Delilah vs. the Ghastly Grimm: A Story of Inclusion and Strength with T.L. McCoy - Episode 103

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes author and psych nurse T.L. McCoy, who shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her children's book Delilah vs. the Ghastly Grimm. Written for her granddaughter with Dravet syndrome, the book champions disability representation in children's literature. T.L. opens up about her family's journey with seizures, the urgent need for inclusive stories, and the power of empathy in advocacy. This powerful conversation explores resilience, mission-driven creativity, and how we can all take steps toward a more inclusive world—one story at a time.

Key Takeaways:

Representation Matters – Only 3.4% of children’s books feature disabled protagonists—T.L. is changing that.

Mission Over Marke – T.L. paused her adult thriller to create an inclusive book inspired by her granddaughter’s rare seizure disorder.

Empathy in Action – Real-life examples of how communities and coworkers show deep empathy through simple but powerful gestures.

Inclusion Through Stories – Writing and publishing inclusive literature is both a creative act and a social responsibility.

Disability as Strength – T.L. reframes her granddaughter’s condition not as a deficit—but a unique source of strength.

T.L.’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion in literature is about creating a space where readers can truly feel empowered by the stories they read, not separated from them.

T.L.’s  Bio:

T.L. McCoy is the founder of Blue Round Book Group, LLC, and the author of DELILAH VERSUS THE GHASTLY GRIM, a magical middle-grade fantasy novel inspired by her real-life granddaughter, who lives with a rare and life-threatening seizure disorder known as Dravet Syndrome.

The story follows a young girl who, after a life-threatening seizure, is transported through an indigo door in her mind into a strange and perilous world. There, she must unlock her hidden powers to survive — and save others.

T.L. didn’t set out to write a book — she set out to give children like her granddaughter a hero they could see themselves in. According to a 2019 study, only 3.4% of children’s books feature disabled protagonists. T.L.’s story blends fast-paced fantasy with emotional depth, creating a bridge between real-world challenges and epic adventure.

She brings warmth, purpose, and honesty to every interview and is passionate about disability representation in fiction, family storytelling, neurodiversity, and empowering children through inclusive literature.

Connect with T.L.:

Website: https://blueroundbookgroup.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/blueroundbookgroup

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blue_round_book_group_llc/

Buy her Book:  https://amzn.to/4kftYNx

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 42

No - 59

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