We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madeline Wilkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Madeline, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far has been a children’s story, Gus’ Special, Magical, Most Favorite Hat. I wrote it for my son, August, who has Autism. When he was a toddler he was very attached to a special blue beanie hat. He would wear it even when it was 98 degrees outside! I realized over time he was using it to shield his ears from extra noise and would pull it low over his eyes when the lighting was too bright. It was one of the first indications we had of his sensory processing issues. It became such a staple in our home, I wrote a story about it. But really, it’s about August and how much joy he has brings to everyone who knows him. I collaborated with an artist to illustrate my story and the result was even better than I’d imagined. It has brought me, and August, so much joy to share our little story with the world.

Madeline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always been a writer. A compulsive list-maker, avid journaler, and silly note writer. Writing, ever since I was young, has been the best way for me to process life. Sometime during the COVID-19 pandemic and being socially isolated at home with an infant and a toddler who had just been diagnosed with developmental delays, I started sharing some of my writing on Instagram. I think it was just one way for me to feel less alone, both from the pandemic and the Autism diagnosis journey we were going through for our son. I started writing about what I was learning and connecting with other parents who had gone through something similar. I also started playing around with poetry and expressing myself more freely and creatively. In that sense, writing hasn’t just helped me process, it has helped me heal. I collaborated with a graphic artist to turn some of my poems into prints, and look forward to doing more of those projects in the future. It was a very surreal moment for me to see my work turned into visual art, and then to see my work hanging in people’s homes. It’s such a privilege. One of the projects I’m most proud of is a children’s story I wrote for my son with Autism; Gus’ Special, Magical, Most Favorite Hat. He completely inspired me not just to write a story, but to share that story with our community the same way he shares joy with everyone he meets. I have loved getting to work on a project all about him and some of what makes him special.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One of the most important aspects of my writing journey is that becoming a mother has not limited my creativity, but helped it to blossom. I want my children, or anyone watching, to see that motherhood highlights all the creativity and talent that was beneath the surface – it’s an asset. My children are my greatest inspiration. The best parts of my life didn’t come to an end when I became a mother, they were just beginning. Motherhood isn’t mutually exclusive from creativity or business or the birth of dreams. Motherhood has enhanced my creativity and creativity has enhanced my motherhood. I nurutre both because I want both to bloom and grow.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think without realizing it, I had created a narrative of how my life would go. Then, my son was diagnosed with Autism and everything changed. And I mean everything. The parts I thought would be meaningful, don’t matter. The parts of life I would have overlooked have become transformative. Every milestone I would have taken for granted is hard fought and hard won. His joy is my joy. His pride is my pride. Every milestone is an opportunity for true celebration. I used to avoid hard things. I used to think that hard was bad. But it turns out, difficulty results in sweetness. Every victory we have in our home is simply sweeter due to the struggle. I’m so thankful.

Contact Info:

• Website: MKWpoems.com
• Instagram: madelinekwilkins
• Facebook: Madeline Wilkins

Image Credits
Morvay Media