ORIGIN
Inspired by the author’s childhood and her magical son, this fantasy novel began as 2500-word short story competition entry to highlight the contributions neurodiverse people make to society.
What if autism wasn’t a handicap—but a superpower waiting to be understood?
Nicholas knows middle school is a jungle. Social rules feel like Elvish, his emotions erupt without warning, and every misstep pushes him further into outcast territory. In a world where personality determines the magical creature you’ll one day become, Nicholas fears his “explosive” brain is condemning him to life as something monstrous—a basilisk, a goblin, maybe worse.
But Nicholas isn’t broken. He’s powerful.
With the help of his loyal service unicorn, Nicholas begins to uncover the rare magic hidden inside his autistic mind: brilliance that operates differently, but no less brilliantly. After he triggers a magical catastrophe that forces the entire school to evacuate, Nicholas is sure he’s doomed to life as a monster. His favorite teacher is trapped inside the building with a demon, and the adults refuse to risk going back in.
If Nicholas wants to save his teacher and his future, he’ll have to do the impossible: master his magic, control his emotions, rally classmates who barely tolerate him, and turn the very traits that set him apart into the key that saves them all.
FEEDBACK
“The way you reimagine autism as a magic power is emotionally moving and compelling. The character of Nicholas is well drawn and the conflict he faces is clear. I could see this piece as a beloved children’s book.”
NYC Midnight Judge
The Magic of Yet (Now Paper Monsters)