In this episode, Sabina Nordqvist shares her journey as a disabled author, discussing the importance of authentic disability representation, the impact of internalized ableism, and how to create meaningful characters with lived experiences. We delve into tropes to avoid, the significance of own voices, and practical tips for writers and readers alike.Key Topics:Sabina’s author journey and the decade-long path to publicationChallenges and stigmas around self-publishing and traditional routesThe concept of “spoonies” and how chronic illness affects energy and daily lifeThe importance of accurate and complex representation of disability in fictionHarmful tropes in stories about disabled stories or charactersBuilding community and support systems in disabled and chronically ill communitiesPractical tips for authors to handle sensitive representation conscientiouslySabina’s upcoming novel, It’s All in Your Head, featuring chronic illness and fake dating tropesRecommendations for other authors with authentic disability representationThis episode is a crucial listen for writers aiming to depict disability accurately and for readers seeking stories that mirror real, lived experiences. Let’s continue to elevate authentic voices and foster more inclusive storytelling.Connect with Sabina:InstagramBOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:It's All in Your HeadChristine Miserandino (Spoon Theory)Talia HibbertMelissa WhitneySonora ReyesKennedy RyanRunning list of books mentioned (Doc)Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.Connect with Alesia: StorygraphThis podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.