Today on Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re talking about what it really means to write with cultural authenticity—why it matters, how to do it responsibly, and how to avoid turning lived experiences into stereotypes or scenery. And because today marks the 10th day of Black History Month, we’ll also spotlight a Black literary giant whose work remains a masterclass in writing culture truthfully, unapologetically, and on its own terms.

Too often, writers chase the glory of publication without honoring the hard, messy, and beautiful process that gets them there.