Show, Don't Tell: Creative Expression

This chapter invites listeners to explore the 'show, don't tell' method in their writing through a creative prompt, encouraging emotional expression in poetry and prose. It also celebrates contest winners, discusses submission guidelines for an anthology, and features an ad related to a parenting course on neurodiversity.

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

In this episode of Writing Unmasked, 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 colour. 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: