Author & Editor

Diversity Reader

Indie Publisher

 

 

A Writer’s Guide to Creating Diverse Characters Disability

 

Should non-disabled writers create characters with disabilities?Β 

Short answer: maybe, but probably yes.

Long answer: It depends. If you want to just throw in a disabled character in your story for β€œdiversity points,” without taking the time to do proper research and write a well-written character, then you should just avoid writing this character.

There are many harmful representations of disability in the media and in fiction writing. From killing off your disabled character to giving them a magical cure (don’t even get me started on season 4 of Arrow 😑, we will discuss this in the book), these tropes send a harmful message to your audience. As writers, I believe we have a responsibility to create meaningful characters that don’t add to the damaging messages about disability that we’ve gotten so far.

That’s why I created this book. InΒ A Writer’s Guide to Creating Diverse Characters: Disability, we’ll discuss different topics relating to disabled characters, such as ableism, relationships, tropes & stereotypes to avoid, and more. I’ll also share with you someΒ helpful resources of where you can go to further your research.

So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves & put in the work and effort it will take to show aΒ good representationΒ of disabled characters, let’s get to writing.

Online Course

If you’re a writer and if you’ve been wanting to write diverse characters in your story, but you’re not sure how to do it or you’re afraid of getting something wrong, this course is for you. In this course, we’ll go over the difference between writing diverse characters vs an own voices story, the β€œtoken minority character” & how to avoid this, what are diversity readers & where to find them, and more.

Diversity Reader Services

Writers, do you have a black female or disabled character in your story? Want to make sure they’re portrayed as authentically as possible? Click the link below to check out my Diversity Reader Services.

Diversity Reader Directory

Browse the directory to find a diversity reader suited for your story.

Interior Book Formatting

Do you have a completed manuscript that’s ready for the next step in the publishing process? Check out my services for formatting the interior of your book.

Virtual Assistant Services

Feeling overwhelmed by your never ending to-do list? Let me help you check off some of those tasks. Check out my virtual assistant services!

Book Projects

About Vanessa

Picture of author

I'm addicted to books, Chipotle, milkshakes, and Marvel movies. #TeamCap

Let's stay in touch!

I'm always eager to chat with other readers & writers, so let's keep in touch. Send me a message at the email below or follow me on social media.

hello@vanessamariebooks.com