How to introduce race...?

[NeverEndMe]

I've been trying to write an interracial story for some time now, but I always have the same issue. How do I tell the reader what race the characters are without just saying "she/he is this race". Since i'm black, i'd also like the main female character to be too. Any ideas on my situation?

 

[Adre]

Chuckling out loud here

 

[Nightierub]

Maybe by describing distinctive racial physical traits? I.e. skin color, hair, etc?

 

[SweetErika]

Maybe by describing distinctive racial physical traits? I.e. skin color, hair, etc?

Integrating physical characteristics into the story nicely is the route I'd take. You could even mention how gorgeous one of your characters found the contrast in skin tones to be (e.g. I've always thought it'd be incredible to see like dark hands on my super fair breasts, my very light legs intertwined with a partner's much darker legs, etc.), the curiosity and/or novelty of being with a partner with certain traits for one of your protagonists, incorporate comments into your dialogue, etc. Use this as an opportunity to get creative!

In the end, if it's in the Interracial category, your readers are going to expect your characters to be different (and I'm guessing there's often a presumption that one of them is of African descent), so you should do just great working descriptive elements in vs. stating the ethnicities of your characters outright.

Best of luck with your writing!

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

The deciding condition is always: WHATS 'IT' GOT TO DO WITH THE PRICE OF TEA IN CHINA?

Race (or whatever) has gotta put its shoulder to the wheel and push things along. Decoration aint enuf.

 

[NippleMuncher]

If you want to get the ethnicity of the characters established, you can describe her as an ebony princess, Nubian queen, etc. You could also go the route of describing her contrasting skin tone against his, "her chocolate flesh against his ..."

Or, just the name of the character alone can easily identify ethnicity. I'll let you choose your own examples.

 

[NeverEndMe]

Thanks everyone xD

Thanks for your answers. Now i can attempt to write again xD