I Realize I Was Rather Polite ("safe") When I Created This. There Have Been Times Thanksgiving Has Been

Yes, I see in color. Several years back I learned not everyone can, and there are those who don’t really see any images in their minds. We all think and recall things differently. I think that’s pretty cool.

Some attach other senses to memory, such as associating words with flavor. In other words, if you are a fellow synesthete your senses are wired differently.

Synesthesia. I like to think of it as a super power.

Are you an accident prone writer? I know I am. 📝

Run with the Stars

I’m a writer, a published author. This reality humbles me. But lately I feel like I’m running a million miles an hour and making as much progress as someone trying to cross a finish line on a treadmill.

Getting this third manuscript pulled together has taken much longer than I ever anticipated. And that’s just to get it ready for submission (for consideration). Most of the reasons for this slow down are varied and valid. Shifting gears from creative nonfiction to fiction is an adjustment; one I underestimated. Life also happens and sometimes won’t take a backseat to anything. But there are other aspects I can control, instead of letting them run the schedule.

One thing my Aspergirl pointed out to me in the middle of all this was how this MS read more like naked retelling of events rather than allowing the reader a true glimpse into a new world. Her advice woke me up. It made me realize as much as I love writing, I had become stale. It explained why the last handful of articles I wrote feels flat. I’m grateful for her and her insight. I know what I needed to fix this; I needed to reacquaint myself with nature.

Can you relate?

Sometimes writing means we spend too much time ignoring our senses. We become dull and lack sheen. Our minds become hungry for stimulation a keyboard and laptop screen will never be able to provide. We need to step away and step outside, or at least peer out the window. We need to feel the breeze tousle our hair, to watch the leaves swirl about when a storm is heading our way. To sense the electricity in the air before the sky opens and drenches the dry grass. To hear the rapping of the rains against our windows, hoping we remembered to close everything up tight. To feel ourselves tense up when thunder makes our home feel like it will expand and contract with each burst.

In other words, our bodies as well as our minds need to know we are, indeed, alive. This life will be reflected in our writing, as well as any deadness that lingers inside.

~Julie

My publisher, Future Horizons, has this free social stories piece written by Carol Gray specifically for victims of hurricane Harvey, but also applies to Irma. Grab it and share it if you feel it will help. Esp helpful for parents.

Read it? Tell me your thoughts.

AspieCon is part Aspergers Convention, part resource fair. There a several panels, activities, CosPlay, D&D and more!

Being female on the spectrum means wearing a mask for far too many. It's hard to be ourselves in public, around others, but we must. We must love ourselves enough to be ourselves wherever we are. We must be brave enough to try.

But theory and practice aren't always the same, are they? And neurotypicals can be cold, callous, and cruel.

I'm finally choosing to be "me." It's not always easier, but the more I try, the better it is. The healthier it is. Do I have autism? Maybe; they didn't diagnose girls when I was younger. I do share a lot of traits. For one, I have Sensory Processing Disorder, for sure. I'm as socially awkward AF. But my daughter is def an Aspie. I've seen her put the masks on. And I'm proud of her for choosing to grow into herself.

To hell with the masks - let's finally be free to be...us.

may the last two months of 2018 be filled with pleasant plot twists, spontaneous fun, and good vibes.