Autistic Author Interview
M.E. Purfield
Mike Purfield has worked as a book reviewer, screenwriter and bookseller. He has been writing fiction for almost 20 years in horror, science-fiction and young adult genres. As a writer, he’s been very prolific and has penned numerous books in the Miki Radicci Series, the Blunt Force Kharma Series, and his latest, the Radicci Sisters Series. His short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines, including the Broken Pencil, The Norwegian Weekly and Unwinnable.
Tell us about your book, the Psychic Sisters.
Miki and Prudence and the Radicci. Sisters. One is an adult artist. The other is a nonverbal autistic teen. Both have a psychic ability and trouble that keeps following them.
Whether they are suffering bizarre visions of pink-eyed albinos of another dimension, saving a neighbor from sexual predators, finding a body on vacation, or getting carjacked, nothing will test the sisters’ new bond than a catastrophic event that strikes New York and brings their dreams to life.
What inspired you to write it?
The Miki Radicci Series was winding down, and although all the questions were not answered, a major plot involving Miki’s sister Prudy was closing and opening. Also, I wanted to do something creative, challenging, and bring more autistic characters into my art. I felt starting a new series with the same characters would satisfy those feelings. So far, it’s working.
How does being autistic influence your writing?
My autism helps me create sparse and sharp prose, making it feel immediate. I’m direct with my words and story and get to the point.
It helps systemize my stories, plots, and characters. I do a lot of series and have a lot to juggle in my head. I don’t need to outline because of this.
Autism also frees my creativity, leaves it unfiltered. I tend to create as I sit at the keyboard and my unconscious dictates the story. Sure, I have an idea where to go, but I have no idea how to get there until I’m at the keyboard typing.
Finally, my brain is one big data bank and, although verbal-thinking, it seems to catalog story, especially in a visual way. I can pull anything out of what I experience or read or learned about and use it towards my writing. Or not use it, helping me stay original.
Who is the ideal reader and how do you see the book being used?
Someone who wants to connect with realistic characters, wants to experience a new perspective, or wants to feel less alone in the world would be ideal for my work. Definitely someone who wants to be thrilled and freaked out.
What’s the message you want your readers to take away after reading the book?
That people, especially the neurodiverse, can be difficult to communicate with but with open ears and hearts we can connect.
Do you have a proud moment you’d like to share?
I’m proud of all my stories, even the ones with bad reviews. I had fun writing them and they share a little piece about my life. After that, I have no control so when I receive positive feedback I treasure it. The feedback that always warms me is when the reader says that they are that character. That means the world to me when they feel that connection.
If our readers leave with only one message after reading this interview, what would you like it to be?
Can he make coffee?
What words of encouragement can you offer to other autistic creatives?
Keep working at your art. Keep spreading it out there, with hopes of making money. Learn things that you can pay others to do. Have pride in your work and price. You may not find a huge audience, but it you are honest and original you will find an audience.
Where can we find all of your book series?
- Go to my website: https://mepurfield.com/
- Go to my Author Page on Amazon
- Buy Psychic Sisters on Amazon*
What’s the best way for people to connect with you?
- M.E. Purfield Facebook Page
- @mepurfield on Instagram
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