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Writing Through Doubt: My Journey as a Neurodivergent Author ✍️✨

Writer's picture: Tobey AlexanderTobey Alexander

For years, writing was my private sanctuary, a way to self-regulate, process emotions, and channel the whirlwind of thoughts in my neurodivergent brain. But for a long time, that’s all it was: private. It wasn’t until 2016 that I finally took the leap to publish something I had written and becoming a !real" author, breaking through the barriers of doubt that had kept my words locked away.

Looking back, I can see the threads of my creative journey woven through every stage of my life. In college, I poured myself into a serial killer story. At university, I started crafting the fantasy world that would eventually inspire my Timothy Scott series. And during my time at Ryton Police Training School, I penned a thriller that reflected the high-stakes world I was stepping into.

Yet none of those stories saw the light of day.

Why? Doubt.


The Voice of Doubt

Doubt, and certain people, had a lot to say:

👉 “You’re weird for writing.”

👉 “You’re not famous enough to publish.”

👉 “Who’s going to read something you’ve written?!”

For years, I listened. I let those words echo in my mind, amplifying my own insecurities about my skills and the validity of my voice. Looking back, I realise that those early works weren’t wasted, they were essential stepping stones. They weren’t polished or ready for an audience, but they were an outlet for creativity and a way to make sense of my inner world.


Breaking Through

Fast forward to today, and the story has changed.

📚 I’ve published multiple book series.🎥 I have screenplays under consideration.📖 My latest book, The Raven, has amassed over 108,000 page reads on Kindle Unlimited since May and has sold thousands of copies worldwide.

Not bad for someone who almost didn’t try, right?

But here’s the truth: for me, writing has never been just about publishing or sales. It’s about survival, expression, and connection.


Creativity as a Lifeline

Writing has been, and continues to be, a pillar of coping in my life. It’s a theme I delve into in my upcoming book, NeuroEdge: You Are Your Only Limit. Creativity, whether it’s writing, painting, or crafting, has been a lifeline for my neurodivergent brain. It’s not about perfection; it’s about authenticity.

Even the stories that never made it past my notebooks had immense value. They helped me process emotions, explore complex ideas, and better understand myself. Writing became a tool for self-discovery, allowing me to engage with the world in a way that felt true to who I am.


A Piece of Me, Out There as an Author

Now, every time I hit "publish," I remind myself of what that moment represents: a little piece of my imagination, my personality, and my resilience reaching out to others. It’s not just about the words on the page; it’s about creating a connection—about showing that stories, no matter how small or personal, can resonate and inspire.


What About You?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: doubt may never completely disappear, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. Whatever your creative outlet, whether it’s writing, painting, or something entirely different, I encourage you to embrace it.

Don’t let doubt keep your story hidden. Because you never know who might need to hear it, or how much it could mean to you just to share it.

So, here’s my question for you:

What’s your creative outlet, and how has it helped you navigate your world? Let’s start a conversation about creativity, doubt, and the courage it takes to share our stories.

Drop your thoughts below, I’d love to hear them.

An image of an author pondering an idea at a desk in front of a large window. the sun is bright and stickers are on the glass window.

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© 2024 by TAGS Creative, GMS and Tobey Alexander

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