Disability in the Spotlight: A Creator's Journey from TV to Novel
Craig Thomas, the mastermind behind the beloved sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother', has embarked on a new creative path with his debut novel, 'That's Not How It Happened'. This novel, set for release on November 4th, delves into a family's unique story, shedding light on a topic close to Thomas' heart - disability.
The book, told through four distinct perspectives, centers around a young man with Down Syndrome, his parents, and his teenage sister. It explores how their lives are turned upside down when Hollywood decides to adapt their story into a film. Thomas, a parent to a child with Jacobsen Syndrome, draws from his personal experiences as both a TV writer and a caregiver, resulting in a heartfelt and humorous narrative.
But here's where it gets controversial... Thomas reveals that his first son, born with Jacobsen Syndrome, required immediate medical attention and underwent open-heart surgery at just two weeks old. This intense medical journey set the tone for a unique family dynamic, one that Thomas struggled to incorporate into his work on 'How I Met Your Mother'.
For years, Thomas attempted to merge his two worlds - the light-hearted sitcom and the intense medical drama of his personal life. He tried to infuse elements of his family's story into the show, but it wasn't until 'That's Not How It Happened' that he truly found a way to express his unique parental experience.
And this is the part most people miss... Thomas' novel goes beyond just his personal story. It also explores the representation of disability in Hollywood and the challenges faced by families with disabled members. The father in the book, a screenwriter, provides a sharp critique of the industry's attempts at on-screen representation.
Thomas' decision to tell the story from multiple perspectives allows readers to delve into the minds of each character, understanding their unique perspectives and how they clash and contradict each other. It's a narrative technique that adds depth and complexity to the story.
As a writer, Thomas brings his television writing experience to the novel, comparing the process to plotting a season of 'How I Met Your Mother'. He discovered that the skills he honed in television writing were transferable to novel writing, giving him the confidence to tackle this new medium.
'That's Not How It Happened' is a comedic novel, but Thomas emphasizes that comedy has evolved since the end of 'How I Met Your Mother'. He believes that comedy is a powerful tool to convey meaningful messages, especially in a country that needs laughter more than ever.
Thomas' novel also addresses the current state of the talk show industry and the threats to free speech. He expresses his shock at the cancellation of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' and the attempts to censor Jimmy Kimmel, highlighting the importance of comedy and free speech in a democratic society.
While 'That's Not How It Happened' is not overtly political, Thomas hopes it will encourage people to view disability in a more positive light. He wants the book to spark conversations about representation, inclusion, and the ingenuity required to include and represent people with disabilities in our culture.
An audiobook version of the novel will be released alongside the print edition, featuring the voices of 'How I Met Your Mother' stars Josh Radnor and Cobie Smulders, along with Kevin Iannucci and Marli Watson.
