MonkeyShines and Bone Collector
I’m putting these two stories together because they are a similar theme, horror stories using the immobility of quadriplegia to make it scarier. In both cases, the books are far, far superior to the movies. One thing I really like is that in both stories, the main characters defend themselves. The movie version of The Bone Collector kind-of takes that away, but in the book he defends himself against his attacker. In Monkeyshines, the quadriplegic character is caught in a house alone with a killer monkey (yes, it’s a tad far-fetched). He very impressively uses his teeth to kill the monkey. Of course, MonkeyShines has to have the miracle cure at the end, and the main character recovers completely. Bone Collector does not fall into that trap. There are a...
Read MoreDisabled Actors Found
It turns out, and I am beyond delighted to say this, there are disabled actors working in television. My friends told me about these: Robert David Hall as the coroner, Dr. Al Robbins, in CSI. Michael Patrick Thornton as Dr. Gabriel Fife in Private Practice Zach Weinstein as Sean Fretthold in an episode of Glee (too bad they had him just laying in bed the whole episode) “I just believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to try for parts, whether they’re able-bodied or disabled,” Weinstein says. “And the best actor — whoever that is — should get it.” Well said, I couldn’t agree more. ETA: And more! http://www.tealsherer.com/ Teal Sherer, who has a recurring role on the webshow The Guild and is working on her own...
Read MoreSo 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...
Read MoreBooks
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...
Read MoreProgress Trackers
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
