Editor’s note: This is K.W. Ramsey’s debut post with the Spoonie Authors Network. Welcome to the family! Until a couple years ago, I’d never heard the word ableism, never mind examining how I might have internalized it in myself. You see, I was born in the ’70s, when the idea of being disabled was anathema, … Continue reading
Category Archives: Getting support
Internalized Ableism, Week 7: I’m Not Disabled
Most of my health problems have been with me since childhood. I was diagnosed with a learning disability at eight years old. I acquired insomnia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in my prepubescent years. I developed a repetitive strain injury at fifteen. Yet it was not until last year that I really felt comfortable claiming the … Continue reading
A Message from the Editor About the COVID-19 Pandemic
CW: mentions of eugenics and ableism Warm greetings from your friendly neighbourhood SpAN editor! I just wanted to say I’m aware that many of us Spoonies are feeling tense right now because of the pandemic. I definitely am. But the Spoonie Authors Network is a forum of caring and community, and we want it to … Continue reading
Internalised Ableism, Week 5: Not Disabled Enough
I have an issue with appearing weak. This all started when I was born with spastic cerebral palsy. I was raised to believe that I would have to learn to do things for myself. I was raised not to be a quitter and to move forward, despite the pain that I might be in. It … Continue reading
Internalized Ableism, Week 4: Solution to Being a Terrible Patient, or, How I Learned It’s Okay to Need Help
I had surgery recently on my foot to remove a bone chip and arthritis bone spurs. The pain in my foot wasn’t terrible but it had changed my gait, adding to the workload in my lower spine and making one hip pop out of joint daily. I have arthritis and degenerative disc disease, so I … Continue reading
Internalized Ableism, Week 3: All Better Now
I feel better these days. I’ve done and am doing a lot of things for myself: I’ve moved to a position with less stress and fewer hours at work; I’m seeing a lot of doctors; I’m finally on the right meds after years of trial and error; and, I’m eating better. My good mental health … Continue reading
Internalized Ableism, Week 2: DIY
Editor’s note: This is Pat Flewwelling’s first post with the Spoonie Authors Network. Welcome, Pat! Grampa used to park his car umpteen kilometers away from work and then bike the rest of the way. By then, his hip was about 75% disintegrated, and he used a cane. In his off-hours, he worked for Gideons and … Continue reading
Three Muses
CW: This article has mention of grief over pet loss. Writing can be a very solitary craft. Often when I’m writing, I voyage to strange new worlds within myself. Sometimes it’s hard to come back because I can’t find my way home. Thankfully, I have had a few Muses throughout my life who have trod … Continue reading
The Dark Side of WriterWorldLand
CW: This article mentions gaslighting and ableism. The other day on Facebook, I posted: Me: *writes a thing * Ahhh… I love my career. I get to make up stories. It’s lovely. Also me: *visits Author Twitter* Holy crap, Writerland is a cesspool of opinions from privileged tools who think they know everything! Also also … Continue reading