New newsletter issue is LIVE! ✍️🔥

"Write what you know" is one of the most overused pieces of advice in our field. But how do you apply that to sci-fi, horror, or fantasy when you aren't a space marine, vampire, or wizard?

In this week's episode of Foundations, I'm breaking down a 3-part framework to turn personal experience into authentic fiction without writing your autobiography.

We cover:
🔹 The 3 interpretations of "Write What You Know" (Literal, Research, Emotional)
🔹 Why writing from fear is often more powerful than writing from experience
🔹 My "Three Layers of Research" model: Technical, Emotional, and Systemic details.
🔹 How to avoid the "Savior Narrative" trap where disabled characters exist only to teach able-bodied heroes lessons.
🔹 A practical craft exercise: Vulnerability Mapping.

I'm using my own journey with Type 2 diabetes to show how chronic illness can ground a zombie apocalypse story, turning a perceived weakness into a survival asset for the protagonist.

If you write speculative fiction and want to deepen your craft while building a more authentic world, this one is for you.

👇 Read the full issue and sign up for future emails: Link in bio or http://jhrln.link/signup

💬 Tell me in the comments: What's a fear you'd love to see explored in a story? Or a piece of writing advice you think is overrated? Let's discuss!

#AmWriting #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SpeculativeFiction #UrbanFantasy #HorrorWriters #ScienceFiction #WritingTips #AuthorLife #DiabetesAwareness #DisabilityRepresentation #WritingCraft #CraftOfWriting #BookLaunch #FutureRelease

Updated Post: How I Built a Free Image Colour Contrast Checker That Runs Entirely in Your Browser https://www.timdixon.net/blog/2026/05/how-i-built-a-free-image-colour-contrast-checker-that-runs-entirely-in-your-browser #accessibility #disabilityrepresentation #it #livingwithsightloss #a11y #accessibility #ai #assistivetechnology #blind #contentcreation

Updated Post: AI Accessibility Barriers: When Tools That Help Get Blocked https://www.timdixon.net/blog/2026/04/ai-accessibility-barriers-when-tools-that-help-get-blocked #accessibility #contentcreation #disabilityrepresentation #livingwithsightloss #a11y #accessibility #ai #assistivetechnology #barriers #blind #blindandlowvision #contentcreation #disabilityrepresentation #livingwithsightloss

Writing Muslim Mavericks: Lessons From Maysoon Zayid on Dreams, Disability, and Representation https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-muslim-mavericks-lessons-from-maysoon-zayid-on-dreams-disability-and-representation #AuthenticDisabilityRepresentation #DisabilityRepresentation #AuthenticRepresentation #WriteBetterNonfiction #middlegradenonfiction #biographywriting #PersonalWriting #Biographies #Empathy

Sam For Mayor! The Quadriplegic City Councillor (Extraordinary People Documentary) | Real Stories

https://peertube.gravitywell.xyz/w/rJyFZswzZTuAPjzX9VfBhq