How to Find Voices for People Who Are Not Like You

Writers have always been storytellers, explorers, and observers of the human experience. Yet in recent years, authors who create characters of a different sex, race, culture, or belief system have faced growing scrutiny. Critics argue that writers may misrepresent experiences they have never lived, while others maintain that imagination is at the heart of fiction.

So how can writers create authentic voices for people who aren’t like them?

The answer begins with research and empathy. Writers should move beyond stereotypes and seek firsthand accounts whenever possible. Reading memoirs, interviews, essays, and novels written by people from the background being portrayed can provide valuable insight into their perspectives, language, and experiences.

Listening is equally important

Conversations with individuals from different communities can reveal nuances that books alone may not capture. The goal is not to copy someone’s voice but to understand how their experiences shape their worldview.

Writers should recognize that no group is monolithic

Two people who share the same race, gender, or faith may have vastly different opinions and personalities. Strong characters are defined by their individuality, not by demographic labels.

Finally, humility matters

Feedback from readers, especially those familiar with the culture or experience being portrayed, can help identify blind spots and strengthen authenticity. Being open to criticism does not mean abandoning creative freedom, it means refining the craft.

My advice: Great fiction invites readers into lives unlike their own. When writers approach unfamiliar voices with curiosity, respect, and careful research, they can create characters that feel genuine, complex, and deeply human.

For more on this watch this TED Talk called Danger of a Single Story by Nisha Sharma, J.D., M.F.A. Link