Author Interview – Rob Franks – From Disability To Ability

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, former England cricketer Rob Franks talks about the experiences that inspired him to write his memoir, From Disability To Ability.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Rob Franks about his life and cricket career, the experiences of having his leg amputated that inspired him to write his memoir, From Disability To Ability, and his writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Rob im a 44 year old legless chap currently living in Dorset.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

Writing a book was never really in my thinking , I started back in 2012 just writing a few notes that my children could look back on in years to come but found how much I enjoyed it so continued scribbling some notes. I stopped writing for around 4 years and then went back to it and realised I may just have a book!

When did you take a step to start writing?

It was back in 2012 just initially writing a few notes , nothing more than that really.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

It took around 11 years  including the 4 years I had of doing nothing on it. It wasn’t until the end of 2022 when I promised myself that I would get it finished by the end of 2023. I found that the book was more of less complete by feb 2023 and thought I would try and publish it in the hope it helps many many people who may be struggling and in a similar situation as I was in. From the from disability to ability was born.

What made you want to write From Disability To Ability?

My sole motivation to release is simply to help others , if people can see my journey and realize there is in fact life after a life changing event then its all for the greater good and that makes me so happy.

What were your biggest challenges with writing From Disability To Ability?

I wanted to write it in my own words , not pretty it up so to speak, I wanted to immerse the reader in my journey so they could see exactly how things happened.

What was your research process for From Disability To Ability?

Thankfully the research was my life so didn’t have to really worry about anything else, I want the reader to see the “no holds barred * version and see exactly what I went through.

How did you plan the structure of From Disability To Ability?

I wanted to write it in the exact timeline of events as they happened so the reader can really get a feel of how things happened and why/what happened etc.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did From Disability To Ability need?

Thankfully I had a company do all the hard work for me and they certainly had work cut out as I cant spell to save my life.! They were fantastic and helped me every step of the way. I had a vision on how I wanted it to look and they absolutely delivered.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Everyone has a story , write your book and potentially help others . Its such a rewarding experience. Just go for it.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I’ve been asked several times if I will write another , its certainly in my thoughts in the future, this one made me slightly grey with stress so I think I’ll wait a while as the next may make me go completely grey !

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I’m so proud to have written it with a “ warts and all “ approach , I hope people read it and see everything that’s happened. Its getting rave 5 star reviews and that means its been written correctly.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Facebook page- www.facebook.com/fromdisability2ability

Amazon link:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3C0x9UO

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3qhIsoZ

Twitter @Robfranks

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