two daughters are African American and Costa Rican. I also have other mixed-race family members. So, it feels natural for me to write characters who are mixed-race or of a different race than my own.

One example that stood out to me was a character in the show Teen Wolf who was Korean and Japanese. That intrigued me, especially considering the complex history between those two countries. What made her character powerful wasn’t just her racial background; it was how she experienced the world and saw herself. She didn’t speak either of her parents’ languages, which added even more depth and complexity. Through her, the audience got a glimpse of a culture different from their own. Her presence also enriched the development of the characters around her.

When it comes to writing, I believe that if you choose to include a mixed-race character, there should be a reason. It should be integral, make sense for the story and help shape the narrative, not simply for diversity’s sake. Every time I’ve written a character of a specific race, it’s been intentional. I wanted to explore issues they might face in today’s society and how they navigate the world.

The world isn’t made up of just Black and White. I’ve met people from many races throughout my life, and it has shaped how I understand and write about different perspectives and experiences.

So, I ask you: What do you think about including mixed-race characters in your short stories or novels? How do you approach race in your writing?