Category Archives: Writing
The Autistic Writer: Story Structure
Structure of any kind can make a strange bedfellow with Autism. On the one hand, a majority of Autistic people thrive on structure. Forcing them to break with their own structure can result in meltdowns for some, and mere irritation in others. Though the Autistic significance of structure is an unfortunate source of derision and …
Autistic Writer Series: Identifying the Climax
There are norms that apply to so-called “genre fiction” that at times literary fiction ignores. Literary fiction being more about language and deeper human character experiences, and genre fiction being…well…most of everything else. Mystery, suspense, romance, fantasy. You get the idea. Genres. One such virtual-must for genre work is the climax. Without veering too much …
Autistic Writer Series: Conflict in Fiction
In last week’s post, I asserted characters were the most significant aspect of good fiction, despite solid counter—arguments that conflict holds that distinction. I stand by my position. Still, the impact of conflict on fiction cannot be overstated. Nor can the influence of an Autistic writer’s brain on same. Conflict is usually defined as a …
Autistic Writer Series: Introduction
I’m an Autistic writer. I only sometimes use the term, however–in short bios and such. That’s because while both “Autistic” and “writer” are considerable components of who I am, the term doesn’t define me. Not all of me, at least. Further, while I do write about being on the Autism Spectrum, it’s not my only …
Yes, Virginia, Revisited
I have over the last several Christmases reposted an essay I wrote about the most reproduced newspaper editorial in the history of the English language: Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. You can find that annual post here. As I end another year as a writer of no particular fame or influence, I think …
Ty Unglebower 