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The Underlying Ableism Behind Writing Advice
I am disabled, and I cannot do the things a “successful” writer needs to do. Does this mean I’m not a proper writer?
One thing I’ve noticed more and more recently is that so many lists of writing advice assume that you are able-bodied and in good health. I’m talking about lists that advise you on what you should do to be a “successful” writer, as these typically assume you are healthy (as well as that you have the luxury of time and money to afford these things).
You should write every day
You should write a minimum of 2,000 words a day
You should have a strict writing routine
You must read every day
You should go to in-person critique groups
You should tour your country when your book releases
You should go to all the conferences
You should do this and this and this…
Yes, I’m certainly noticing a theme here.
It’s all well and good to give advice like this, but these things shouldn’t be framed as things you absolutely have to do to be a successful writer — because all this does is invalidate the success and achievements of writers who cannot follow all these “rules”.
There are a lot of reasons why one might not be able to follow these “helpful” pieces of advice, such as writing every day for example — health, disability, work commitments, financial obligations, family, to name just a few — but I’m going to focus on the health and disability aspects here.
I am chronically ill with a faulty autonomic system, brain inflammation, and a connective tissue disorder. I consider myself a real writer, as writing is my profession, yet I cannot tick off any of the items in that list above and so many people use lists like those as the standard for what it means to be a “real” writer.
- I don’t write every day. I simply can’t because my health doesn’t allow for it.
- I don’t write a minimum of 2,000 words a day. Even on my “writing days” I often don’t manage 2,000 words as I need to listen to myself and what my body and mind are telling…
