Writing Neurodivergence for Authenticity and Diversity with Josephine Moon

Bring relatable and beloved neurodivergent characters to life that embrace those beyond Sheldon, Rain Man, detectives and savants. Increasingly, neurodivergent people are ‘coming out’ loud and proud (or perhaps quietly and nervously), ready to share their unique view of the world. Fiction allows these individuals to shine as the important, interesting and multi-layered characters they are while also sharing the difficulties they face living in a world that isn’t built for them. Popular fiction is also reflecting this trend, as well as in television shows and book-to-screen adaptations. This seminar provides you with thoughtful guidance, best practice, and awareness of intersectionality to ensure neurodivergent characters are multi-layered, interesting and active characters in your story. Learning outcomes As part of this workshop, you will learn to: • Describe the dominant, mainstream myths and stereotypes of Autistic and ADHD people and identify ways to ‘flip the script’. • Understand why sensitive, affirmative, informed representation matters and consider representations outside of the dominant Anglo, heteronormative, neurotypical and able-bodied populations. • Identify neuro-affirming resources as well as complex characters and stories in popular culture and why this is a good opportunity for writers. Format This is an in-person workshop with a focus on writing craft & diversity; it will be held at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for writers of all levels and writing backgrounds. About Josephine Josephine Moon is best-selling, award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction and her ‘uplit’ fiction has been published internationally and in translation. She wrote Australia's first mainstream fiction novel (The Wonderful Thing About Phoenix Rose) featuring an openly neurodivergent female lead, with a neurodivergent supporting cast, written by an openly neurodivergent author. She loves working with developing and emerging writers and regularly teaches and provides manuscript appraisal services. Most recently, she published two middle-grade fiction books and has been supporting a producer with story development for a neurodivergent character, and thoroughly loving it. For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info