In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shifts the focus from gaming to the world of writing with guest Elyse Draper. Elyse shares her journey as a professional writer with over 25 years of experience, spanning nonfiction, satire, and speculative fiction, as well as her work as CMO of iPub Cloud International. She discusses accessibility in publishing, her rare eye condition, and the tools she uses—ranging from iPad-based apps to JAWS and speech software.

The conversation dives deep into writing workflows, AI’s role in creativity, and the evolving publishing landscape. Elyse also highlights her initiatives: Sprabeld, an AI platform helping children with disabilities become protagonists in their own stories, and the VIMB Creatives Workshop, spotlighting blind and low-vision creators. The episode rounds out with a fun lightning round of “Trash or Tool” evaluating various writing and publishing tools, before closing with the Sandwich of the Week and Elyse’s invitation to explore her publishing projects.

Listeners will come away inspired to embrace both technology and creativity, and reminded that the only thing stopping them from writing is themselves.

Contact Info

Guest: Elyse Draper

Website: iPub Cloud International

VIMB Creatives Workshop: vinbcreativesworkshop.com

Search "Elyse Draper" online for books, articles, and resources

Aftersight Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Producer Credits:

Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight.

Show Credits

Host: Evan Starnes

Guest: Elyse Draper

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original Production

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Welcome to Blind Level Tech

01:05 — Elyse Draper’s audio selfie and writing background

03:45 — Vision loss journey and assistive tools for writing

06:40 — Workflow strategies and avoiding writer’s block

08:50 — AI in writing: Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini

12:10 — Architect vs. Gardener writing approaches

15:00 — Publishing workflows and editing advice

19:40 — Distribution platforms: Kindle, Ingram, Draft2Digital

22:40 — Accessibility in EPUBs and alt text for images

25:10 — Lightning Round: Trash or Tool

27:40 — AI narration vs. human narration in audiobooks

32:00 — Blind community leading in AI adoption

34:30 — Sandwich of the Week

36:40 — Elyse’s publishing company and VIMB Creatives Workshop

38:20 — Closing thoughts and next steps