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
One of the most problematic tropes that is projected onto disabled people and our narratives is the trope of Overcoming. In these narratives, disabled people are able to “overcome” their disability (that is, become able-bodied) by working hard and pushing boundaries. Disability activist Eli Clare observes: “Overcoming bombards disabled people. It’s everywhere. I think of … Continue reading
I feel that the image of an unruly beast of fierce proportions best conveys just what place incapacitating chronic illness occupies in one’s life. This beastie is like a tantrum-prone toddler that keeps you in a state of constant vigilance for fear it will bring you down so low, getting back up might take longer … Continue reading
A lot of authors say they’ve been writing all their lives. I’m no exception. I wrote nonstop, pausing only for university. I barely had time to read unless it was a scientific journal. After graduation I started submitting short stories. I even wrote a few novels. When the pile of rejections kept growing, I decided … Continue reading
