In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon speaks with Alethea Shapiro, author and memoirist currently writing from the UK. Together, they unpack the emotional and technical rigor of writing memoir—especially when you’re not a public figure, and your words must carry everything.
Also in this episode: we announce the winners of our fourth Neurodivergent Narratives contest!
🎧 What You’ll Learn
Why Memoir is Demanding (Especially Without Fame)
- It requires emotional honesty, narrative structure, and literary quality—without the boost of name recognition.
- You’re not just recounting events—you’re crafting a story with meaning.
- Readers expect polish and insight, not just truth.
Why Genre Fiction Can Feel More Accessible
- Genre offers known story arcs (romance, mystery, fantasy), which ease creative decisions.
- Writers can improve by practicing within clear boundaries.
- There's a built-in audience expectation for the familiar, not innovation.
Memoir vs. Genre: Pick Your Path
Option 1: Write for Joy + Self-Publish
✨ Great for exploration, voice-building, and learning by doing.
✨ May include blogging, newsletters, or community sharing.
✨ Success is defined by expression, not external validation.
Option 2: Commit to the Literary Path
🎯 You aim for excellence, craft, and possible publication.
🎯 You seek mentorship, workshops, and feedback.
🎯 Your focus is mastery, not mass output.
Both paths are valid. But clarity helps. Choose with intention—not shame.
🏆 Week 4 Winners
🥇 First Place:
"She Wants Her Floodplains Back"
by Hedda Asklund
🥈 Runner-Up:
"Home Is Where The Heart Is”
by Ryan Gillis
👏 Congratulations to our winning writers! 👉 Read their full stories here.
📚 About Alethea Shapiro
Alethea is a memoirist currently working on a book that blends personal experience with cultural insight. Her work centres around identity, neurodivergence, and transformation.
🔎 Follow her writing and journey here →
Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: The “Family Secret” Contest
Prompt: Write about a secret—real or imagined—that upends a family.
🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, June 11 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK
💷 Prize: £10 per winner
📘 Publication: Winners will appear on Substack + in our anthology
📍 Submit Your Entry →
📢 Use hashtag #familysecret to share your story
Related Episodes:
Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28
Local Color with Tim Clare (Episode 136) - Writing Prompt #29
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