Fine article about writing outside of your experience. When I came up with the idea for my private detective series where my protagonist has achondroplasia dwarfism, my first step was to study the condition and read articles and books by folks with it.

After my first draft, the next step was to get in touch with folks in the dwarfism community. From them, I learned what I got right, and more importantly what I got wrong.

Having this invaluable base of knowledge allowed me to build a more nuanced and true character.

The lesson? Don’t be afraid to write outside of your own experience. However, you sure as hell better consult with the folks who you hope to portray.