Part of our 12-Week Writing Series for autistic creatives and late-diagnosed adults.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon sits down with fellow author, poet, and performer Tim Clare to explore what it means to find your creative calling—and why you don’t have to travel far to tell a story worth sharing.

As part of our Neurodivergent Narratives Writing Series, this episode dives into a prompt inspired by the writing technique known as local color. Your surroundings are full of story. Your perception is the lens. Your noticing is the art.

We also announce the winners of our Week 8 writing prompt contest!

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Why “local color” is a powerful tool for autistic writers who see depth others miss
• How special interests like board games can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs
• What makes writing a memoir different from writing about the world outside your door
• The ways sensory observation shapes autistic storytelling
• Why voice reclamation starts with noticing what matters to you
• How Tim Clare’s newest book—and his Autism diagnosis—came from the same creative impulse
• Why your story is already here, waiting to be written

🏆 Week 3 Winners

🥇 First Place:

“To my dearest, softest, pastel sage finger weight yarn…”

by Kaleigh E

🥈 Runner-Up:

“The Written Word”

by Katie Robin

👏 Congratulations to our winning writers! 👉 Read their full stories here.

🌟 About Tim Clare

Tim Clare is an award-winning author, poet, and creative writing coach known for his powerful voice and neurodivergent advocacy. His work explores storytelling, games, and the beauty of obsessive interests.

🔗 Visit Tim’s Website

📖 The Game Changers – Buy the book on Amazon

🎧 Death of 1000 Cuts – Tim’s podcast on writing, creativity, and getting published

📝 Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Local Color’ Contest

Prompt: Take a walk within a few hundred meters of your home. Write what you observe.

🖊️ Open to: Everyone

🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, June 4 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK

💷 Prize: £10 per winner

📘 Publication: Winners featured on Substack and in our Neurodivergent Narratives anthology

🔗 Submit your entry here → https://forms.gle/FVK4p11Kmip6T7G2A

✅ Rules at a Glance:

• No plagiarism or hate speech
• No explicit or graphic content
• Multiple entries allowed
• No subscription or attendance required
• Final decisions are final

📢 Use #localcolor on social media to spread the word.

Related Episodes:

I'm So Confused (Episode 132) - Writing Prompt #27

Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28

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🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

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