Today is Diverse Author Day. Trending on Twitter is the hashtag of the same name to spark interest in the realm of reading as well as add recommendations for others to see.
Follow #diverseauthorday today for excellent book and writer recommendations and chat.
— Kit Caless (@KitCaless) September 24, 2015
Tweeters shared personal stories for why diverse literature is important to themselves and the world around them.
We need #diverseauthorday so my goddaughter doesn't grow up thinking u need to be blonde & blue eyed to be a heroine. pic.twitter.com/Qh5MXFz9j8
— Louisa Treger (@louisatreger) September 24, 2015
#diverseauthorday. As a reader and writer, am very aware that stories not only shape our world but also show us our place in it
— Sunny Singh (@sunnysingh_nw3) September 24, 2015
The tweets didn’t stop with personal stories, many joined in to thank publishers, writers and readers of diverse literature.
#diverseauthorday Samuel Delany, black, queer sci-fi pioneer, forever pushing the limits <3 http://t.co/LnfE27kXf7
— Zed Books (@ZedBooks) September 24, 2015
Authors who inspired me, by example, to be brave & write the stories I wanted to: @malindalo @cindypon @Nalo_Hopkinson #diverseauthorday
— Alyssa Wong (@crashwong) September 24, 2015
No "diverse" author survives w/o support: community is vital. Thanks to writers @rcloenenruiz @aliettedb @tadethompson #diverseauthorday
— Zen Cho (@zenaldehyde) September 24, 2015
Some Twitter users began to wonder if labeling authors and books as diverse is possibly more harmful than helpful.
And listen to the things authors you label as "diverse" are saying. Because in a way "diverse" has become the other. #DiverseAuthorDay
— That Black YA Author (@tehawesomersace) September 24, 2015
Some writers, readers and publishers stressed the importance of celebrating diverse books and authors every day and not just today.
Remember folks, a diverse author is for life not just #diverseauthorday
— PRH Careers UK (@PRHCareersUK) September 24, 2015
It's great to have a day to support Diverse Authors & their work but it's encouraged to also do so Every Day. :o) #diverseauthorday
— WeNeedDiverseBooks (@diversebooks) September 24, 2015
Every day should be #diverseauthorday.
— Jodi Picoult (@jodipicoult) September 24, 2015
Also, remember: #diverseauthorday / diversity pushes mean nothing if they are kept within diversity only lists, etc
— Kefonuclease (@Keffy) September 24, 2015