Turning Disability Advocacy Into Art: The Rise of The Gypsy King, with Caleb Banks & Amy Betzold

I’m struck by how much of Caleb Banks and Amy Betzold’s journey began with one radical choice: taking Caleb’s ideas seriously. A single painted horse sparked The Gypsy King, and together they built an entire world from it. Why do we treat kids’ creative instincts as optional instead of worthy of real investment?What moves me most is how committed they are to doing this right. Historical fiction demands honesty, even when the truth is uncomfortable. They refuse to sanitize the 1840s or gloss over culture, race, or power. Instead, they’re seeking peer reviewers, consulting community voices, and holding themselves accountable. Isn’t that what we should expect from storytellers—people willing to ask the hard questions?Their process is just as powerful: setting goals, learning craft, surviving a complete rewrite of their opening chapters, and turning a social worker’s suggestion into a real deadline. Add the confidence that comes from speaking publicly and preparing for a book launch, and you see how momentum builds when someone believes in your story.Imagine what we could unlock if more of us created those environments—where kids, adults, and disabled storytellers are supported simply because their ideas matter. How many worlds go unwritten because we never give them the chance?More info on Caleb and Amy here: Facebook: Caleb Banks and Amy Betzold - AuthorsEmail: [email protected] your copy of The Gypsy King via:AmazonAuthorHouseTo learn more about the places Caleb & Amy visited, click below: Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Gypsy King03:03 The Origin Story of the Book05:51 Researching Historical Accuracy09:02 Scouting Trips and Inspiration12:05 The Writing Process/Overcoming Challenges14:49 Feedback and Editing Journey18:09 Cultural Sensitivity in Storytelling21:01 The Levi Coffin House and Historical Context24:04 Character Development and Imaginary Friends27:00 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers33:40 Choosing the Right Publishing Path35:34 Costumes and Creative Processes38:46 Traveling for Inspiration42:48 The Artistic Process/Idea Generation48:34 Inspiring Stories of Success52:36 The Journey of Becoming an Author55:57 Advocacy and Encouragement for Others57:34 The Importance of Reading/Sharing Stories01:02:38 The Joy of Books and Community01:04:09 Exploring Historical Literature for Young Readers01:06:00 The Importance of Museums/Historical Education01:07:55 Influential Authors and Their Impact on Writing01:12:02 Community Engagement/Character Development01:15:05 Cultural Heritage and Local History01:20:09 Planning a Thematic Book Launch Party01:24:02 Marketing Strategies for Self-Published AuthorsContact Tabitha:[email protected]