Is it possible to include absolutely everyone when we world-build and write our characters? Given the beautiful and immense diversity of the human species, the simple answer is: no.

What we CAN do is ensure that who we seek to represent, we do so accurately and appropriately - and this means breaking past our own cultural boundaries in order to broaden our perspectives.

This episode may get a little heavy and a little Real, but it is an immensely important, ongoing discussion in the literary world as much as everywhere else. Representation matters!

In lieu of a book list, here is a list of some of my personal favorite TikTok accounts for their dedication to sharing their cultures, heritage, and overall just being amazing educators from the global community:

@candyinuk (Inuk)

@alohaitschelei (Native Hawaii)

@radatad (Tamil)

@kegisa.peata (Samoa)

@koonoo.han (Inuk)

@dreadfulbird (First Nations)

@oshfairbanks (Anishinaabe)

@banukala (Shares musical instruments mostly from Indonesia - super cool sounds and super fun account!) @misscorinne86 (Lakota)

@apesanahkwat (Native American Tribal Leader AND Hollywood actor!)

@davidnihill (Ireland)

@jingledressiskwew (Cree)

Follow me on Instagram: @nikkiauberkett