Thread by @Joannechocolat

Okay: let's try it. Follow #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective to collect them all!

https://twitter.com/dr_hurford/status/1034478156743356417

1. Much of the secret of effective writing is about trying to make the reader see things in a new way. To do that, you need to be able to re-assess your own perspectives accordingly. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

2. To understand different perspectives, you need to listen to diverse voices. Read as widely as you can, from as many points of view as possible. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

3. Take an interest in a variety of people. Interact with people from as many backgrounds, age groups, social groups, cultures and areas of experience as possible. Use their experience to supplement your own. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

4. Be humble: ask for help, advice or criticism when you need it. (And you will.) #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

5. Don't write characters as representatives of different groups. Write them as individuals. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

6. Make a connection. You can't write convincingly from someone else's perspective unless you can find some common ground. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

7. Don't be lazy with your research. Convincing half your readers - or even three-quarters of them - isn't enough. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

8. Get the small details right. Imagination can only take you so far when you're trying to write about the perspectives of real, live people. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

9. Try walking in your protagonist's shoes. Think about the things that impact most on their day-to-day lives. Make sure you never forget them. (They won't.) #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective

10. Know your limitations. If you can't get into the skin of a character, or you find yourself relying on stereotype, or for some reason you can't to do enough research to portray them well enough, step away. #TenThingsAboutChangingPerspective