So much for my career ;)
Found this discussion topic at Amazon.com disability forum: In the current issue of NEW MOBILITY, Jody Michelle Powers writes: “Unless people have personal connections to the disability world, they have no business writing or speaking about disability issues. It’s that simple.” I went to find the article (I used to be subscribed to New Mobility, but I let it lapse), and read it on the author’s personal page. I understand and respect her point that she is not comfortable with non-disabled people speaking on her behalf. Certainly, a lot of my rants here are against shows and books that blatantly did not consult actual disabled people and relied on stereotype instead of doing real research. However, I also don’t think it’s as...
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It turns out that there is a whole sub-genre of romance books about “wounded heros.” I had no idea! From what I can tell from the descriptions these seem to be usually over-the-top, sappy stories emphasizing the tragedy of the situation. Apparently, the hero is almost always bitter and angry about his disability and shuts himself away from the world until he is brought out of his shell by the feisty heroine. Far from perfect, but I guess it’s a start. I think it’s good to have sexy lead characters in romance novels that also have disabilities. I’m waiting for it to not be the main focus of the story! Also, I wonder where the female characters with disabilities are. I’ll have to dig and see if that plot exists in romance...
Read MoreWay to go, Lost
Lost I’m being sarcastic. I know I’m way behind on this. I didn’t want to start watching Lost until I knew there was an ending. So I’m just starting Season 2 now. Here’s the scenario, Dr. Jack has a patient whose spine was broken in a car accident. His speculation is that it’s likely the woman will be paraplegic. Woman’s fiancee comes to see the Doctor. “Will she be able to make love?” Suggestive silence. Dr. says, “You should know that there’s a good chance Sara will need full time care for the rest of her life.” “Like she won’t be able to go to the bathroom by herself?” Horrified look on fiancee’s face. Great, Doctor, just great. First of all, the answer to the first...
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“The book takes you on a journey of what it is like to travel and work with the disabled who turn out to be quite like everyone.” Cite And are we surprised by...
Read MoreWhere are the disabled actors?
Maybe I don’t understand how TV and movies work, but is it really so hard to find disabled people to play disabled characters? There are so many little examples of disabled characters thrown onto shows or movies for diversity’s sake or for the main plot line and they are always played by non-disabled actors. Some shows hire consultants to make sure they are getting things right, but why hire two people? Why go that extra mile? Why not just hire someone who already knows what that disability is like? This might be a bit or a chicken and egg issue. I imagine there are few disabled actors because there are few roles they are accepted for. To me, the best solution would be for Hollywood to be okay with casting disabled actors for non-disabled roles. That...
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At proofreaders; available for pre-order
What Is Meant To Be
Second draft
Homework & Homicide (working title)
Second Draft
Book Montage
RFW winner October 7, 2011
