I had no idea what to call this blog post. I thought about Writing What You Don’t Know or Writing Taboo or Racial Writing, but nothing quite fit. I had an idea after hearing a piece on NPR that vaguely referred to the stigma some authors face when writing about a race or culture with which they’re not familiar. The topic is one that’s been part of my personal writing conversation for many years, starting with my first non-fiction book on African-American art and collectibles. I’ve thought about it a lot, talked about the topic with my writer friends (of all races, genders, and nationalities) and continue to battle the…

Pablo Picasso said that, “Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” Is it age that nullifies our artistic tendency, or is it the acceptance we desire for that which we create? I’ve always believed that creatives are not creative in only one genre. I do believe that creative people weave that ability into every aspect of their lives. I met a pianist who works in an art gallery, and when he travels on the road to deliver his music to people all over the world, he incorporates other arts into his performances (i.e., ballet, art, video). That urge to create has spilled…