Highlights Neurodiverse Kidlit Scholarship Auction

Today, April 15, is the first day of an exciting auction to support a scholarship at the Highlights Foundation for neurodivergent writers. This initiative grew out of an in-community retreat last August that brought 16 writers together to talk about both the challenges and the opportunities for writers who think, process information, and communicate differently. This includes writers on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, and those with sensory processing or learning differences. We talked about navigating publishing, its communication styles, and its emphasis on authors’ self promotion — particular challenges for autistic creatives or those with social anxiety. A two-part session suggested strategies for organizing writing time, research, drafts, and revision to help those with ADHD and other executive function issues. We celebrated our different perspectives that contribute to our creativity and have continued to do so on a Discord chat and a retreat planned at Highlights in September. And we created this scholarship so that both emerging and established writers can attend workshops to develop their stories and recharge their creativity.

The fundraising auction, which runs until April 30, contains dozens of prizes from signed books to manuscript and portfolio critiques, consultation on marketing strategies and website design, Canva tutorials, and virtual school visits. I’ve donated signed copies of all of my novels that portray neurodivergent protagonists — the picture book Ways to Play, illustrated by the also neurodivergent Gabriel Alborozo; Rogue; Moonwalking; and Torch. Rogue is out of print, so other opportunities to get new copies, much less signed copies, are limited. I have my eye on Susan Johnson Taylor’s Canva tutorial because I envy everyone who can put spiffy promos of their books on social media while mine — leaving aside the very time-consuming Lego book covers that I’ve made in the past — look rather pedestrian.

Why is this scholarship so important? The description reads:

The Neurodiverse Kidlit Scholarship is open to ALL who identify as neurodivergent. Our collective ha a first-hand understanding of the unique challenges and frustrations of navigating publishing as neurodiverse creators. We also celebrate the power of creating a neurodivergent community and how our stories matter (both on and off the page).

We created this scholarship to encourage neurodiverse creators to thrive in the industry and inspire them to create stories that resonate with every reader.

Enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

And why Highlights? I’ve often written about how being at Highlights has supercharged my creativity and productivity. In fact I translated most of the Batchelder Honor-winning graphic novel Pardalita at an unstructured Highlights retreat, where I stayed at a cabin in the Pennsylvania woods and enjoyed three tasty and nutritious meals a day (assuming I woke up in time for breakfast!) along with unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks. In recent years, I’ve taught workshops both in-person and online and know how much the students value the inspiration and guidance they get not only from the faculty but also from each other. And how much we learn from them!

The recipients of the Neurodiverse Kidlit Scholarship will be able to take classes free of charge or at a substantial discount. Travel expenses may also be covered for those taking in-person classes or attending retreats. Check out some of the testimonials, including bestselling and award winning authors and illustrators for who a Highlights workshop turned into the pivotal moment of their career. By bidding in the auction and contributing to the Neurodiverse Kidlit Scholarship, you could help another neurodivergent book creator make their dream come true, which means you’ll have your chance to read their wonderful stories.