Q&A WITH REBECCA BRADLEY

This week for Disability Pride month we caught up with Rebecca Bradley, author of Detective Claudia Nunn mystery-series  — read below to discover more about what disability pride means to her.

What was it about crime thrillers that drew you to the genre?
As a child, I was a voracious reader and would read anything I could get my hands on.

My first memories of reading alone were the Enid Blyton books, The Secret Seven and The Famous Five. I suppose they gave me the bug for stories where the main characters went out into the world investigating, because after them came Nancy Drew — which I suppose was what we now call YA. And I loved Nancy. To me, Nancy was this gutsy young girl who solved mysteries. This was a girl I could follow anywhere. I could even be this girl. Nancy Drew is where I imagine my love of crime really began.

And, as with most crime writers, I soon progressed to Agatha Christie. For me, Sparkling Cyanide was the book I remembered reading. There was something about that title I adored. I was hooked.

I read widely when I was young, dragging piles of books home from our local library, six at a time (it was all they’d allow), pulling from any shelf. But my love of crime never left.

I eventually joined the police — once they’d dropped the height restriction! Then I wrote my own crime novels. I suppose it’s better than the alternative!

Who is a disabled author that everyone should read?

Nell Pattison. Not because of her disability, but because her books are wonderful. Nell is a crime author who brings her worlds to life and gives you characters who are real, emotional people to invest in.

Nell began losing her hearing in her twenties and has three books in a series with a deaf protagonist, as well as standalone books with hearing protagonists.

I’d definitely suggest you check Nell’s books out. Especially if you want to feel what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes, just for a little while.

What advice would you give to aspiring disabled writers?

It’s not advice just for disabled writers, but advice I give all writers, and that’s to try to add at least a few words to your manuscript every day if you can. That way, the story stays with you and it makes it easier to sit down the next time and start up again without losing your place and time. When I say a few words, that’s exactly what I mean. If you’ve got a tough day, then just add a sentence or two. It’s about staying in touch with your characters and your world. You don’t need to edit, you just need to write. Keep in contact and the words add up.

But for disabled writers in particular . . . I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer here, because disability comes in all shapes and sizes, and even the same disability can affect each individual person so uniquely. So, with that in mind, I think it would be the above, but with the extra guidance that, no matter what anyone says, no matter how many of these, ‘What advice would you . . .’ read, there is no right way to write a book. There’s only your way. And your way is whatever gets it done. Whatever you need to adapt or adjust. Do not allow others to tell you that you’re doing it wrong. If you’re doing it at all, then you’re doing it right. After all, writing should be about joy.

A disabled writer might be screaming at their screen now that they can’t even manage a whole sentence some days. Me either. I’ve started experimenting with dictation on my phone in the Notes app and transferring it over into my main document when I’m able. It’s working for me.

Like I said, adapt and adjust.

What do you hope to see more of in the publishing industry?

Acceptance of the disabled within the industry.

Years ago, when I was looking for agent representation, I was quietly ‘advised’ by a friend to stop talking so publicly about my disability. If an able-bodied friend is cautious, then what of the disabled?

I’d like to see more awareness, thoughtfulness and consideration. The disabled aren’t a group to be endured. They’re not a burden, but writers and publishing insiders with heart, just like our able-bodied colleagues. All we ask is for some consideration and some thought when planning.

A couple of easy instances spring to mind. Can the author talk provide any other chair rather than the tall stool? And what about our deaf readers? Can we budget in a sign interpreter for them?

Disability awareness isn’t just about the industry, but about the whole of us. Those of us who love books, and that includes the readers. Bring them in and show them we see them and we’re accessible to them. You do that and they’ll come back time and again.

What’s on your TBR pile this Disability Pride Month?

My TBR pile is, like everyone else’s, about to topple over and crush me. There are so many great books out there, by disabled and able-bodied authors alike. My TBR pile though is also woefully under-read this year. With family commitments and my own disability hitting hard, I find the quiet time when I usually read I’m falling asleep instead. My body obviously needs it, so I allow myself to listen.

I am, however, eager to read V. E. Schwab’s new book, The Fragile Threads of Power, this summer. Victoria lives with anxiety and is very honest about her struggle on her social media.

I also have the audiobook of Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang waiting, and I’m excited to get to it. I’ve heard nothing but good things.

And in the crime genre, I’m looking forward to trying a new-to-me author, William Hussey, with his book, Killing Jericho. I mean, have you seen that cover?! It is glorious.

CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER REBECCA'S PAGE-TURNING MYSTERY SERIES.