During an interview about my second novel, which explores rape culture and patriarchy, I was asked, “How do you imagine your book will impact the world?” I considered an earnest response, the one that might endear me to the engaged listeners, every advocate and ally who felt heard and seen by my characters. I might have offered encouraging sentiments about the power of words to change minds and hearts. I might have expressed my hopes for promoting equity, inclusivity, and non-violence. I didn’t.
I am a publicist’s worst nightmare: a cynic with a filter that’d pass a soup can. Sure, I think before I speak but I rarely say anything marketable. How will my book impact the world? Well, let’s see. I’m a queer woman of colour, an immigrant and a refugee, the child of an alcoholic, a chronic depressive with a liberal arts degree, and I write about rape culture and patriarchy. Hm…what was the question, again? I got lost after the nth hurdle. Oh, yeah. What is the impact of my book in a world that’s designed to silence and exclude me?
In a nutshell, here’s what I answered, “My book’s not going to change the world. There’s too much in the way for that. I want to contribute to the community of people who’re also raising these issues. I want to get my book on the shelf for readers who don’t see themselves represented. That’s enough.” I stand by my answer, as much as it…
