Writing With and About Chronic Illness and Disability with Sandra Postma
If you (or a writer you know) struggle to write because of a chronic illness or disability, or desire to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity, then I have something really incredible to share with you today.
My dear friend and fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sandra Postma is on the podcast this week to discuss how chronic conditions shape the creative process, and the mindset and tools writers can use to work with and around limitations and setbacks.
I want to thank Sandra, a chronically ill person herself, for her authenticity, vulnerability, and willingness to share her lived experience. The way that translates into the work she does with writers is inspiring, humbling, and beautiful.
Sandra emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and community, reminding us that acknowledging our limitations doesn’t have to include shame, blame, or guilt.
Sandra and I share practical tips on avoiding stereotypes in writing character’s outside a writer’s lived experience and mention a great resource: Writing the Other: A Practical Approach by Nisi Shawl & Cynthia Ward.
Sandra also highlights resources designed to educate writers and support those struggling with a chronic illness or disability. She gives a sneak peek into her upcoming workshop on creating authentic disabled characters—an effort to uplift disabled voices in the publishing landscape—and I for one can’t wait to take it!
Thank you again my friend. You are an amazing human and I’m honored to know you.
Here is Sandra’s bio.
Sandra Postma is a former journalist who switched from fact to fiction after discovering her own writing held the power for change. Founding Your Story Mentor in 2021, Sandra is now a writer of fiction and non-fiction, and a certified book coach.
In her work as a book coach, Sandra helps writers with a chronic illness, disability or mental struggles. She helps writers embrace their unique voice and develop their story ideas into novels.
Connect with Sandra on her website or follow her on Instagram and threads @yourstorymentor.
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