Writing for reaction, with Natalie Morris

Hashtag Authentic - for creatives, dreamers & business owners online

Things we talked about:

• The difference between writing as a journalist and writing a book (it’s just so long!)
• But: you only get to publish your first book once! Accept the nerves, and appreciate the moment
• The ever-present contention and push-back received when one writes about race
• Natalie’s very wise words that reaction is the point of writing - and those reactions don’t have to be positive every time
• The value of the interviews in her book, and how she found and chose the right people to talk to
• Some of the stories and themes that came out of the interviews that surprised her
• The unique experiences that people of mixed race have when they walk through the world, and the impact this has on identity, parenting, privilege, and the experience of racism
• Parenting mixed race children (avoiding “colour-blindness” and those fetishised hashtags on social media)
• How white parents can open dialogues that empower their mixed race children to talk about racism
• The value of social media in creating connections, sharing ideas, and giving voice to minorities who are not always heard on mainstream platforms
• But on the flip side, the deeply disturbing fetishisation of mixed race people - particularly mixed babies - and “blackfishing” trends (changing your appearance through make-up and hair to appear as though you have black heritage)
• And Natalie’s rallying call to allies: “We need you to still care. We need that energy you had in the summer.”

Where to find Natalie online:

• Natalie's book, Mixed/Other
• Natalie is @nmozz on Twitter
• And also @nmozz on Instagram
• You'll find her writing on metro.co.uk, in the lifestyle section
• And here's the Guardian article I mentioned, "Why celebrating mixed race beauty has its problematic side"

Where to find Sara:

• The Insta Retreat - My tell-all, best selling course for Instagram creatives and business owners
• One to one business coaching with Sara Tasker
• Sara’s website: meandorla.co.uk
• Sara on Instagram: @me_and_orla

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