The Spoonie Authors Network is a community initiative devoted to sharing the stories of disabled, d/Deaf, hard-of-hearing, Blind, visually impaired, neurodivergent authors—and/or authors who manage mental illness and/or chronic conditions—and educating abled people about what life is like for us as “Spoonie” creatives. Our goal is also to make it a resource hub for writers in our community by offering tips and links to sensitivity editors. (Visit our Resources menu to see what’s available so far!)

A Brief Origin Story

In 2016, author Cait Gordon’s first novel, Life in the ’Cosm, was published and made its debut at a local vendor table. While attending the event, Cait noticed many attendees using various mobility devices. Knowing that these were only the disabilities and/or conditions she could perceive visually, Cait realized there might be even more writers out there with “invisible disabilities.” She had a strong desire to connect with other authors who shared her lived experience as a disabled writer.

In November 2016, she created the Spoonie Authors Network website, in hopes of it becoming a multi-author blog. To her delight, many authors responded to the call, volunteering their time to share their experiences with disability and/or chronic conditions, and what it was like to manage them while being creative. Each year more authors joined the network, bringing their perspectives to the table. Some of the contributors are award-winning authors or finalists as well! But everyone’s voice is important on the SpAN.

Going forth into Podcasting

In late 2019, Canadian fantasy author Dianna Gunn mentioned to Cait about wanting to start a podcast for writers who are Spoonies. And so, the Great Collaboration of the Spoons was born! The Spoonie Authors Podcast made its debut in 2020, and Dianna has done some incredible interviews with amazing authors. You can find them all at the Podcast menu (transcripts are provided).

Would you like to be involved?

If you would like to be featured in an article or volunteer to write an article, please contact us. We do not have funding to pay authors for their contributions at this time.

If you would like to be interviewed on the podcast, please refer to this call for Spoonie writers from Dianna Gunn.

Learn more about our team!