Good morning, Rollins readers! I hope you all had a better weekend than I did: on Saturday, I tested positive for both Covid and Influenza B. Fortunately, I’m on the mend now. Three cheers for Tamiflu!

Chapter I,

In Which I Discuss Disability Pride Month

Did you know that we’re right in the middle of Disability Pride Month? The month of July was chosen to honor the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which became effective July 26, 1990.

Historical romance is full of disabled former soldiers and scarred dukes, but many of these books are written by authors who don’t share the characters’ disabilities. Some of these are great books, with good representation of disability, but I encourage you to seek out books written by authors who have lived experience of disability, too. Supporting disabled creators is one way you can support the disabled community.

Chapter II,

In Which I Announce a Giveaway

I’ve teamed up with some other disabled authors to offer a Disability Pride Month giveaway. Anyone can enter the adult ebook giveaway. US residents can also enter the giveaway for paperback books. My book, Discovery at Dogwood Cottage, is part of this giveaway.

The adult paperback books giveaway will be open from now until July 28. Later this week, there will be a young adult giveaway, too. Indie author Violet Roseberry spearheaded this giveaway (along with CRR Hillin), and you can follow them for more details!

Chapter III,

In Which I Get Political

I care about disability and the disabled community in real life, too, not just in fiction. In the United States, disability rights are currently under fire. This is not fear-mongering or exaggeration: the Department of Justice recently released a memo announcing changes in how they approach the issue of institutionalization. You can learn more about it here.

If you want to know how you can take action, check out the 5 Calls page. And if you’re concerned about the issue, please share this information with others. There are so many horrors in the world that one more can easily be overlooked. (Feel free to forward this email if you think it would be helpful.)

Conclusion,

In Which I Go Take a Nap

Seriously, I’m tired! Because of my covid-plus-flu, I haven’t been writing much the last few days. Fortunately, there’s still a month left of summer, and I hope to complete the first draft of my current WIP before it ends.

Wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, I hope you’re thriving!