A disability is a physical or mental condition that significantly impacts a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Disabilities can be from birth or acquired due to illness, injury, or other factors.
They can affect mobility, cognition, sensory perception, communication, and other aspects of a person’s life.
Disabilities vary widely in their nature and severity. Some common types of disabilities include:
Physical disabilities
Sensory disabilities
Cognitive disabilities
Psychiatric disabilities
It’s important to note that disabilities can be visible or invisible, and they can vary greatly in how they affect an individual. Some people with disabilities may require accommodations or support to participate fully in various aspects of life, while others may adapt and function independently.
Fibromyalgia is a type of invisible disability, often unnoticed by others. At first glance, I may appear like anyone else, but my body grapples with constant challenges. Though I might seem ‘normal,’ behind this façade, my body battles with immense discomfort. If you observe closely, you might catch a glimpse of my pain through a sudden wince or notice how quickly fatigue sets in, surpassing what might typically be expected.
Pain is an undeniable reality for many of us. Yet, within the community of authors with disabilities, we are warriors battling our physical challenges to craft the stories you cherish. Despite the obstacles posed by our bodies, we persist as writers, determined to deliver the books that resonate with you.
Please keep supporting us and know, we work hard for you.
I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful holiday season. Personally, it’s been a bit challenging, but I’m grateful for the support of wonderful people around me.
Did you know that some authors, like myself, face obstacles in their writing process? It’s not always due to time management or writer’s block; rather, some of us with disabilities encounter difficulties in putting words down on paper or on the computer. This sheds light on why certain books get published quickly, while others might take months or even years to complete.
Over the past year, I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood imbalances.
It is a complex condition that affects the way the brain processes pain signals, amplifying sensations of discomfort throughout the body.
Individuals with fibromyalgia may experience tender points in specific areas, along with heightened sensitivity to various stimuli. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors.
Managing fibromyalgia typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes medications, lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and therapies to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
In other words, I’m in chronic pain everyday and still think up storylines for my readers and currently am working on a book. Some days, just to type hurts a lot and my hands freeze up. I need to take longer breaks, but I love writing books. Books matter to me and I hope readers keep coming to me for more of my books and cheer me on by sharing my books with their friends and do reviews.
Do you want to hear more about my fibromyalgia journey and being an author?
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Suzanne Nemec! *Applause*
Angelina: Introduce yourself please.
Suzanne Nemec: Hi, I’m Suzanne Nemec, author of the Destined To Be Lovers Saga and The mystery of Sir Byron’s Ghost which is the 1st novella in the in the Abby and The Ghost Detective mystery series.
Angelina: Did someone inspire you to become an author?
Suzanne Nemec: I always had stories in my head that would go on for days or weeks at a time, mostly when I was typing up letters or filing at work. I should clarify I’m completely ambidextrous, making it easy for me to have several stories floating around in my brain at the same time.
When I left my career, I began writing my first novel, Crossing All Boundaries.
Angelina: How long does it take for you to write a story?
Suzanne Nemec: It depends. The 1st ghost detective mystery only took about 2 months from start to finish. However most of the Destined To Be Lover’s novels are over 100K words, and there are lots of characters and plot twists, so they take about a year before they come out on Amazon or other platforms.
Angelina: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Suzanne Nemec: I’m one of those people who sometimes sees ghosts or spirits, so you can say my ideas are often based on my background. I also have a very talkative spirit guide name Josh , who actually writes most of his character’s dialog in the saga. Between the two of us, we have a lot of fun writing together. We also work with several of the top psychics/teachers which also helps me keep my sanity. I would never recommend calling forward a ghost or spirit because there are a lot of lower level ghosts who look for people, who they can feed off their energy.
Angelina: What does your family think of your writing?
Suzanne Nemec: My mom read, Crossing All Boundaries, before she passed away. She loved the story and it also helped her realize what my life was like when I began seeing spirits after I had almost died. I was surprised to find out other family members also read my novels. They all had positive things to say and most have continued to read each of the books as they are published.
Angelina: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Suzanne Nemec: I’ve written 4 novels in the Destined to be lovers saga and 1 novella in the Ghost detective series. Wow, which is my favorite is a hard question. I’d have to say it was Faithfully Yours, because it was the most emotional one for me and Josh to write. However, it really pushed me to dig deep into my very soul. I’m sure the many of the readers who are empaths, are able to feel everything Josh and I were feeling when we were writing this novel.
Angelina: Who’s your favorite character you created?
Suzanne Nemec: Since Josh writes his own character’s part, I can’t take credit for actually creating him.
Angelina: Who’s your least favorite character you created?
Suzanne Nemec: I would say my least favorite is Sarnia for how horrible she is but then again, she’s so much fun to write for that same reason.
Angelina: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Suzanne Nemec: Yes, I hear from quite a few readers and mostly they say how much they love Josh and Jennifer and Talos. They often remark how much they also love all the plot twists because even though we leave clues, they are done so in a way that surprises most readers.
Angelina: What do you think makes a good story?
Suzanne Nemec: I think it takes several factors for a good story. Interesting characters that lead readers on an emotional journey, while they navigate through several great plot twists. For me, I personally like reading love stories that are also at least somewhat sexy.
Angelina: Tell us about your WIP.
Suzanne Nemec: I currently have two books I’m working on. One is the next novella in the ghost mystery series which so far has been a lot of fun to write. Like all my books there are some great plot surprises but I don’t want to ruin those so I won’t talk about them.
Angelina: Thank you for hanging out with us. Please share your social links where readers can follow you.
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Ann Edwards!! *Applause*
Angelina: Introduce yourself please.
Ann Edwards: Hello, I am Ann Edwards. I live in Pennsylvania, USA, with my husband and two dogs. I am a long-time reader, and book lover. In my younger days I volunteered in the school library. I met my husband when we were maid of honor and best man for mutual friends, for their wedding. My pen name is made up of both of our middle names. In addition to reading, and writing, I enjoy camping, fishing, riding motorcycles, and various other crafts.
Angelina: Did someone inspire you to become an author?
Ann Edwards: Not really. I have some go-to authors that are one-click buys when they have a new book. I had considered writing for years. My husband had a VERY serious health scare and I realized you don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring. Noone was going to do this for me, so I did a bit of research, and here I am.
Angelina: How long does it take for you to write a story?
Ann Edwards: It depends. I have several stories started, but I do have a day job, so real life delays my writing at times. It also depends on which character wants the most attention at the time. I have been able to write over 25k words in a couple of days and I have also had 12k words take a week.
Angelina: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Ann Edwards: TV, real life, the news…one of my upcoming series is based on a dream that my husband had.
Angelina: What does your family think of your writing?
Ann Edwards: My husband likes them. Romance is not typically in his wheelhouse, but when he tried them, he enjoyed them. My mother LOVES them. She was hesitant at first, as she doesn’t read paranormal romance. She read one and said that she couldn’t put it down. She then went and read my other stories. She has been promoting to anyone who will listen.
Angelina: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Ann Edwards: I have nine currently published, with two upcoming releases, in two different series. I think The Gargoyle’s Wedding Planner, Havoc Predators MC, Book 3 is my favorite.
Angelina: Who’s your favorite character you created?
Ann Edwards: Phoebe, she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, so to speak.
Angelina: Who’s your least favorite character you created?
Ann Edwards: I don’t know that I have one, Chloe maybe.
Angelina: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Ann Edwards: I hear from several that know me personally (my real name) and have read my work. They have given me a lot of positive feedback.
Angelina: What do you think makes a good story?
Ann Edwards: The characters being relatable to the reader. The dynamic between the characters in the story. A good story line, and of course that non-predictable plot twist.
Angelina: Tell us about your WIP.
Ann Edwards: My current work in progress is The Vampire’s Waitress, Havoc Predators MC, Book 6. This is the last book in this series, based on the mother chapter. We finally see if Mason, the Vice President, claims his fated mate. We also see the Full Moon Travelers, rival MC, make their play on the small town of Venus.
Angelina: Thank you for hanging out with us. Please share your social links where readers can follow you.
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Ashley McCormack! *Applause*
Angelina: What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
Ashley McCormack: Ashley McCormack!
Angelina: Which book are you from? Who’s your creator and what do you think of him?
Ashley McCormack: Soup, written by Kate DeJonge. I think she captured my personality pretty well, but she needs to mind her own f*cking business.
Angelina: What do you look like? If someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Ashley McCormack: I’m no one you would notice on the street. I’m average. But I love Aubrey Plaza’s character April Ludgate and identify with her sullen attitude. I’d watch at least a few minutes of a movie about me if she were to play me.
Angelina: What does your voice sound like?
Ashley McCormack: I don’t use it often, so it’s not very powerful. If I choose to speak to you, it’s not very girly. Again, it’s non-descript.
Angelina: Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?
Ashley McCormack: Hmm, good question. I’ve never thought about having a personal motto. Maybe “Don’t underestimate a smart survivor.”
Angelina: Do you have any annoying habits, quirks, strange mannerisms, or other defining characteristics?
Ashley McCormack: Well, I’m selectively mute, I hate people, and I’m sure I’m somewhere on the psychotic scale. That might put some people off.
Angelina: Do you have any physical traits that stand out (such as scars, birthmarks, tattoos, tentacles etc.)? If you have scars, how did you get them? If you have tattoos, why did you get them and what meaning do they have to you?
Ashley McCormack: Most of my scars are mental, but I do have a deformity from the time my father cracked my 3rd cervical vertebrae. It’s hidden by my hair. Contrary to the rumors in high school, I never cut or burned myself.
Angelina: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Ashley McCormack: F*ck. But no one hears me say it, so does it really count?
Angelina: What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Ashley McCormack: That’s a tough question, too. I think running away the day after highschool graduation was the most liberating/important event, but then being contacted by DarkLorrd on the Labdaver chat completely changed my trajectory. Equally important.
Angelina: Do you have a girlfriend, boyfriend, a harem etc?
Ashley McCormack: Um, no. See above, I hate people.
Angelina: Which person do you wish you were closest to?
Ashley McCormack: Again, see above. None. I do miss Lester, though.
Angelina: Why should the readers pick up your story and where can they get it?
Ashley McCormack: I’m not sure I really want people to know my story, but it’s out there already and I know Kate is working on a sequel so… Maybe they should read it if they like a good revenge story? I represent all of the little boys and girls who were hurt, but had no power to defend themselves. I get revenge on behalf of each and every one of them. My story is currently available as an e-book for 50 cents on Godless.com, or in paperback on Kate’s website www.katedejonge.com.
See you next Wednesday with next Book Character – !
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Juliana of the Glades! *Applause*
Angelina: What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
Juliana of the Glades: Juliana of the Glades
Angelina: Which book are you from? Who’s your creator and what do you think of him?
Ty Anders: I’m from the Tales from Morzania Series. W.A. Ashes is my author. She and I get along okay, but I sometimes have to plant my feet in the ground and refuse to do the things she wants me to. I like to keep her on her toes.
Angelina: What do you look like? If someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Juliana of the Glades: I have shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes, and an olive complexion. My left eye is scared from being attacked by a lizard in the Dunes. Our lizards are much larger than yours. In the Dunes, they are a form of transportation. I also cut off my left hand to escape slavery. I suppose if someone from your version of the world were to play me on the stage it would be Katie Holmes or Mila Kunis.
Angelina: What does your voice sound like?
Juliana of the Glades: I’ve been told I have a flat tone. It’s not high pitched and girlie or deep like a man’s. It’s somewhere in the middle.
Angelina: Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?
Juliana of the Glades: Everyone deserves freedom.
Angelina: Do you have any annoying habits, quirks, strange mannerisms, or other defining characteristics?
Juliana of the Glades: *smirks* If you ask Michael, he’d say my red cloak. He hates that I wear it all the time, since it draws attention to us and we’re ‘in hiding’, but it’s the only object I’ve owned for a very long time. I also have a hard time reading emotions and can be socially awkward, according to Michael.
Angelina: Do you have any physical traits that stand out (such as scars, birthmarks, tattoos, tentacles etc.)? If you have scars, how did you get them? If you have tattoos, why did you get them and what meaning do they have to you?
Juliana of the Glades: A scar across my left eye and no left hand. The left side of my body is cursed, I swear. Occasionally my eyes will glow Amythest, though my magic is yellow.
Angelina: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Juliana of the Glades: I don’t. I scowl a lot.
Angelina: What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Juliana of the Glades: I mutilated a patrol of Obsidian Knights after they murdered my village, then I was ‘rescued’ by Godfrey, who put me into slavery and trained me to please the clients he liked and kill the rest.
Angelina: Do you have a girlfriend, boyfriend, a harem etc?
Juliana of the Glades: No. I don’t fall into love. At least I haven’t. Before our quest to Sera’s Point, I had never experienced a physical experience with another being that I willfully participated in. Then Michael kissed me and…he sets me on fire in ways I never knew anyone could.
Angelina: Which person do you wish you were closest to?
Juliana of the Glades: Michael. He took me in after I was freed and has helped me relearn the culture of my homeland, but he doesn’t talk about himself. He has secrets. I wish he could tell me.
Angelina: Why should the readers pick up your story and where can they get it?
Juliana of the Glades: They should pick up my story to learn that you can rewrite your destiny. The stars are not in charge of your path. The only one who can change your fate is yourself. Ashes has a linktree you can use to find my books. https://linktr.ee/waashes
See you next Wednesday with next Book Character – !
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Lavendar Woods! *Applause*
Angelina: Introduce yourself please.
Lavendar Woods: Lavendar Woods.
Angelina: Did someone inspire you to become an author?
Lavendar Woods: No.
Angelina: How long does it take for you to write a story?
Lavendar Woods: It can take anywhere from a few months to a whole year. All depending on my mood, real life job.
Angelina: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Lavendar Woods: Information can come from internet research, library or TV. Ideas usually come from various sources as well. My Ebrilyn Assassin series is based off the Greek underworld stories and watching about how women will mail and fall in love with murderers in prison, mixed with the tales of grim reapers and hired killers.
Angelina: What does your family think of your writing?
Lavendar Woods: I get mixed reactions. As increase in charges are happening they are adamant that I halt my writing until things settle down.
Angelina: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Lavendar Woods: I have written 7 books so far. I am torn on picking a favorite in my own books. I really love them all but I think I can’t choose one so I will list two. Phoenix’s Assassin and Secrets Never Die.
Angelina: Who’s your favorite character you created?
Lavendar Woods: My Blade Family.
Angelina: Who’s your least favorite character you created?
Lavendar Woods: I think my least favorite is Phoebe from Love on Contract.
Angelina: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Lavendar Woods: I don’t hear much from my readers. I do hear once in a while and they comment that my books are awesome
Angelina: What do you think makes a good story?
Lavendar Woods: I think a book that has a good foundation and mix of emotional up and downs with actions make a great story. Not too much repetitiveness or quick fixes. Smooth flow and great storyline.
Angelina: Tell us about your WIP.
Lavendar Woods: My current WIP is the first book in The Poison Master trilogy. Its a new trilogy that will tie into my Ebrilun Assassin Series. Focusing on a family of triplets who use poison to get their prey. The poison is mixed, raised, and grown by each of them. The book is up for pre-order and will be out July 31,2023.
Angelina: Thank you for hanging out with us. Please share your social links where readers can follow you.
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Bethany McAlester! *Applause*
Angelina: What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
Bethany: Bethany McAlester.
Angelina: Which book are you from? Who’s your creator and what do you think of him?
Bethany: The entire Order of the Tempest series. The creator is C.J. Rose. She is ok, but sometimes she can be a little nutty and scatterbrained.
Angelina: What do you look like? If someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Bethany: I am around 5’3″, long wavy red hair, pale complexion. Madelaine Petsch would be my top choice.
Angelina: What does your voice sound like?
Bethany: I have a very sarcastic tone, but it is lower than most females.
Angelina: Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?
Bethany: Adventure awaits those who believe.
Angelina: Do you have any annoying habits, quirks, strange mannerisms, or other defining characteristics?
Bethany: I cuss a lot. I also have 0 patience for stupid situations and wasted time.
Angelina: Do you have any physical traits that stand out (such as scars, birthmarks, tattoos, tentacles etc.)? If you have scars, how did you get them? If you have tattoos, why did you get them and what meaning do they have to you?
Bethany: I have a few small scars across my arms mostly from different sword fights I’ve been in. I look at them like badges of honor.
Angelina: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Bethany: Seriously
Angelina: What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Bethany: The death of my family at the hands of different villians. I lost my father to Hera. I lost my mother to a Cardinal. I lost my brother to a witch.
Angelina: Do you have a girlfriend, boyfriend, a harem etc?
Bethany: I have a fiancé now.
Angelina: Which person do you wish you were closest to?
Bethany: There is not one person I wish I was close to because I hold everyone in my life as close as humanly possible.
Angelina: Why should the readers pick up your story and where can they get it?
Bethany: My story is one of struggle, adventure, growth, understanding, and fighting for what’s right. She put me on Amazon, but I think she is going to do Barnes and Noble soon too.
See you next Wednesday with next Book Character – !
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Carol Cassada! *Applause*
Angelina: Introduce yourself please.
Carol: My name is Carol Cassada and I’m an author from the small town of Ringgold, VA. I’ve always loved reading, and in high-school I took a creative writing course which opened up my love of writing. I decided to make writing my career and after graduating college in 2008, wrote my book Going Home Again. Since then I’ve published 8 more books, 4 short stories, and participated in many anthologies.
Angelina: Did someone inspire you to become an author?
Carol: My mom was my biggest supporter in my writing career. When I told her I was writing a book she was thrilled because she knew how much I loved writing. There were times I felt like giving up, but she encouraged me to continue with my dream.
Angelina: How long does it take for you to write a story?
Carol: The time varies because life and work gets in the way, so I sometimes don’t have time to dedicate to my stories. Sometimes I can finish a story in less than three months, but there are times where it takes a year to finish a book.
Angelina: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Carol: My ideas come from different places. I’m a soap opera fanatic and I wrote the romance/soap opera inspired book series Westmore because of my love for the shows.
Angelina: What does your family think of your writing?
Carol: My family has been very supportive. As I mentioned earlier my mom’s my biggest fan and encouraged me to write. My dad, brothers, and my aunt have also been supportive. They’re always asking what I’m writing and when the next book will be published.
Angelina: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Carol: Altogether I’ve written 13 books. I love all my books, but Going Home Again holds a special place in my heart. It’s the first book I wrote and published. After all the hard work, rejections, and challenges, to see my project come to life was an incredible moment.
Angelina: Who’s your favorite character you created?
Carol: I have so many, but one of my favorites is Alicia Green from Westmore. Alicia is a tomboy/girly girl/rockstar. She has the cool, tough girl persona, but confidence issues, especially when it comes to love.
Angelina: Who’s your least favorite character you created?
Carol: That’s a tough question, but I’d have to say Jeremy from Going Home Again. He’s Rachel’s boyfriend from New York. He’s handsome and successful, but isn’t the best boyfriend. He’s more concerned with work that Rachel’s feelings.
Angelina: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Carol: Occasionally I hear from readers, and they’ve been supportive of my writing journey. They have good reviews for my books and asking what projects I’m working on.
Angelina: What do you think makes a good story?
Carol: There are a number of factors that go into storytelling, but I’d say characters are important. As a writer you have to create characters that will grab the reader’s attention. Whether they’re a hero or villain, you need to write them with a history and personality that will have readers either rooting for or against them.
Angelina: Tell us about your WIP.
Carol: Currently, I’m working on volume 9 of the Westmore series. There will be more drama, romance, and surprised awaiting the characters in the soap opera saga.
Angelina: Thank you for hanging out with us. Please share your social links where readers can follow you.
Hello! Today with us we have the amazing Primrose McNeil! *Applause*
Angelina: What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
Pim: Primrose McNeil but everyone calls me Pim.
Angelina: Which book are you from? Who’s your creator and what do you think of him?
Pim: Stripped by Finley Brown. I love Finley because we have a similar essence that drives us to always do better. We share the same grit maybe because we’ve both faced some tough challenges. I grew up in the cut throat world of ballet but unlike my name I am no delicate flower.
Angelina: What do you look like? If someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Pim: I have long dark brown hair, green eyes, and a thin build. I am a ballet dancer so while I’m thin I am still very strong with long lean muscles. If someone were to play me in a movie it would British American actress Hannah James or Keira Knightley.
Angelina: What does your voice sound like?
Pim: I’m Scottish so I have Scottish accent. My voice is low- toned and could be described as sultry.
Angelina: Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?
Pim: “Behind every beautiful thing there’s some kind of pain” It’s a quote from the song Not Dark Yet by Bob Dylan. I like it because we never know what is going on inside someone’s life. It might look perfect on the outside but on the inside it’s a mess. The world of ballet is like that. People think of beautiful graceful ballet dancers in gorgeous tutus but have no idea of the ugliness that lives underneath- ruthless competition, authoritarian power struggles, intensely competitive training, and an institution that creates a culture of risk normalizing pain and injury.
Angelina: Do you have any annoying habits, quirks, strange mannerisms, or other defining characteristics?
Pim: I sacrificed a lot to get where I am at- a principle dancer in the Scottish Ballet so I tend to be a perfectionist which could be annoying to some.
Angelina: Do you have any physical traits that stand out (such as scars, birthmarks, tattoos, tentacles etc.)? If you have scars, how did you get them? If you have tattoos, why did you get them and what meaning do they have to you?
Pim: I do have a tattoo on my back of three primroses that intertwine and on the stem written in script is the quote Behind every beautiful thing there’s some kind of pain. I got it when I had given up on becoming a ballet dancer in my rebellious years.
Angelina: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Pim: I won’t lie I have a potty mouth so ‘fuck off’ is a go to phrase.
Angelina: What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Pim: I would say being the youngest member of the Scottish Ballet to be named a principle dancer but on opening night of my debut performance my grandfather was murdered when he was pushed from the balcony of the theater.
Angelina: Do you have a girlfriend, boyfriend, a harem etc?
Pim: Maybe- that is part of my story.
Angelina: Which person do you wish you were closest to?
Pim: My mother. We have a horrible relationship and have never been close. I was shipped off to the Royal Ballet in London at ten to study dance. I think she felt I was an inconvenience to her and the lifestyle she wanted.
Angelina: Why should the readers pick up your story and where can they get it?
Pim: Stripped is a psychological thriller linking me to the scandalous death of my grandfather and a mysterious stranger named Wraith. He offers me protection but there is another hiding in the shadows who offers me transcendence. I find myself questioning everything I thought I knew. Do I trust Wraith or submit to my passion to reach artistic perfection? In a race through Scotland, I must stay one step ahead of everyone else and face my own demons in order to survive.
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