Confidently write

American Indian characters

When you invest in the right knowledge, you can stand behind every word in your stories.

Insider Perspective

Deep Understanding

Confidence Gained

Want to write about Native Americans, but concerned you’ll get it wrong?

In a climate where even people of their own ethnic group are criticized if they don’t do things a certain way, you’re left with little opportunity to:

  • Discover the insight you need to write quality, authentic stories.

  • Learn practical approaches to researching Native cultures.

  • Get answers to hard questions.

It all leaves you uncertain if you should even include Native characters in your stories.

I’ve stood in both worlds…

…as a writer who wants to tell a good story that accurately portrays Native people, and as an American Indian who has seen how the pillaging done by mainstream entertainment affects Native peoples.

I’m here with an understanding heart for your challenges and a willingness to guide you through them.

I'm Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, and as a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, I’ve written and published 15 historical fiction books with Native main characters, and over 275 non-fiction articles on Native artists and organizations with representatives from dozens of North American tribes.

I’ve been honored as a Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Artist in Leadership fellow, and I’m a former First Peoples Fund Artist in Business Leadership fellow.

My online course, “Fiction Writing: American Indians,” was birthed from years of researching, writing, and teaching First Americans history, and experiencing the culture. Now I want to pass that on and equip you to write fiction that honors Native American history and culture.

“I was searching for deeper understanding of various Native American cultures and the pitfalls to avoid when writing them. I've done a LOT of research and read a lot of firsthand accounts, but there's still so much I need to learn. It was so helpful to hear the "inside perspective" on what American Indians prefer when it comes to describing and interacting with them. Also, hearing the main stereotypes described will make it much easier to avoid them than when they were vague ideas that "didn't feel right" in writing. Thank you so much for putting together this course!”

—Misty M. Beller

USA Today Bestselling Author of the Call of the Rockies series

When you enroll in my Fiction Writing: American Indians digital course, you get equipped with the knowledge you need.

  • Questions Answered

    There is a plethora of awkward and potentially offensive questions you’ve wanted answers to, but didn’t have anyone to ask. Through the course, you get an insider’s look into Native culture where questions are answered…and you learn how to ask your own.

  • Myths Debunked

    Stereotypes are one of the hardest aspects for authors to overcome when creating authentic characters in a culture not their own (and sometimes even in their own culture). Understand even the lesser known ones through the course.

  • Access Granted

    If you only explore your own experiences and ethnicity in a story, you are limiting your audience's experience, too. Do your research work and let it show. Because ultimately, authors should be judged on the quality of their writing, not their race.

Once you invest in these skills, you can stand behind every word you write.

"I have a better awareness of how I should portray First Americans in my writing. I fully understand that to get an accurate portrayal that it will require a lot of hard work through researching many different resources. Sarah presented her information in layman's terms. Although there was a lot of information I was able to follow with ease. I truly appreciate her passion for her Choctaw heritage and her writing. It's an inspiration to me to finish that project I am working on right now. Finish strong—Hlampko hosh tahli."

—Brett Hayes

author of The Running Moon

Get started on the path of exploring meaningful ways to write about American Indians.

  • 01. Enroll in the course.

    This course is designed for beginning to advanced authors looking to write accurate stories featuring Native peoples.

  • 02. Take it step-by-step.

    Go at your own pace. You have unlimited access to the video content that guides you through every module of the course, developing your ability to write stories that honor Native peoples.

  • 03. Write your story.

    When you complete the course, you’re ready to write or revise your WIP (work-in-progress) from a whole new perspective, and be able to stand behind every word you write.

Choose from a one-time payment of $349, or three monthly payments of $120.

"The course is comprehensive and clear cut. Most valuable for me was the module on stereotyping. I thought I knew all of them and it's helpful to hear of others I wasn't aware of. They were explained well, and I want to continue to represent as a writer and try to put more First Americans work out when possible given the proper guidelines and respect. Thank you so much!"

—Matt Joro

Tabletop roleplay games creator

What’s inside the Fiction Writing: American Indians digital course?

PART ONE:

UNDERSTANDING THE PEOPLE OF YOUR STORY

  • Terminology

    What is the correct way to refer to the first people of the land? The many terms and how to use them correctly.

    Lesson 1: "Indians"

    Lesson 2: "American Indian, Native American"

    Lesson 3: "Native, Indigenous"

    Lesson 4: General Terms

    Lesson 5: "First Americans," Preferred Terms

  • Historical and Present Day Issues

    Natives have undergone hard historical and present-day experiences, and the impacts are still felt today. This module helps you understand several of those.

  • Appropriation vs. Appreciation

    The problems with appropriation instead of appreciation often comes from a lack of information and education. Learn the differences and embrace ways of appreciation before you begin writing or revising your story.

PART TWO:

RESEARCHING AND WRITING YOUR STORY

  • Stereotypes — Identifying and Overcoming Them (multi-lesson module)

    This module includes, yet greatly expands on, the ebook "5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans" with examples in today’s culture of continued stereotypes.

    Lesson 1: Stoicism

    Lesson 2: Writing Dialogue

    Lesson 3: Indian Scout Syndrome

    Lesson 4: Wise Guide

    Lesson 5: Noble Savage

    Lesson 6: Cartoon Indians

    Lesson 7: Slangs and Slurs

    Lesson 8: Skin Color

    Lesson 9: Lifeways

    Lesson 10: Native Spirituality

    Lesson 11: Character Names

    Lesson 12: Historical-only View

  • Advantages and Pitfalls in Resources

    Here, we explore researching First Americans, but it's more than that. Your mindset and approach is as important as the material you’re consuming.

    Lesson 1: Books

    Lesson 2: Interviews

    Lesson 3: Cultural Experts

    Lesson 4: Legends and Lore

    Lesson 5: Native Events

    Lesson 6: Sacred Connections

    Lesson 7: Historians, Museums, Archives

    Lesson 8: Online Sources

    Lesson 9: Native Name Spelling

  • Accuracy—The Vital Balance

    As fiction authors, we make up a lot of stuff. Dialogue. Towns. Compressed timelines. But how should you approach “making up stuff” about Native characters and events?

    Lesson 1: Based on True Events

    Lesson 2: Fictionalized Characters and Plots

    Lesson 3: Blending True and Fictional

    Lesson 4: A Thread of True Inspiration

PART THREE:

PUBLISHING AND SHARING YOUR STORY

  • Becoming a Trusted Author

    It takes time, diligence, and more, but you can become a trusted author of Native culture and history. I show you a real world example in this module.

  • Networking with Native Writers

    We explore the reality of the challenge, but also practical ways you can approach building relationships with Native and non-Native authors.

  • Publishing Options

    Traditional or independent publishing? What I chose and why, and what might be right for you.

  • Setting You on Your Own Path

    Bringing it all together with final encouragement for you to write authentic stories that honor First American history and culture.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The course is broken into 3-parts with modules and lessons contained in each. It’s about 4 hours total of video content, so you could complete it in a day, but I recommend you take your time. There are heavy topics and it’s best to absorb them a little at a time.

  • You can. You’ll have access to the course when you’re ready, plus you’ll get bonuses and special discounts available only to those enrolled in the course.

  • Yes, the course is suitable for authors writing about First Nations.

    Many of the concepts I teach can be applied to Indigenous cultures around the world. Though there are distinct culture differences and histories to take into consideration, the basic principles are the same.

    The First Nations in Canada did have different experiences from the U.S., but as far as I know, my course is the only one for fiction authors that covers Indigenous people in North America.

  • As a Choctaw author, I do have fellow authors ask me about being a sensitivity reader for their books with Native American characters. But there is danger with relying on sensitivity readers, so I actually encourage authors away from going that route. Otherwise, you have 1 or 2 people speaking for an entire race, culture, and history.

    One author who took my course informed her publisher of it, which made the publisher feel more comfortable with the author’s portrayal of her Native characters and isn’t pushing for her to have a sensitivity reader.

Have another question about the course?

Ask me anything here.