Is it true that we should only write what we know?

In this episode of #FirstDatesAndSoulmates, Meg & Nikki sit down with Sydney Fowler, a sensitivity reader who also worked on Meg’s debut novel Peppermint Bark, No Bite.

We ask Sydney so many questions including:

✏️ the role of a sensitivity reader (and what they are NOT)

✏️ the importance of dialogue between author & any type of reader

✏️ how Sydney helped shape Meg’s book content and storytelling

✏️ when and why an author should engage with a sensitivity reader

About Our Guest:

Sydney Fowler is a white, queer, nonbinary writer and editor living in Denver, CO. They founded their sensitivity and developmental editing company, Inqueery, LLC., in 2015 to help create more authentic and respectful portrayals of marginalized identities, communities, and experiences in literature and other media. They are published in The Snarktastic Guide to College Success, New Directions in Folklore, and Handbook of Sexuality Leadership. They are a 2024 Tin House Summer Scholar. Sydney facilitates writing and publishing workshops for youth and adults at The Loft Literary Center and Lighthouse Writers Workshop.

Website: https://www.sensitivityreader.com/

Book a free 30 minute sensitivity or developmental editing consultation with Sydney here: https://calendar.app.google/7eDsppNZYigDmkqf9

Books & Media We Mention:

Peppermint Bark, No Bite by Bailey Seaborn

Jessica Steinrock, Intimacy Coordinator https://www.instagram.com/intimacy_coordinator_

Ursula K Leguin’s Earthsea series

Deadpool & Wolverine film

The Raven Cycle audiobook series by Maggie Stiefvater https://www.audible.com/series/The-Raven-Cycle-Audiobooks/B00E3E1CD8

Follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/

Follow the show on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates

View the full show notes on our Substack:

Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreative

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe