Stories are one of the first ways we learn about the world — and about ourselves. Whether it’s through books, movies, games, or other media, the characters we meet and the worlds we explore shape the way we understand who matters, who gets to be a hero, and what kinds of dreams are possible. That’s why representation matters. It’s not just about checking a box or meeting a quota. It’s about truthfully reflecting the world we live in, honoring the diversity of human experience

Diverse stories matter. Our world is richly varied in culture, identity, language, and lived experience—and the stories we tell should reflect that. But as more writers strive to include diverse characters, there’s a growing tension between inclusion and cultural appropriation. Where is the line? How can writers reflect the world’s richness without misrepresenting the communities within it? As a white woman, should I even be writing about characters of other ethnicities and c

Female characters in books, movies, and other stories are so often reduced to stereotypes—flat, predictable, or written solely in service to a male protagonist. Whether you're writing books, screenplays, or TTRPG campaigns, writing female characters well means moving past tropes and embracing complexity. Because female characters, like real women, are not a monolith. Common Pitfalls (And Why They Don’t Work) Let’s start with what not to do. Many well-meaning writers fall into

D&D is so much more than just a TTRPG; the benefits that come from playing the game are numerous and range from the social to the mental health-related and many more. At its core, however, Dungeons & Dragons is a collaborative storytelling experience. This means that whether you're a player or a Dungeon Master, the game can help sharpen your writing skills in some perhaps unexpected ways. World-Building Skills The DM is responsible for creating a world filled with unique cult