Deaf/ Sign Language discussion

Hey there. I actually do not know sign language, but I'm a fantasy writer who is working on rewrites for a young adult novel called Beggar Magic. One of my important characters is deaf, and I was hoping to find readers who have some knowledge about the deaf community to look over the manuscript and see if what I've written rings true to them.
Since my story is written in a fantasy world and not in modern times, I didn't feel ASL would be the proper method for him to communicate. I did research Makaton a bit because a teacher friend suggested it might work well for my setting, but I ended up using a mix between real signs and signs I felt would fit a more the more antiquated society I'd placed my characters in.
If anyone would be interested in taking a look at this novel, please let me know. It is about 54k words long but I can also just send you the portions that involve this character and leave out the rest if you'd rather just read excerpts.

My name is Virginia and I am a Deaf Writer myself. My focus is on creative non-fiction, but I am willing to take a look at your story.

My preference (due to time and other issues) would be to focus on the excerpts that involve this character, and provide feedback that focuses specifically on this character and his language.

I think it is really great of you to reach out to the Deaf community when including a deaf character in your book. Thank you!

I wouldn't be so quick to commend this author. She was not receptive to accepting input from a Deaf person. I don't think she really wanted input, she just wanted someone to pat her on the back and tell her what a great writer she is. She didn't accept my critique at all and complained that I wasn't being helpful.

This is what frustrates me about hearing people who know nothing about Deaf Culture wanting to add such characters to their writing - it often becomes just "symbolism" based not upon a true understanding of Deaf people, but just a desire to spark up their writing and impress their readership.

I'm not saying that one has to have in-depth understanding of the subject in order to write about it. Certainly, we've all heard the comment about "write what you know." I don't think that is necessarily always the case...but if you're going to write about something that you don't know then you better do your homework very carefully and be open to receiving honest criticism. This is especially true when you're talking about the Deaf Community - we are known for being notoriously blunt to a fault.

I read excerpts from this individual's novel, and frankly I wasn't impressed. I did not feel her concept was one that would gain much support from Deaf readers, and I told her such. Unfortunately, she chose to disregard such feedback. That's her choice, but I don't think her book will receive much support from Deaf readers.

Glad you spoke up on this topic, Virginia.