Guest Interview: Author and Sensitivity Reader Zin E Rocklyn

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

I am excited to share with you a guest interview I had with Zin E Rocklyn – horror author and sensitivity reader! She is passionate about the importance of Black Queer voices being heard – especially in the horror genre – and offers sensitivity reading for authors on the following topics:

Black WomanhoodDepressionC/PTSDAnxietyAddictionMental IllnessDestitutionSex WorkIsolationHorrorThe WeirdContact Zin to learn more about her services and pricing!

Link: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:qhr6wtwvdelxj673bhaseb3b

Email: teri.m.clarke@gmail.com

Interview with Zin

1) You have such a strong and powerful presence, and I love the various topics you are able to provide sensitivity reading for.  Can you tell me a bit about what made you want to do sensitivity reading?  Also, which of the topics are you most passionate about?

Honestly? I got tired of the tired tropes and stereotypes I kept seeing of Black people and Black Queer people, so I decided to do something about it. I found out about sensitivity readings on Twitter (refuse to call it that letter) and I offered my services in a tweet. It took off from there!

2) How do your personal experiences influence your own writing?

I tend to exorcise my own demons through writing and nothing covers inner demons like horror! I believe the more real you are about your experiences, the more impactful and important the work. And it reaches the right audience. I’ve always wanted to make a difference somehow and writing has always been my voice.

3) What are your thoughts on authors writing about topics or characters with conditions or identities that they don’t have personal experience with?

Writing outside of one’s experience is an ever-expanding practice for the imagination. I think it’s healthy and important to be genuinely curious about our fellow man because our differences is what strengthens our community (imagine a group with only hunters, wouldn’t work). But that curiosity needs to come with respect, not the desire to mould the perspective into our vision or minimize it. Having said that, while important, it can be dangerous to write without having the proper education and humility to ask for support and feedback. And not just from your friends! Friends are great but they also tread lightly, no matter how blunt they may seem. No one wants to tread on someone’s dream (if they do, get rid of them) so it becomes touchy. That’s why hiring someone who doesn’t know you personally but who also respects the craft is best.

4) Horror, for me, has been such a safe haven – both in reading and writing.  What are some of your favorite horror subgenres?

I love gothic horror and how insidious it is. And supernatural and faery tales because the Veil intrigues me.

5) Why are you drawn to writing horror?

I love how expansive horror is. It can blend seamlessly into other genres because so much of what we experience is horrific; politics, pregnancy, car accidents, near-death experiences, hell, even parents and parenting can be traumatic. Horror is a cathartic way of exploring and dealing with those traumas.

A Note on Sensitivity Reading

Sensitivity reading is so incredibly important for authors, especially when you are writing about a topic that you do not have personal experience with. Zin’s personal experiences and expertise in the listed areas make her an important resource in the writing world. She is such a gem, and I hope that you will consider her for any sensitivity reading you might require as a writer!

Make a one-time donation

Thank you so much for your support! It helps me to keep this website running.

Donate