Unpacking Identity, Race, and Representation in Crime Fiction

In this episode, Simma Lieberman The Inclusionist, interviews Ed Aymar, an award-winning author known for his multicultural crime thrillers. Ed, originally from Panama, shares insights
into his background, military upbringing, and how he got into writing. The conversation
explores the intersection of race, culture, and storytelling in the context of crime fiction.
They discuss Ed Aymar's acclaimed works, such as No Home for Killers and When She
Left," highlighting his unique perspective as a multicultural crime thriller writer. Tune in
for a thought-provoking discussion on inclusivity and diverse perspectives in literature.

The increase in multicultural crime thrillers from authors outside the US and also Black, Latino,
Asian and Native American in the US continue to make the genre more diverse and exciting.

Join Simma Lieberman and author Ed Aymar, a Panamanian author of crime thrillers in a
captivating conversation about multicultural crime thrillers and the importance of diversity in
literature.

Key Points:
• Ed Aymar, an award-winning author of crime thrillers, shares insights into his writing
journey and the impact of multiculturalism in crime thrillers. Ed’s most recent book,
“When She Left,” is a must-read for any lover of crime fiction, and especially if you love
learning about different cultures.
•The discussion in this between Ed Aymar and Simma Lieberman The Inclusionist delves
into the representation of diverse characters in literature and the evolving landscape of
publishing.
• Explore the significance of identity, allyship, and speaking up in today's society through
the lens of literature and storytelling.
Questions to Consider:
• How does literature, play a role in shaping our understanding of diversity and culture?
• What impact do diverse characters in books have on readers' perspectives and empathy?
• How can we support and amplify voices from underrepresented communities in the
literary world?

Takeaways:

• Discover the power of multicultural crime thrillers in fostering inclusivity and
representation.
• Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of writers of color in the publishing
industry.
• Explore the evolving dynamics of identity, allyship, and advocacy in literature and
beyond.

Action steps to take in the conversation on race:
• Listen to the episode to delve deeper into the conversation on multicultural crime thrillers
and diversity in literature.
•Share the podcast with friends and family to spark meaningful discussions on race,
identity, and representation.
• Consider supporting diverse authors and amplifying marginalized voices in the literary
world.

Don't  miss out on this engaging episode that sheds light on the importance of multicultural
storytelling and the impact of diverse voices in literature. Tune in to gain valuable insights and
perspectives on race, identity, and allyship in the world of crime thrillers.

Key Moments 

00:02:05 - Ed Aymar's Background and Writing Journey
00:03:02 - Multiculturalism in Crime Thrillers
00:04:27 - Accountability in Cultural Representation
00:05:47 - Misidentification and Sensitivity Reading
00:06:10 - The Importance of Belonging and Support Groups
00:07:43 - The Impact of Stereotypes and Publishing Challenges
00:10:27 - Diversity Panels at Writing Conferences and Tokenizing
00:11:09 - Historical Context of Multicultural Crime Writing
00:17:09 - The Debate on Updating Older Books with Racist Content
00:20:27 - The Current State of Diversity and Identity in Literature
00:21:03 - The Controve