There's a thriving field of self-published stuff in, particularly, black fiction. I don't know that other groups of people of color have that same recourse.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the flourishing nature of self-published black fiction, contrasting it with other communities of color that may not have the same opportunities.
N. K. Jemisin points out the vibrant and growing landscape of self-publishing within the black fiction community, indicating that many black authors are finding success and voice outside traditional publishing avenues. She suggests that this phenomenon may not be replicated in the same way among other people of color, hinting at disparities in access to resources and platforms, and speaking to the importance of representation and agency in literature.
In practice
During a panel discussion on diversity in literature, this quote might be shared to illustrate the importance of self-publishing for underrepresented voices.
Magic is the mysteries into which not everyone is so lucky, or unlucky, as to be initiated. It can be affected by belief, the whims of the unseen, harsh language. And it is not. Supposed. To make. Sense. In fact, I think it's coolest when it doesn't.
I don't really understand why so many fantasy writers choose to focus on worlds that just seem strangely denuded. But to them, I guess it doesn't seem strange. And I guess that's their privilege. It isn't mine.
I write what feels real. I write things that are informed both by my own experience and by actual history.
Reactionary movements can't sustain themselves unless they find something new to catch and burn on.
Fantasy is fantasy. It's fiction. It's not meant to be a textbook. I don't believe in letting research overwhelm the fiction. That's a danger of science fiction in particular, as opposed to fantasy. A lot of writers forget that what they're doing is supposed to be art.
I've always believed that as an artist, as a writer, you need a lot of contact with other people to make your art good.
Every other author may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach.
Books--oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings." "I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions.
The shapes arranged themselves into words, and the words spelled out a delicious and wonderful phrase: Once upon a time.
Because of writers like Chinua Achebe and Camara Laye β¦ I realized that people like me, girls with skin the color of chocolate, whose kinky hair could not form ponytails, could also exist in literature.
I always felt a little worm inside me: 'Now you need to write a novel with a woman protagonist.'
But I too hate long books: the better, the worse. If they're bad they merely make me pant with the effort of holding them up for a few minutes. But if they're good, I turn into a social moron for days, refusing to go out of my room, scowling and growling at interruptions, ignoring weddings and funerals, and making enemies out of friends. I still bear the scars of Middlemarch.
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