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Disability Representation in Fiction
A Life in Too Many Margins follows a man looking back on his life from childhood to now, exploring how forced gender roles, neurodivergent masking, disability, and medical trauma have shaped him into the person he is today. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I found myself feeling sad quite often about the lack of disability representation in fiction, especially contemporary literary fiction by queer and neurodivergent folks and/or other intersectional groups. It’s gotten better in recent years as we’ve moved away from disabled characters being villains or “inspiration pornography,” but my dream world would have an entire section in every bookstore!
This story explores many kinds of labels. Which ones felt hardest to untangle?
The one I try hardest to help readers understand is the medical trauma. It’s hard to explain to anyone who isn’t trans or a woman the extent to which doctors will gaslight us when we don’t have the more obvious symptoms. The hardest emotionally was being neurodivergent. I am in my 40s and still working on unmasking behaviours.
Humor plays a central role in the book. How do you balance humor with emotional weight?
This didn’t really feel like a job or anything I had to balance, honestly. My humor is what’s gotten me through my worst times; I used it as a coping mechanism, then a grounding technique, and now it’s just a part of how I present myself and my stories.
Did writing this book feel like an act of advocacy?
Absolutely. I wanted to write about what it feels like to grow up learning how to adapt constantly, often without realizing you’re doing it. Also, because enough people told me I had to write a book, I eventually gave in. It’s almost completely a memoir, so it’s rooted in my lived experience, but it’s shaped intentionally with the occasional note of fiction. I wasn’t interested in documenting everything that happened so much as capturing how it felt. It took time to have the language and distance to write it clearly, but I always meant to share it to help others going through similar situations.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | BlueSky | Instagram | Amazon
A Life in Too Many Margins is the story of a man looking backward while time keeps nudging him forward. From childhood misunderstandings to medical disasters, David is collecting the fragments of a life shaped by truths he didn’t discover until far too late: that he’s neurodivergent, that his body will never play by the rules. That gender was never the box people insisted it had to be.
If you’ve ever felt like the world wasn’t built with you in mind, or if you just enjoy a dark laugh in the middle of disaster, David’s story will remind you that sometimes real life only happens… in the margins.
Everyday Moments
Yoey Does It Her Way follows a determined little girl who learns at her own pace and has her family’s support as they cheer her on every step of the way. Why was it important to focus on joy and everyday moments rather than challenges?
Focusing on joy and everyday moments in Yoey Does It Her Way was important because it shifts the lens from limitation to celebration.
Children who live with differences — including those born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome — so often have their stories told through the framework of challenge. Appointments. Diagnoses. Milestones measured against charts. While those realities exist, they are not the whole story. Joy is.
By centering the book on everyday moments — trying something independently, laughing, discovering, persisting — the message becomes empowering rather than sympathetic. Yoey is not defined by what is hard. She is defined by who she is.
This approach:
- Normalizes inclusion instead of spotlighting differences
- Shows capability before difficulty
- Allows children to see similarity first
- Models confidence rather than struggle
It also invites all children — not just those with disabilities — to recognize that doing something “your way” is a strength. Independence looks different for everyone. Progress looks different for everyone. Success looks different for everyone.
Joy makes the story accessible. It allows readers to connect with Yoey as a child first — playful, determined, unique — rather than as a diagnosis.
And ultimately, joy tells a child reading the book:
“You are not a problem to solve. You are a person to celebrate.”
Yoey is curious, busy, and proud of herself. How did you shape her personality on the page?
From the beginning, Yoey has her own personality and will. She is non-verbal but still manages to express her opinions! Yoey Does It Her Way was built around her voice: determined, joyful, observant, and quietly confident. Rather than writing about what others expected of her, I tried to follow what she chooses to try, how she approaches a task, and how she defines success.
Her personality shows up in several intentional ways:
- Determination in Small Moments
The story focuses on everyday actions — making friends at the park, swimming, riding a scooter, trying again and again — because that’s where her resilience shines. The language mirrors her steady persistence rather than dramatic struggle. - Joy as a Default Setting
Yoey isn’t written as fragile or overwhelmed. She is curious, playful, and proud. Her reactions emphasize delight and discovery, shaping a tone that feels uplifting instead of heavy. - Independence with Confidence
The phrase “her way” is central. It reinforces that independence doesn’t mean doing something like everyone else — it means doing it in a way that works for you. That belief guided the pacing and phrasing of each scene. - Strength Without Spotlighting Difficulty
Instead of centering the diagnosis, I wanted the readers to experience Yoey through her personality traits — spirited, brave, thoughtful — rather than through medical language and understand the support she gets from her family to find success. - Gentle Repetition and Rhythm
The structure likely echoes her steady, determined energy. Repetition reinforces her persistence and builds a celebratory cadence as she succeeds in her own time.
What conversations do you hope this book sparks between children and adults?
Yoey Does It Her Way can open the door to some of the most meaningful, gentle conversations between children and adults — because it centers on everyday life, not lectures.
Here are powerful conversations it can spark:
- “What does doing it your way mean?”
- Children can reflect on:
- What feels easy for me?
- What feels hard?
- How do I solve problems differently?
- Adults can reinforce:
- There is more than one right way to do something.
- Everyone’s timeline looks different.
- Children can reflect on:
- “What makes you proud of yourself?
- The book invites children to notice small victories:
- Trying again
- Speaking up
- Being patient
- Finishing something independently. This builds internal confidence instead of comparison.
- The book invites children to notice small victories:
- “How can we be a good friend?”
- Children may naturally ask:
- How can I help someone without taking over?
- How do I include someone who does things differently?
- Adults can model:
- Support without rescuing
- Encouragement without pity
- Respect for independence
- Children may naturally ask:
- “What makes each person unique?”
- The story allows space to talk about:
- Different abilities
- Different learning styles
- Different personalities. It shifts the focus from “Why is someone different?” to “What makes them special?”
- The story allows space to talk about:
- “What feels big or new right now?”
- Because Yoey celebrates everyday milestones, children may open up about:
- Trying something new
- Feeling nervous but brave. The book becomes a bridge for emotional honesty.
- Because Yoey celebrates everyday milestones, children may open up about:
- “How do we celebrate effort?”
- Rather than only praising outcomes, adults can ask:
- Did you try?
- Did you keep going?
- What did you learn? This fosters a growth mindset naturally.
- Rather than only praising outcomes, adults can ask:
- “What is something you do your own way?”
- This question empowers all children — not just those who relate to Yoey’s experiences. It reinforces autonomy and self-worth.
- The book doesn’t spotlight diagnosis or difficulty — so conversations stay rooted in:
- Capability
- Joy
- Respect
- Inclusion
- Confidence
It allows children to see: “I’m not behind. I’m not different in a bad way. I’m growing in my own way.”
And for adults, it offers language that feels celebratory instead of corrective.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
From playground fun and family swings to swimming, frozen yogurt, and learning new skills, Yoey embraces life with a bright smile and a big spirit. Some things take her longer to learn, but with hard work, loving support from her brother Royce and her parents, and her own fierce determination, Yoey keeps growing and shining. Yoey is many wonderful things—curious, sweet, busy, brave—and most of all, she wants to be your friend.
This story gently invites young readers to understand and appreciate differences through Yoey’s experiences, while the final page offers helpful information for adults about Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.
The Fragility of Human Nature
Perpetual Limitations follows a young paraplegic, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired woman who enters a portal to a realm where she is gifted newfound abilities and embarks on a quest of self-discovery while confronting her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
That’s an interesting question! I first started drafting ideas for Perpetual Limitations by thinking about the power of free will and faith and the opportunities it offers towards implementing new possibilities. I realised that there is not much literature out there about marginalised people, particularly about individuals with disabilities, so I wanted to create a story that amplifies their struggles and experiences, as well as comparing their experiences with able-bodied citizens to reinforce the fact that suffering is a universal element of being human.
Samira may have transformed externally in this new realm and granted abilities to see, hear, and walk despite previously being deprived of them; yet, internally she still feels insecure and conflicted, which signifies the deep wounds that trauma can impose upon individuals, which ought to be addressed in order to fully heal. Therefore, Perpetual Limitations is about transcending above the restraints that society places on marginalised individuals to eradicate prejudice and discrimination.
I found Samira to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What inspired her and her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Samira represents my teenage self, and her struggles towards reaching acceptance of the outside world, whilst fitting in despite being “different,” also resonates with my own personal challenges towards figuring out my own identity, and most importantly, discovering self-acceptance that is associated with all my flaws and anxieties.
When I was creating Samira, I wanted her to represent marginalization and the realistic circumstances of people who suffer from disabilities and invisible wounds. Samira is a character to whom everyone can relate, and I believe that her bitterness, misanthropy, and emotional turmoil reflect the fragility of human nature and how we’re all vulnerable in some way, but rather than letting it bring us down, connecting with others and comprehending their struggles in a new light is actually rather uplifting. Therefore, I feel as though Samira’s frustration emphasises the very essence of being human, as we cannot always be satisfied with what we have, but we can also discover the courage to resolve these problems, which is what the protagonist aims to do throughout her journey of self-discovery.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I felt the need to explore human vulnerability as well as spiritual enlightenment through gaining resilience and hope. Hope is a predominant theme throughout the novel as it’s the force that drives Samira throughout her journey. In fact, all of the characters lose and gain hope in one way or another, and I believe that regarding hope as a universal attribute is necessary towards enforcing justice and spreading compassion throughout our lives. The book also explores the significance of friendship and unconditional love, particularly throughout our darkest moments.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can we expect it to be available?
My next book will be on Perfection, which entails a society where no one is capable of doing wrong, including no lying, cheating, or stealing, and everything is seemingly fair. The book’s intention is to question the significance of free will and its capability of functioning in an idealistic world without issues. It will probably be out in about 2-3 years’ time, which is quite far away, but it should be worth the wait!
Author Links: X (Twitter) | Website
In a world where physical limitations often overshadow the depths of the human spirit, Samira stands as a beacon of resilience. Born paraplegic, hard of hearing and visually impaired, Samira has always felt the sting of being regarded as different. Yet within her, a fierce longing for adventure and liberation burns brightly. As she navigates a life defined by adversity, she encounters the enigmatic Sage, who opens a portal to a realm beyond her wildest imaginings. Here, Samira is gifted with newfound abilities – sight, strength and a profound connection to nature that transcend her previous constraints. But as she grapples with her extraordinary transformation, she is confronted with the harsh realities of her past and the haunting spectre of her own doubts. The Perpetual Limitations is a gripping journey of self-discovery, exploring the intersections of physical limitations and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Barely Visible: Mothering a Son Through His Misunderstood Autism
Kathleen Somers’ Barely Visible is a raw and often gut-wrenching memoir that tells the story of her journey as a mother navigating the heartbreaking loss of a daughter and the challenging road of raising a son with autism. The book begins with a detailed account of the late-term abortion she and her husband chose after discovering a severe chromosomal disorder in their unborn child. What follows is the story of their second chance at parenthood, a son, Jack, whose development is anything but typical, and whose autism remains invisible to many who interact with him. With honesty and grit, Somers invites readers into the daily struggles, small wins, crushing doubts, and fierce love that shape her life as a mother.
The writing is plainspoken and real, never dressing up the pain or dressing down the joy. Somers doesn’t flinch when describing her darkest moments and emotions like grief, rage, and guilt, but she also doesn’t wallow. Her voice is steady and direct. What I liked was her description of being caught in a kind of no-man’s-land with Jack: not disabled “enough” for sympathy, not neurotypical enough to be understood. That tension runs through the whole book, and it’s heartbreaking. She captures the loneliness of parenting a child who doesn’t fit the mold and the silent battles she fights in parking lots, classrooms, and her own mind.
What I appreciated most was that this isn’t a story wrapped up with a bow. Somers doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. She admits to losing her temper, to doubting her decisions, to questioning herself constantly. But she also shows up for her son, over and over again, even when it’s hard, even when it’s thankless. There’s a quiet bravery in that. And her reflections on how people perceive disability, how a child’s challenges are judged based on how visible they are, stayed with me. She writes with a dry wit at times that cuts through the heaviness, which I found refreshing and relatable.
I would recommend Barely Visible to any parent, especially those who feel like they’re walking a path they didn’t expect. If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of a diagnosis, to advocate for a child who’s misunderstood, or to stay afloat when life doesn’t look the way you thought it would, this book will speak to you. It’s not just about autism or motherhood or grief. It’s about resilience and love and the messy, beautiful, brutal work of showing up.
Pages: 312 | ISBN : 978-1647428822
A Diagnosis Is Never the End
Lexi and the Super Chair is the empowering story of a young girl whose life is changed by paralysis, but who rediscovers freedom, adventure, and joy through a magical power chair and an unbreakable spirit. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I actually became fully paralyzed in 2014 when I was 21 years old. I now can only move my head a little, and I have to use a ventilator to breathe. In the first couple years of my journey through paralysis, I struggled greatly with depression and grief. But as my journey has continued, I have become a happy and successful individual, not in spite of, but in some ways because of my paralysis.
Needless to say, I understand the struggle of physical disability. I’ve always been a lover of children, and when I imagine kids in this situation, or in other situations involving disabilities or diseases, I know some of them must struggle as well. So I wanted to write this book for several reasons, chief among them to give a boost and hope to kids with disabilities and diseases, to help them and their families realize that a diagnosis is never the end of someone’s story, but that you can still achieve great things no matter what.
My grand scheme is to have this book freely available in hospitals and rehab centers for children and their families who need it most.
How did you approach writing about disability in a way that’s honest yet hopeful for young readers?
Personal experience had a lot to do with how I wrote the book. But I also know that children are endlessly curious and incredibly strong. When kids come up to me, usually somewhat shyly at first, I make sure to tell them the truth of my situation. They always take it surprisingly well and ask a million questions if their parents don’t steal them away too quickly! I never want to shy away from the truth with them, but being a hopeful person myself, I don’t want them to feel bad for me, either. From this attitude sprang my approach to writing this story.
What do you hope children, both with and without disabilities, take away from Lexi’s story?
I love that you mentioned children without disabilities as well as those with them because they are an important part of the audience I’m trying to reach, as well. But the messages are essentially the same for both kinds of kids: there is always hope, no matter the situation. I want children to be happy being themselves, I want them to be able to take pride in their achievements, and I want them to be empathetic and understanding of those in situations differing from their own. That is my hope for Lexi’s story.
When and where will the book be available?
I’m still searching for a publisher, but you’ll be the first to know when I find one! I will include here my website, Instagram, and Facebook page so that you can stay up-to-date with Lexi and her story.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram
Good Looking
Lucy May Lennox’s Good Looking presents a captivating narrative that blends the elements of a coming-of-age romance with a unique twist. Set against the backdrop of a Midwestern university in the 1990s, the story follows identical twins, Nick and Nate, along with Nick’s love interest Abby, as they navigate the complexities of youth and relationships. What sets this tale apart is the compelling dynamic between the characters, particularly as the twins, both blind, navigate their lives alongside Abby, who is a devotee—a person sexually attracted to disability.
From the intimate confines of late-night study sessions to the adventurous chaos of road trips, Lennox paints a vivid picture of their world, filled with quirky living arrangements and tangled love affairs. Through her skillful prose, Lennox creates a narrative that resonates with readers, rich in relatable experiences while maintaining a perfect balance between emotional depth and suspenseful twists.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters and engaging subplots, allowing Lennox to explore themes of identity and belonging with nuance and depth. Each character’s journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is intricately woven, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. While the romantic tension between Nick and Abby propels much of the story forward, it is the nuanced relationship between the twin brothers that truly shines. Lennox delicately navigates their evolving dynamic, marked by unspoken conversations and profound connections, celebrating their individual journeys towards embracing their identities and redefining their relationship with each other and those around them.
Good Looking offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of disability, challenging stereotypes and offering a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Lennox’s masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of the human experience long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0C99PRDBF
Magical Atmosphere
Whispers in the Breeze follows the mystery of the missing kings of the Wangoorie tribe and their fight to keep evil from taking over the tribe. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
The idea that I had to write Whispers in the Breeze was one of many reasons. It was always going to be a narrative with a lot of twists and turns and the unexpected with a splash of mystery. I wanted to express my ideas on how to be resilient and have the faith and strength to overcome any obstacles that life has thrown at you. Another is to educate in a positive way on how society is judgemental with the slightest imperfection in people who have a disability. Acceptance of yourself and a strong will to thrive and be successful in all that you do was a key message. Also having faith and love from your family is the most powerful weapon one has, and with that support, you can conquer the world.
Whispers started out with a boy with a disability in mind. Then I thought about what lessons he could learn and what troubles he could find himself in. The story was built around his character. While I worked in the primary school, I used my knowledge from one of our school’s teaching tools that helped build up students’ confidence. So I wanted to share that with others. The thoughts of good versus evil added to the storyline as well as a love story between the parents and the bond they shared as a family. Justice also played a huge part in the outcome for the family and their tribe. I first wanted to write 3 books. The first was all about Zengie and his mother Mallee. The second one was about his Father Wango and the third was about the three of them together. In the end, I changed it to three parts.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters? Is it modeled after any particular society?
The inspiration for the culture of the characters was formed in my mind by the beauty of the jungles and rainforests. The magical atmosphere of mists and the aromas of moist foliage reminded me of my childhood growing up near the mountains and the time we played as children hiding in the giant trees and vines of the rainforest. The cold trickling streams and waterfalls with the crisp breezes also became part of the story. I remember my imagination used to run wild with fairies and magical beings while in the mountains, also the eeriness of silence when you wandered away from the others and how scary thoughts would take over reality. This also formed part of the emotions in the characters. I modelled my tribes on a mixture of African tribes and their spiritual and religious beliefs as well as my own.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The important themes in the book were. Love, honour, loyalty, compassion, respect, resilience, and empathy. A think ‘outside the box’ and follow your heart and dreams. Life is full of highs and lows and how you deal with these become the person you are.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on the next book called Shifting Sands. It is a continuing story of the Wangoorie people. This time the story is about Zengie’s sister Veelah and her struggles with depression and anxiety as she struggles with the loss of her mother Mallee and her inner self doubts as her psychic abilities grow stronger and more erratic. I don’t know how long it will take to write, but it is a work in progress.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When ancient traditions are broken, spirits are called upon. The ancestors are furious as their deep slumber is disturbed. To their despair, chaos, mayhem, and unjust, greet them on their resurrection. When the two rightful heirs mysteriously disappear, the scales of justice and order are off balance and unpredictable.
Wango and his son Zengie are of royal blood, destined to join the line of successors as their forefathers before them.
Wango and his wife Mallee were the protectors of Zengie and the Wangoorie tribe. Now, Mallee is alone, vulnerable, and in danger. Will she find strength and gain her freedom from the manipulative clutches of the evil Zulu?
Follow this intriguing mystery as trust is shattered and lives are ruined. Survival is the key to unlocking the past and building a future, where the foundations of the Wangoorie tribe depend on the survival of humanity.
Will balance and stability return to reclaim the peace and harmony of the Wangoorie people? Read on, and solve the mystery of the missing kings.
I Keep Fighting
Doug Osborne Does Not Quit tells of your experiences refusing to live behind the label of disabled and your journey to finding a work-from-job and buying your first home. Why was it important to share your story?
There were two related stories I wanted to share, captured by my book’s title and subtitle.
The title is named after the words on my banner, which reminds me to keep fighting no matter how many times I get knocked down and feel like quitting. The title story is about my banner and my ongoing mission of getting a job and going off disability.
I share my banner story to inspire others to keep fighting until they achieve their goals, and to inspire myself to stay true to my banner. Prior to publishing it in a book, I shared it in various forms with everyone I know and thousands of people I don’t know. The most widespread edition is a one-minute video with the caption: “Hi, my name is on my banner, and I want the world to hear me yell NOT TODAY!” “Not today” is what I say to my banner twice a day: quietly as my morning prayer, and at the end of the day, with authority, because I did not quit today!
My book begins and ends with my banner. It is the most powerful version of this story yet, accentuated by what goes on in between.
The middle and bulk of my book follow the subtitle plot, The House Behind My Banner, which begins shortly after the start of my mission. This is the first time I’ve publicly shared my account of the battle to buy my first house so I could continue my mission. More importantly, this story is about the fight to overcome my disability, getting past those who blocked my path, and in the process learning that I am actually far from disabled. The House Behind My Banner teaches valuable lessons, and I particularly enjoyed recalling the seminal moments of my life described in “Revenge of the Nerd,” “Redemption,” and “Home.”
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Disability should not be confused with inability. For some people like me, to be or not to be disabled is a choice and not a diagnosis. For others with autism or related cognitive disorders, being “neurodivergent” instead of “neurotypical” is not a bad thing. For everyone, people should treat other people with respect, regardless of their current occupation or disability status.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about living with a disability?
I honestly don’t know which misconceptions are common, so I’ll just state my opinion that any conception about living with a disability is a misconception. One of the main points of my book is that people should not judge or underestimate anyone because of that d-word.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Philip Van Heusen for Readers’ Favorite summed it up as well as I could: “stop saying you can’t and believe that you can.” If you simply believe that you can, you might be surprised at what you can do.
This is the theme of a short chapter of my book, “Can I Walk Through Walls?” While I didn’t really suspect that I could walk through walls, the point is you should not assume you can’t do something until you have tried to do it. So, why not give it a shot? The worst that can happen is you fail, but even that should not discourage you.
Doug Osborne Does Not Quit is about believing in yourself, while the sequel, Not Today!, will be about trying and failing over and over and over again until you finally succeed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
In 2021, I made my choice and discovered that I am actually far from disabled. In 2023, I wrote a book about my journey.
Hi, my name is on my banner. I’m a software engineer on disability, diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and at times anxiety and depression. At the start of 2021, I stopped using these as an excuse and began my mission of getting a work-from-home-job and going off disability. Unfortunately, my mission was delayed because my landlord, Bob, wanted to sell the house I was renting.
After getting pre-approved for a mortgage, I found a great place for me to continue my mission: a four-season vacation home in Summit, NY. While I was trying to buy my dream house, Bob, two attorneys, and a loan officer tried to bully me and jeopardized my home purchase, but they all underestimated me. Buying my first house was far from easy, but I did not quit and the day I closed on this house was the best of my life so far.
As of May 2023, I’ve still yet to complete my mission, even though I’ve interviewed with some 30 companies since I hung my banner. But like I had to in order to buy my first house, I am not about to quit fighting until I finally succeed.
