The Guardian UK recently reported that diversity is a trend in publishing for 2018, so today, I have an interview with Alex Anders on how to write diverse characters without cultural appropriation or stereotyping, as well as boundaries around language and an interesting discussion on gender fluidity. In the introduction, I mention the launch of Publica, which uses the blockchain for publishing – definitely an early entry into what may eventually be a bigger part of the industry. But I'll be waiting for the Alliance of Independent Authors Blockchain for Books white paper, launching at London Book Fair, before giving my take on it. I also give a personal update around my screenplay adaptation, the audiobook for The Healthy Writer, and note two new podcasts: Mark Lefebvre's Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing, plus Ingram Spark's Go Publish Yourself. This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. Alex Anders is an international bestselling author of romance and self-help, with over 250 books published under multiple pen names, he's the host of The Bisexual Empowerment Podcast and YouTube channel, and is an African-American bisexual male. Alex appears regularly in the media to speak about diversity. You can listen above or on iTunes or Stitcher or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below. Show Notes * What prompted Alex to write romance with diverse characters * Writing diversely without straying into cultural appropriation * How to stay away from writing character stereotypes * Boundaries around dialogue * How and why publishing is changing and becoming more diverse You can find Alex Anders at AlexAndersBooks.com and on Twitter @AlexAndersBooks Transcript of Interview with Alex Anders Joanna: Hi, everyone. I'm Joanna Penn from thecreativepenn.com.