Author & Editor
Diversity Reader
Indie Publisher

A Writerβs 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 βdiversity points,β 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 (donβt even get me started on season 4 of Arrow π‘, 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 donβt add to the damaging messages about disability that weβve gotten so far.
Thatβs why I created this book. InΒ A Writerβs Guide to Creating Diverse Characters: Disability, weβll discuss different topics relating to disabled characters, such as ableism, relationships, tropes & stereotypes to avoid, and more. Iβll also share with you someΒ helpful resources of where you can go to further your research.
So if youβre ready to roll up your sleeves & put in the work and effort it will take to show aΒ good representationΒ of disabled characters, letβs get to writing.
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About Vanessa
I'm addicted to books, Chipotle, milkshakes, and Marvel movies. #TeamCap
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