Writing Neurodivergence into my Historical Fiction
Image credit: illustration by Ethel Franklin Betts, from Little Orphan Annie by James Whitcomb Riley, The Bobbs-Merrill Company Publishers, Indianapolis, 1908.
Hello, folks!
Welcome back. I’m so glad you’re here, because I am starting something new and exciting on the blog:
Every other week, I’ll be sharing a brand new post about my process of writing historical fiction, especially for young readers.
I believe that historical fiction is so important, especially for young readers. In these difficult times, when kids are facing so much in the world, reading historical fiction helps them see how people of the past have overcome incredible odds. Historical fiction also helps kids make sense of history through the universal language of storytelling, which in turn helps them navigate the present with purpose and maintain hope for the future.
Writing Neurodivergence into My Historical Fiction
As someone who was late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD (commonly called AuDHD), I have begun intentionally writing my characters as neurodivergent. This especially applies to my protagonists, who all have some of myself in them.
I began writing my latest book, Little Orphant Allie, just a few months before I identified my autism. It took over three years and numerous drafts to complete the book. While I was learning to understand my own autism, I was also noticing it in my protagonist.
But this is a unique situation, because my character Allie, was a real person. Her name was Mary Alice Smith, and she became the subject of James Whitcomb Riley’s famous 1886 poem “Little Orphant Annie.” Of course, it can never be confirmed that Mary Alice was in fact autistic, since she lived at a time long before autism was identified. Still, as I grew to understand the autism spectrum more deeply, I could see autistic traits in her.
Who was Mary Alice Smith?
Mary Alice came to live with the Riley family during the winter of 1861-1862 when she was about eleven years old. As an orphan whose extended family could no longer care for her, she needed a place to stay. Mrs. Elizabeth Riley (James’ mother) agreed to take her in. She was welcomed as a guest, but also worked for her board and keep.
Mary Alice was described as a peculiar child. The Riley children, it seems, stood somewhat in awe of her. She was imaginative and bright, and told the most fantastical stories to the children. She kept rigid routines, moved repetitiously, and often talked to herself. It’s in Riley’s 1902 essay entitled “Where is Mary Alice Smith?” where I most clearly see autistic traits described.
In one section, it reads:
“It was not long, however, before her usual bright and infectious humor was restored, and we were soon piloting the little stranger here and there about the house, and laughing at the thousand funny little things she said and did. The winding stairway in the hall quite dazed her with delight. Up and down she went a hundred times, it seemed. And she would talk and whisper to herself, and oftentimes would stop and nestle down and rest her pleased face close against the steps and pat one softly with her slender hand, peering curiously down at us with half-averted eyes. And she counted them and named them, every one, as she went up and down.”
The thing I love the most about this is how much the Riley children were endeared to Mary Alice, and how Mrs. Riley accepted and welcomed her into their home. Sure, it seems she was deemed a little odd and different. However, she was not cast out, ostracized, ridiculed, or rejected by the Riley family. To me, that is simply beautiful, and telling of what is possible.
Read the Book:
My book Little Orphant Allie is a middle-grade novel-in-verse that tells the story of Mary Alice’s time in the Riley home. In its writing, I’ve drawn on extensive historical research as well as Riley’s own beloved poetics.
The book may be found in paperback or Kindle on Amazon, Bookshop, or locally in central Indiana, including the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home in Indianapolis.
Thank you for stopping by the blog! I’m so glad you came.
For more book news and writing updates from me, plus a free short story for young readers, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter below.
I’ll be back on the blog soon with more of the goodness that is writing historical fiction!
Hello, 2025!
Hello, and happy new year, dear reader!
I thought now would be a great time to do a little update on the blog. I usually do these sorts of updates in my monthly newsletter, often along with fun freebies for subscribers, so be sure to sign up for that while you’re here. But today, I’m popping on here because so many good things are happening and I just have to share.
Reflecting on 2024
Wow, was 2024 ever a year. It was difficult in many ways, but also incredibly beautiful. One of my favorite days of the year was in April, when I got to witness a total solar eclipse with my family from our own backyard. I released two new books into the world, attended several local author fairs and events, and joined a wonderful women’s writing community. In many ways, 2024 was the year I finally gave myself the author life I’ve always wished to have. I am so thankful for the experiences of the past year.
Looking into 2025
After releasing Little Orphant Allie in October, I found myself in a transition period. I’d been working on that book for over three years, and I didn’t really have any other big projects in the works. It was time to explore and experiment. It took a bit, but two stories have bubbled up to the surface as my main works-in-progress. Both are middle-grade historical fiction novels. One is now nearly a third of the way complete, and the other is in the earliest ideation stages.
So, here’s a little sneak peek into my vision for 2025:
New Book Project 1:
Based around the true story of a witch trial in Vincennes, Indiana in 1907: told from the point of view of Tessa, a young girl who befriends the accused witch and learns how to step into her own strength and power to stand up for what is right, mending a community riddled with bigotry, hate, and fear.
New Book Project 2:
Set in the early 1900s in a lighthouse on Lake Michigan: Freddie, the young daughter of a lighthouse keeper must learn to see her own worth after a lifetime of being shamed for her disability.
Reading 25 Middle-Grade Novels in 2025
As I am mainly writing middle-grade now, I have set a new goal for this year to read twenty-five middle-grade novels in 2025. And I already finished a book on January 1, so I am counting it! Follow my progress (and add me as a friend) on Goodreads!
Writer’s Residency in October 2025
I was granted a two-week writer’s residency with the nonprofit organization Write On, Door County in Door County, Wisconsin in October. Door County is the peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, and one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. There are many historic lighthouses there, so it is the perfect location to research and work on my second book project. As part of my residency, I’ll be doing a community engagement project in a local middle school, too. I am honored to be granted such an opportunity, and so excited to visit in my favorite season, too.
Here’s to a great year!
I will be at a few local author fairs again this year, so if you are in Central Indiana, I would love to see you there. I keep my calendar updated with those events, and share more in my monthly newsletter. When you subscribe, you automatically receive a free short story for middle-grade readers and a kids’ writing activity.
I will be a fewer events this year, due to my health and schedule, but I am working on some ideas to connect with the community in other ways. I would love to start a sort of free “pen pal” program with local students, so if you are a parent or teacher who might be interested in that, please feel free to reach out!
In 2025, I am looking forward so much more: hiking and camping trips with my family, expanding my backyard garden, and fun things like the second half of Wicked! (Fun fact, I’ve been a Wicked fan since its debut on Broadway in 2003. I got to see it in Chicago in 2005 with my sister. So the new movie was a dream come true for me!) How about you, dear reader— what are you looking forward to this year? Please share with me in the comments!
Well, thank you for stopping by the blog. I am wishing you a wonderful new year!
Katie
Artist Spotlight: Amanda Griffey
Hello again! Welcome back to the blog. Today I am excited to continue my artist spotlight series by shining a light on artist Amanda Griffey. Amanda did the cover for my latest book, Little Orphant Allie, which released in October!
Amanda comes from a long line of farmers, and her art reflects her passion for farm life. She lives in eastern Indiana, not far from where the book is set. In fact, while working on the book’s cover, she discovered that she and Allie, the main character, came from the same town! “Amanda currently works and resides with her husband Thomas and their sons Joseph and Joshua, on their family’s diversified farming operation, just minutes from where she grew up.”
It was such a joy to work with Amanda, and I am thrilled to share our interview.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you most like to use your art in your life.
I was raised on a farm and currently farm with my husband's family, and I love to capture the beauty and heritage of farming.
What has been your biggest inspiration for your art?
Farm life and my deep love for horses.
What is inspiring you most at this point in time?
The glimpses of resiliency that are all around me; like a weathered barn that is still standing despite years of neglect, or a rusty old hinge that is still doing its job.
How do you keep your creative practice fresh?
While I have dabbled with other mediums, I really love colored pencil. So, I like to try new surfaces and methods, as well as push the limits of what subject matter and textures are possible to achieve with colored pencil.
What words of wisdom would you give young creatives?
The journey of a creative can be challenging and lonely. Find a mentor who is where you want to be to help you along on your journey.
Amanda’s Art
Cover of Little Orphant Allie
More artwork from Amanda (from her website):
“Mare Glare”
“Peace in the Valley”
Thank you so much for sharing with us here, Amanda. It was wonderful to have you here. I’m wishing you all the best. Keep creating!
Katie
New Book News: Little Orphant Allie Releasing in October
Hello, there! Welcome back to the blog. I am landing here from a very busy summer. From the kids’ theater rehearsals to softball games, family hikes, day trips, and more, it’s hard to believe summer is nearly over. We homeschool year-round, but are just beginning a two-week break between “school years.” It will be nice to have a reset, and a bit of a rest before September rolls in. Hooray for fall!
The New Book News!
And as for news on the author front: I have a new book coming in October!
Yes! This is a book I began writing three years ago, in August 2021. It is one that is near and dear to my heart. It has made its way through many drafts, workshops, and a whole lot of historical research. Now the manuscript is with my trusty editor, and a wonderful local artist is working on the book cover. I cannot believe it, but the book releases this October!
What is this book, you ask? Well, here are more details:
LITTLE ORPHANT ALLIE
Little Orphant Allie is a middle-grade historical novel-in-verse that explores the magical true story behind James Whitcomb Riley’s classic poem, Little Orphant Annie. In lyrical verse, twelve-year-old Mary Alice Smith, or “Allie,” tells of her time living in the Riley house in Greenfield, Indiana during the winter of 1861. The book gives a unique look into the world of the young girl whose imagination conjured up fairies, goblins, and witch-tales, and inspired a poem beloved for generations.
I am so excited to finally share this heartwarming story with the world come October. Be sure to follow me on social media, and subscribe to my monthly email newsletter for the latest updates. I shall return here before long with a cover reveal, and of course when the book releases!
Thanks for stopping by the blog today. Be well!
Katie