Family Historian to Historical Fiction Author
Image: my grandfather Glenn Andrews as a child, and sister c. 1920
Hello, folks! Welcome back to the blog. I’m glad you’re here.
In my last blog post, I wrote about my unconventional neurodivergent writing practices (and earlier, how I write neurodivergent characters into my historical fiction). This time, I want to turn toward the ways my autistic special interests support my writing.
My Special Interest in Family History
My special interest in family history came to me long before I knew I was autistic. I first ventured into this world as a teenager. I soon became that girl who could tell you her ancestors’ dates of birth right along with her friends’ birthdays. (True story: I can clearly remember realizing excitedly– in the middle of gym class one March day in 2003 that it was a great-great grandfather’s birthday. He was born in 1866.)
As comical as that is, I also learned quickly that nobody cared about these things nearly as much as I did. I began to wonder if it was simply useless information wasting space in my brain. I learned to keep quiet and felt embarrassed about my interest.
But now, looking back, I can see how much this knowledge and my understanding of family history have supported my writing. I took what I couldn’t talk about and poured it into my writing. Today I write historical fiction, so I draw on this knowledge to write my books.
I can tune into my characters and their worlds in unique ways. The smallest details build my stories brick by brick, and I also have a wider and more nuanced perspective on how my stories fit within a greater whole. I know how and where they belong.
Writing My Special Interests into my Books
As an example, I called upon my deep knowledge and connection to my home state of Indiana’s history and natural world to write my book, Little Bird Woman. I could write about catalpa trees and red-tailed hawks in that story because I’ve lived alongside them my whole life. I could write about pioneer gardening and old cemeteries because I understand them by experience and my heritage. I poured my heart into this book, and I could not have done it without my special interests.
All of our stories hold meaning– every last one. By telling our stories, we remind ourselves of our innate worth. By telling our stories, we understand one another better; we learn to live with more love and compassion. Stories teach us our humanity.
I cannot tell every story, and I’m not meant to. But I can and must tell the stories that are mine to tell. And we all have stories to tell.
Tell me: What story are yours to tell?
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog. For book news and writing updates from me, subscribe to my monthly newsletter below. You will also receive a free resource on writing historical fiction, plus a very special short story. And the best way to connect with me is on Instagram, so make sure you’re following me there, too!
I’ll be back on the blog again soon. Until then, take care and be well!
Katie
P.S. Starting in November, I’ll be facilitating writing workshops for teens in Indianapolis. Be sure to subscribe below to find out more!
