From the Compost Heap header. A pencil style illustration of a compost heap with flowers and plants growing around it. A bee buzzes by and a white rabbit hops by.

  • The Value of Creative Joy

    And rediscovering The Wheel of Time 🐉

    Today I want to talk about creative joy.

    Reconnecting to The Wheel of Time has reminded me what creativity felt like before it got all tangled up in career and profession and entrepreneurship.

    For the last decade my creative energy has been focused outwards.

    Everything I did became fodder for “content” on Instagram, YouTube, or (eventually) Substack.

    I love documenting the process, but the frame of creative business definitely impacted the types of things I chose to make and spend my time on. This was particularly tangled up in “positioning” myself as a professional artist & author.

    Certain parts of my identity got lost along the way. I’m in the process of untangling it all which I wrote about a few months ago: I’m not a brand. I’m a human. 🫀

    What I didn’t share then is that rediscovering my humanity was largely tied up in a book series called The Wheel of Time.

    Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time large blue books in a line
    14 Blue Wheel of Time Books (image credit: Juniper Books)

    During my teenage years I had basically no friends my own age. What I did have was The Wheel of Time. I logged in to a fansite called Wotmania every morning and later on a fan fiction site called Silklatern. The interactions I had with other fans was the one place that I really “fit in”.

    Navigating two degrees as an undiagnosed autistic took pretty much all of my social energy. During that time I completely lost touch with fandom and reading for fun. By the time I finished my postgraduate studies I’d pretty much forgotten what it felt like to get lost in a book.

    Enter 2020. I had a one year old baby. The world was chaos. And I turned to… The Wheel of Time. I pulled the Eye of the World off my shelf and fell into a world of magic that I knew and loved. The characters were old friends and the story was comforting in its familiarity, but that wasn’t all.

    Rereading the books awakened something in me.

    A creative spark. It is no coincidence that these are the books I was reading when I starting writing my first book, Discover Your Creative Ecosystem.

    The writing of Robert Jordan just has this effect on me. I love other authors and other books, but the Wheel of Time is etched into my bones.

    Eilonwy in colorful gleeman’s cloak with multicolored and textured patches. They have short brownish hair, pale skin and glasses.
    Myself in a multi colored patchwork gleeman’s cloak at WotCon 2023. Thanks to the volunteer photographers at WotCon for this shot.

    It’s hard to explain. It’s… ineffable.

    But there must be some kind of soul connection to something in this story for me. Why do we love the stories we love? It’s something I’m really curious about. It always feels flat and superficial when I try to explain.

    The Wheel of Time has always inspired me to create. I high school I filled notebooks and notebooks with world building. I made sketches of costumes and drafted stories and put myself to sleep imagining characters in worlds of my own.

    I gave up writing somewhere along the way, but after self publishing my first book I’ve also started writing fiction again. I’ve been working on a fantasy story that I’d like to tell for the last two NaNoWriMo’s and I’m ready to start working on it year round.

    Meanwhile I have felt the ta’veren tug (if you know you know) pulling me deeper and deeper into WoT fandom community.

    It’s becoming an important part of my life so you can probably expect to hear more about it here.

    It all started in March when I created a muppet style puppet for a song parody contest… an in world version of These are the People in Your Neighborhood. The first project I’ve done purely for creative joy in YEARS. 🤯

    Fluffy purple Ogier puppet with wide nose, tufted ears and ping pong ball eyes
    Fluffy purple Ogier puppet with large ping pong ball eyes, a wide purple nose, and tufted ears. Ogier are book loving creative souls and I feel a deep kinship with them.

    This was in no way for my portfolio, content marketing, or even something for my family. It was a gift for the Wheel of Time community and complete joy to make.

    I really loved the challenge of creating in a brand new medium (I’d never made a puppet before) and figuring it out through trial and error. I drew on various creative skills in a way I haven’t done since working on set and props during my undergraduate degree.

    Almost immediately after finishing it I jumped into another project. A gleeman’s cloak.

    Something I noticed about making something for me was that I didn’t have to fuss over setting up a camera to film or creating perfect process photos.

    I wasn’t making this for DIY content. I was making it for me.

    Because of this I worked for many hours at the kitchen table (much less photogenic than my studio) simply because I could cut squares or I could sew while Davy role played as Link from Zelda.

    I wrote a bit about that here.

    Piles of 209 square patches sorted by colors: red, gold, yellow, blue, green, purple, white, brown, black. There are also various textures: velvets, brocade, silk, corduroy, satin, batik, embroidered, and a red pleated satin with a row of red and gold buttons.
    Multicolored and textured patches for my cloak. These are 209 out of 350 patches required.


    I sat down to write about the cloak itself today, but instead I found myself wanting to share the story behind how it came to be.

    The shift that opened up “time” for something like this. News flash: I didn’t actually have more time. I just used my time differently. I spent a similar amount of time last summer making this.

    And the value I’m finding in creative joy.

    Let’s discuss.

    What would you make if you had a dedicated period of time where you couldn’t do anything productive and had to let yourself play?

    Where do you find creative joy?

    Cheers,

    Sarah signed with a swoopy S
    Read more: The Value of Creative Joy

  • How I Survived My First Author Event

    Last week I attended NWA Book Fest… my first appearance as an author. Indeed my first gathering of any kind since COVID times. I wanted to take some time to share about that experience.

    I’m attempting a bit of writing today while Davy “types” on his new keyboard and iPad app.

    I was so busy the week before I didn’t have any time to be nervous. I practiced my reading a time or two, installed the Square Up app to take credit card payments, and put my books in a box.

    There was a little bit of scheduling confusion and the event was running early so I was rushed right onto stage within minutes of showing up.

    (Not ideal for an autistic. I’m not gonna lie.)

    I also expected to be introduced and had only prepared for a reading. Somehow I managed to introduce myself and my book without rehearsal. I think its down to how often I have talked about my book online. Maybe it does get easier with practice. I wouldn’t say I’m captivating, but I did it.

    Right after my reading I had a group of blogger friends show up to hear me. They just missed me because of the schedule kerfuffle, but we took a photo anyway.

    Five women and a nonbinary author standing against a white brick wall smiling. It's chilly weather so we are all in various sweaters and jean jackets. Three are wearing sunglasses. I am holding my book.

    Then I did a short signing and sold 4 books. 🥳

    (Shout out to my friend Lori Lynn who served as my “emotional support extrovert” and helped me make small talk at my signing table.)

    It was really nice to see people respond to my book in real time. One woman immediately connected my book to The Artist’s Way which completely made my day. So thankful to everyone who dropped by to take a look.

    Some lessons I learned and will be adding to my self publishing course:

    • Print a QR code to purchase the ebook. (My hardcover is a deluxe edition and more people might have purchased the digital bundle at a lower price point.)
    • Print my Venmo code. (Spelling it out did not seem to work.)
    • Have something to hold business cards / stickers so they don’t blow away.
    • Probably bring a book holder as well. The books kept tumbling off the table and one or two may be damaged.

    Here is actual footage of me after the event. 😂

    (That’s Odo from Star Trek Deep Space Nine.)

    It took a lot out of me.

    I realized that this simple brief appearance pushed me to the edge of my capacity and I definitely should NOT sign up for longer events any time soon. (After two hours I felt the way I normally do after a whole convention. )

    I believe this is due to…

    • More sensory overload on a daily basis from parenting.
    • Diminished social capacity due to socializing with my toddler 24/7. (I’m just going to call him toddler till he turns 4, ok?)
    • Not going to any events for 3-4 years during early motherhood / COVID times. I am both out of practice at masking and have no desire to return to that level of social performance.

    Not only am I “re-entering” the world after COVID lockdowns, but I’m also learning how I want to show up as an autistic human. What does it mean to attend events without pressuring myself to mask (performing excitement, facial expressions, small talk, etc.)?

    Even so I was pretty wiped out afterwards. Here is how I reset the next day:

    • Time alone in the studio. I laid on the daybed and watched Netflix for an hour and then made a collage.
    • Time with Davy in the backyard.
    • A long walk with a podcast.
    • Reading in the bath.
    • Playing Cozy Grove with Davy. (More on that below.)

    I’m still pretty tired, but I feel more or less human again. If I hadn’t been able to take that time I would have stayed in a perpetually burned out / shut down kind of state.

    I still struggle with taking time for myself as a parent, but when I do I am reminded of how powerful and restorative it can be.

    Of shoes & ships & sealing wax

    Other bits & bobs to recommend this week.

    Play

    First off, I have rediscovered Cozy Grove. I played this a couple of years ago on my phone, but we just purchased it for the Nintendo Switch and I have been playing with Davy.

    It’s a really cute and relaxing game.

    You’re a scout marooned on an island haunted by (cute) bear ghosts. You run around the island finding things for them and helping them restore their memories. You can also fish and bake and craft and garden. The music and artistic style sets such an atmosphere. Have a peek.

    I’ve heard it’s kind of like Animal Crossing, but in my opinion is cuter and more fun. (I tried Animal Crossing after finishing this game the first time and didn’t connect with it.) If you’re a casual gamer and just looking for a way to relax would really recommend Cozy Grove. 🥰

    Read

    The blog post of the week for me was How to Be a Good Assistant to Yourself by Austin Kleon.

    Muse

    This post by @worry__lines on Instagram is really good food for thought.

    TOO Many Tabs

    I’ve invented this section as inspiration to browse and close the tabs I keep open on Safari. I am always dangerously close to the 500 tab limit. Hopefully these creative breadcrumbs offer some inspiration.

    Illustration

    I absolutely love this 1970’s edition of The Sword in the Stone illustrated by Alan Lee. Merlin’s cottage has always been evocative for me and this is just how I’ve imagined it.

    Vintage paperback cover of Sword in the Stone by T.H. White with art by Alan Lee. Merlin is instructing Arthur who sits at his feet. They are in Merlin's cottage which is filled with ephemera of wizardry including an armillary sphere, an owl, a skull, and a crocodile hanging from the ceiling. The whole cottage is crammed full of objects.

    I made this discovery while looking for images of my teacher muses for home educating. A few weeks later I bought a copy from ABE Books so I really don’t need this tab open anymore.

    Word Nerd

    Etaoin shrdlu was used as a “red flag by typesetters to show an error in text, but sometimes it was overlooked and made it into print.” It is the approximate order of frequency of the 12 most commonly used letters in the English language.” via The Dusty Wheel

    —

    Wait, this is real?

    This tab was open because I saw this butterfly on Instagram and didn’t believe it was real. Fact check!

    It is indeed an orange oak leaf. Perfectly camouflaged on the outside with brilliant colorful wings when open.

    Well that was effective! Maybe I’ll do this again. What do you think?

    Thanks for reading!

    I’d love to hear what you connected with and have a chat in comments.

    Cheers,

    Sarah signed with a swoopy S
    Read more: How I Survived My First Author Event

  • Making 360 VR with a 3 year old collaborator ✨

    Gray green rabbit hopping over the text "down the rabbit hole" in a typewriter font

    Hullo all,

    I’m playing with the structure a bit here. Trying out categories rather than themed emails. I’m also bringing back some old themes long time supporters may recognize.

    Let me know what you think.

    I haven’t had much studio time this month unless you count making Number Block counting beads with Davy and the 3 hour masterclass I took from Amie McNee & Jimmy Winestock.

    A peek into my creative process and an update on my collection, This is my Brain on Motherhood.

    This week I’m sharing a sneak peek at a 360 VR piece I made in December. It’s taken a while to work out how to share this online.

    Still frame of 360 VR experience. A white play button floats over a nursery. Dark red yarn is strung around the room.

    UNRAVEL

    2023 / VR 360
    An immersive experience demonstrating my internal experience of motherhood.
    As an autistic parent my brain does not prune synaptic pathways. This means to process information I often have to unravel a tangle of connected thoughts among sensory input, memories, and connections most people would overlook.

    There are two ways to experience this work.

    • If you have the YouTube app you can experience this work in VR here. Just moving your phone to look around. Please select HD by tapping the cog or it will load super blurry. 🫣
    • Don’t have the YouTube app? Here’s a simulation of how it looks in 3D.
    • Or you browse still photographs here.

    Curious about the process? Here’s a timelapse.

    This piece was inspired by a piece of writing by Hayley Dunlop which reminded me of doing this as a child. It was purely creative play at the time. I later revisited this process in directing class when I was asked to “completely transform the space.”

    Hayley’s writing connected this memory to neurodivergent thought patterns which immediately made me want to create this with Davy.

    Working alongside him added all sorts of layers – both layers of meaning – and literal pools of knots (which were never part of my previous efforts.) 😂

    of shoes and ships and sealing wax header in typwriter font

    Other bits and bobs I’d like to recommend this week.

    • Katherine May’s podcast How We Live Now with Priya Parker – This is a chat about gathering well and drawing the lines we need around different social events and communities. I couldn’t have listened to this as a better time as I had been struggling with the Code of Conduct for my membership program and this gave me all the confidence to go with my gut. I’ve also ordered Priya’s book (affiliate link) which happens to have a gorgeous watercolor cover.
    • We’ve subscribed to the newspaper for the first time ever and I loved this article about artist Thaddeus Mosley.
    • Waiting for a quiet moment to enjoy this studio tour…

    I also admired these shadows.

    Windy stick casts shadows on white studio wall

    Minor updates March 2025 to correct links and images.

    Read more: Making 360 VR with a 3 year old collaborator ✨

  • How it Feels to Be Time Blind ⏳

    Growing up I had no idea I was time blind.

    But I was already establishing coping mechanisms. Because I had no internal chronometer to distinguish between 5 minutes and 50 I would prepare for every outing far far in advance and find myself in a state of limbo unable to do anything but wait.

    This is effective, but is also a black hole for both energy and time.

    Doctor Who says "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually, from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff."

    People with time blindness tend to be chronically early or chronically late.

    It’s funny that the same internal experience can result in two such seemingly different behaviors, but it makes sense. One approach to time is a rigid controlled white knuckling. A hyperfocus that saps both time and energy from your life. The other holds on with a looser grip and time slips away.

    You might construe the first stereotype as autism and the second as ADHD, but time blindness is an internal experience shared by both.

    White Rabbit from Disney's Alice in Wonderland hopping frantically with an oversized pocket watch

    Now that I’m a mother I simply don’t have bandwidth to white knuckle my way through the day hyperfocusing on time.

    I cannot wait in the car for an hour. I do not have an hour to spare.

    Not to mention the chaotic element of a small human who has all sorts of urgent needs that can’t always be anticipated.

    How do normal people know when to leave the house to arrive somewhere on time?

    I never realized I was working SO HARD at something most people find simple.

    I was obsessed with planners a few years ago. I never would have described myself as disorganized, but this was down to the fact that I relied on a series of complicated systems to keep track of the most basic things.

    Lorelai Gilmore sits at kitchen table with laptop and says "Tomorrow at 10:00 Roz darling?"

    Like what day of the week it is. (I’m not kidding.)

    When Davy was in his human goat phase I gave planners up. As a result I’ve been flying blind for 3.5 years now. During this time I have learned a few things:

    First, go gentle on people who show up late and forget things. They are doing their best.

    Second, I really thrive with structure and systems.

    It’s impossible to overstate how much having a plan helps me.

    Structure frees up my brain for other things in a way that I can only compare to breathing oxygen versus being waterboarded.

    I’ve been metaphorically drowning for actual years now.

    Alice in a bottle floating in a sea of her own tears

    At first I thought the lesson I was meant to be learning was how to “let go” and embrace fluidity.

    There is nothing less helpful you could suggest to a human whose brain needs structure.

    The last few months I have been experimenting with themed days. With one focus per day my nervous system has improved dramatically. It also seems to help Davy. (We are both the type of neurodivergent who likes to know what’s coming.)

    But we all need different things.

    If your brain needs freedom embrace that. Don’t let people shame you and push you into a rigid structure if that doesn’t work for you.

    When we’re forced to work in ways that run counter to our neurotype it’s important to recognize this is legitimately difficult for us.

    Life seems determined to deal out changed plans, external deadlines, and an ungodly amount of urgent paperwork.

    When this happens we should treat ourself like we’re doing something really hard (because we are.)

    Without a plan my brain feels like it is on high alert all the time just trying to get through the day. Imagine a tennis player bouncing with bent legs ready to sprint in any direction*. That’s how I feel without a plan. It’s exhausting. And I am far more likely to become overstimulated.

    Professional tennis players

    *I know nothing about sports. But we were told to stand this way in Improv class and I quit immediately. 😂

    When our nervous system is on high alert we can help ourselves by:

    • providing sensory support (comfortable clothes, fidgets, movement, regulating environments)
    • seeking comfort (a cozy blanket, a favorite book or tv show, a cup of tea)
    • asking for help
    • finding someone to work alongside us (sometimes this is called “body doubling”)
    • rewarding our own efforts (treat yo’self)

    I could say more, but I’ve run out of time. 😂😂😂

    Read more: How it Feels to Be Time Blind ⏳

  • Celebrating an Autism Diagnosis

    I’m an autistic adult and parent of an autistic child. I really recommend framing a diagnosis as a positive milestone and celebrating it as such.

    We celebrate the anniversary of our diagnosis’ each year and call this our “Neurotype Day.” *

    * Shout out to my friend Hayley Dunlop for coining this.

    Read more: Celebrating an Autism Diagnosis

  • Free Sensory Processing Workshop

    Read more: Free Sensory Processing Workshop

  • Support Tools for Autism, ADHD & Sensory Processing

    I’ve put together some of our favorite support tools for autism & neurodivergence: fidgets, timers, art supplies (art is so beneficial for self regulation), and books.

    Self Regulation Tools

    The remaining links point toward Amazon for now because it is the most accessible source for most people. Please consider that many autistic and neurodivergent people rely on Amazon for products they need.*

    We need to support our own nervous systems so we can make the changes we want to see in the world.

    If you prefer to shop elsewhere you are invited to do so. Simply use these product pages as jumping off points to find similar items in indie shops. If you purchase through these links I receive a very tiny referral fee.

    FIDGETS & FOCUS TOOLS
    calming regulation tools
    more

    Harkla Sensory Diet Workbook

    If you’re new to the idea of sensory regulation this is a great resource. It is geared toward kids, but much of it is also applicable to adults. Our needs don’t disappear – we just get older. (Affiliate Link)

    Watercolor cards with sensory supports and spread out on a table with art supplies

    Further Reading

    Check out my picture book How it Feels to Me.

    Illustration of individual wearing a checkered jacket standing in a sea breeze with eyes closed. Around their head is a blue halo with photographs of blue objects including seaweed, shells, and a ticket stub.

    Or browse below to shop more of my favorite books about autism, sensory processing, and neurodivergence.

    SHOP BOOKS

    FOOTNOTES

    * Reasons why autistic people rely on Amazon may include: overstimulation when shopping, chronic illness, under-employment, or rural locations where products are simply not available.

    Read more: Support Tools for Autism, ADHD & Sensory Processing

  • Autism 101 for Parents

    I’m an autistic adult and parent of an autistic child. After years of internalizing my neurodivergent traits as “flaws” my child’s diagnosis changed everything for me. Learning about how autistic brains are wired helped me begin to reframe autistic traits as differences and find ways to better support both of us.

    Here is what I wish I’d known about myself growing up.

    Drawing of brain with colorful paint splatters over the top
    WHAT IS NEURODIVERGENCE?
    Watercolor illustration of the autism spectrum. A rainbow of colors blending into one another like a color wheel.
    What is autism?
    Fish bowl with red and yellow ink creating swirls like Jupiter.
    What is overstimluation?
    Logos for each sense. Finger for touch. Tongue for taste. Transparent body with heart for interoception. Ear for hearing. Eye for sight. Trampoline for vestibular. Nose for smell. Hula hoop for proprioception
    SENSORY PROCESSING WORKSHOP

    “On the Spectrum”

    When we talk about autism or neurodivergence we often mention a spectrum. Sometimes this is misunderstood as a range of intensity from “more” to “less.” But you cannot be “more” or “less” autistic or neurodivergent.

    I made a zine to illustrate the complexity and nuance of being “on the spectrum.” You can read it here.

    Spectrum: a zine about neurodivergence. Paper zine with magazine cutout letters and a watercolor spectrum with a rainbow of colors blending into one another.

    Celebrating Autism

    On a personal note, I made this video to celebrate my child’s autism diagnosis and share the news with our family. I really recommend framing a diagnosis of autism or ADHD as a positive milestone and celebrating it as such. We celebrate the anniversary of our diagnosis each year as our Neurotype Day.*

    High Masking

    It’s really important that parents consider whether they might be neurodivergent themselves. Autism and other types of neurodivergence are genetic. If you child is on the spectrum there is high chance one or both parents are also.

    Even if you don’t have enough traits for a diagnosis recognizing and supporting your neurodivergent traits is really critical.

    Please stop calling yourself an HSP. 😫

    Neurodiversity Affirming Professionals

    Here are some therapists I have enjoyed learning from.

    Neurodiversity Affirming Education

    Daniella (@autism.conmigo) is an Autistic + ADHD parent of 2 autistic kids with a doctorate degree in education. She offers 1:1 support and consultations.

    I’ve worked with Daniella personally and highly recommend her for support home educating or advocating for your kids within traditional schools.

    Support Tools & Further Reading

    Click here for links to my favorite fidgets, sensory reset tools, and books.

    Watercolor cards with sensory supports and spread out on a table with art supplies

    How it Feels to Me

    You may also enjoy the picture book I’m co-creating with an autistic illustrator Gracie Klumpp. How it Feels to Me is an introduction to sensory processing for readers of all ages.

    How it Feels to Me: a book about neurodiversity and sensory processing written by Sarah Shotts and illustrated by Gracie Klumpp. Book covers shows a, illustrated child with hands raised and a rainbow collage of objects shown above.

    Return to the

    Neurodiversity Affirming Resource Library

    FOOTNOTES

    * Shout out to my friend Hayley Dunlop for coining this.

    Read more: Autism 101 for Parents

  • Autistic Adults

    Do you identify with some autistic traits, and want to learn more?

    Here are some resources I’ve gathered specifically for you.

    Blog Posts

    Birds flying across a pale blue sky
    Please stop calling yourself an hsp
    Watercolor illustration of the autism spectrum. A rainbow of colors blending into one another like a color wheel.
    What is autism?
    Drawing of brain with colorful paint splatters over the top
    What is neurodivergence?
    White child sized t shirt on a silver clothes hanger covered in clothing tags of various brands and sizes.
    WHAT IS OVERSTIMLUATION?

    “On the Spectrum”

    When we talk about autism or neurodivergence we often mention a spectrum. Sometimes this is misunderstood as a range of intensity from “more” to “less.” But you cannot be “more” or “less” autistic or neurodivergent.

    I made a zine to illustrate the complexity and nuance of being “on the spectrum.” You can read it here.

    Spectrum: a zine about neurodivergence. Paper zine with magazine cutout letters and a watercolor spectrum with a rainbow of colors blending into one another.

    Podcasts

    Katherine May on Glennon Doyle’s podcast We Can Do Hard Things, Episode 220

    This is a great place to start breaking down stereotypes. Please remember when listening that every autistic experience is unique (…we don’t all see rainbows.) 🌈

    And a few more podcasts.

    Blogs & Websites

    Books & Support Tools

    I’ve collected some of our favorite fidgets, regulation tools, art supplies and books here.

    Screenshot of Amazon affiliate page with images of fidgets, timers, art supplies and books.

    How it Feels to Me

    You may also enjoy the picture book I’m co-creating with an autistic illustrator Gracie Klumpp. How it Feels to Me is an introduction to sensory processing for readers of all ages.

    How it Feels to Me: a book about neurodiversity and sensory processing written by Sarah Shotts and illustrated by Gracie Klumpp. Book covers shows a, illustrated child with hands raised and a rainbow collage of objects shown above.

    Return to the

    Neurodiversity Affirming Resource Library

    Read more: Autistic Adults

  • What is Overstimulation?

    I made this video to share my experience of overstimulation.

    I also find that my autistic traits are almost always rooted in sensory differences. So this a helpful place to start when discussing autism. Overstimulation can also be experienced by ADHDers.

    (There’s also a shorter 30 second version here.)

    Return to the

    Neurodiversity Affirming Resource Library

    Read more: What is Overstimulation?