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Thinking Out Loud

But You Really Didn’t

Before I hit PUBLISH on this blog post, I thought long and hard about it. I stepped away for two weeks, ran things over and over in my head, imagined the potential outcome and blowback, and decided against it for a while. But it stayed in my mind, making me walk away from social media and believe less in my conviction to stand up for the truth even when it hurts. I became disenchanted and no longer looked at people in the same light as I did before. People I thought so highly of for quite some time.  This was when I knew I had to say something.

I’ve been seeing writers post their support of diverse authors, saying how they’ve supported diversity in our indie/publishing industry all along. Instagram is flooded with books, new and old, by diverse authors, who are now being hawked as if they are the greatest thing. Like a fashion statement, the latest style, the hottest thing to have. This makes me so happy. No matter how or why, diversity is now at the forefront of publishing. Maybe the newbies, the ones just breaking into the industry, won’t have to change their name like I did. Or maybe just the experience alone will be better for them. And for this, I am overjoyed.

But for you who say you’ve been doing this all along, that isn’t true. For years, I’ve known the little cliques of bestselling authors. Like everything else in life, you do what you can to make it. But I grew tired of watching how the cliques and their industry supporters worked, and of trying to fit in. And because we’re being honest here – I finally realized I didn’t need to. I write this with so much peace, as I am at a place in my career and relationships that I never imagined I could, or would, be.  This is the place where truth needs to be told. Because you don’t need to hear it from people who have a bone to pick with you. You need to hear it from people who are just as successful as you are. What we learn in leadership is that before you can change or remove your unconscious bias, you first need to admit you have it.

And you have it.

Let me be clear. Tolerating diverse authors is not the same as supporting them, elevating them, lifting them up as you lift yourself up. Knowing that we play on a different kind of field and consciously taking us to YOUR field. Leveling the arena so we can compete without any predetermined handicaps. This is what it really means to support diverse authors.

So, with all due respect, don’t say you always have.

You may have reluctantly posted one or two things about my books, who I was or where I came from. You may have assumed I didn’t need your help because this wasn’t my main source of success.  But as one of the only diverse authors who broke out in 2013, don’t say you went out of your way to help. Because you didn’t.

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon because it’s the “cool” thing to do, tell us how you’ve learned the importance of supporting your fellow authors. Because long after popular hashtags like #ownvoices and #weneeddiversebooks have been replaced by the next new trend that comes along, your kindness and authenticity will linger on forever.

Post Tags: #diverse authors#diversity#friends#lifting others#love#playing field#supporting authors#truth#writing

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Right brained left brainer. CFO, Exec, CPA. Part time Writer aka Christine Brae. Kona Series 2021 @vesuvianmedia @rosewindbooks *IG:@annagomezbooks #filipina

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annagomezbooks Anna Gomez @annagomezbooks ·
10h

Don’t age me @heylgo 😂😳🧐

Laura Gassner Otting @heylgo

@AnnaGomezbooks TIL ICYMI 🤣🤣🤣

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annagomezbooks Anna Gomez @annagomezbooks ·
10h

Next week, the one and only @TiffanieD stops by for the summer edition of #annaasks! Can’t wait!

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annagomezbooks Anna Gomez @annagomezbooks ·
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Omg. I just figured out what ICYMI means.

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annagomezbooks Anna Gomez @annagomezbooks ·
29 Jun

Hasta mañana.

Gayle Meyer @meyer_gayle

I can't wait for tomorrow's Anna Asks live on IG
@AnnaGomezbooks

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annagomezbooks Anna Gomez @annagomezbooks ·
29 Jun

When Dr Strange told Christine, “I love you in every universe” - ❤️😂🥹#swoon #idied

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We’ve got a busy summer ahead of us! But all the We’ve got a busy summer ahead of us! But all the more reason to sit back every Thursday night to learn more about these incredible humans starting on June 30! Who are they? A lawyer turned author who owned a coffee shop in Kona, a poet, writer and CEO of a record label, another lawyer turned romance author, only the biggest name in Blogger history and a bookstore owner and writer who is making a mark in the book publishing industry! We’re only doing 2 Thursdays a month, so I hope you can join us. See you soon! #annaasks #livelikeannag #iglive #tiffaniedebartolo #shellycruz #natashaisabookjunkie #karenrobicheau #belcantobooks
Happy Father’s Day @billg05! What an impact you’ve made in raising these wonderful humans. You are also the best son, brother, uncle anyone could ask for. We thank God for you every single day. #happyfathersday
We’re back! And with a full lineup of more amazi We’re back! And with a full lineup of more amazing friends. Hope you join me starting June 30! It’s going to be fun. #annaasks #annaasksseries #summer2022 #girlpower #newreleases #authorsofinstagram
What a Monday. And I just woke up! Very grateful f What a Monday. And I just woke up! Very grateful for the honor. 
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We are so proud to announce WHERE THE SUN RISES by Anna Gomez and Kristoffer Polaha was selected one of this year's greatest titles in BUZZ BOOKS Romance 2022! Congratulations Anna and Kris!!
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Have you picked out your #weekendread yet? THE YEAR I LEFT by @AnnaGomezBooks is an honest take on #love and #marriage and the frailties of the human heart. A #mustread!
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*sound on* Life’s been busy lately. But mostly *sound on* Life’s been busy lately.  But mostly in a good way. @mikejscan created this for me and it is too good not to share. #intheworks #comingsoon #2023 #thelightinthewound #tempcover

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