Neurodivergent Narratives - Writing Prompt #17

“When I write, I give people access to their own emotions.” —Gord Downie

I’m back in the UK after nearly a month spent across the Americas, and I can't help but reflect on how much travel and writing have in common. Both offer us new perspectives—whether it's stepping into a different country or diving into the depths of our own thoughts. Writing and travel have long been intertwined, with countless writers using their journeys to inspire, reflect, and reshape their understanding of the world.

Think of Mark Twain, whose travels along the Mississippi River and across Europe and the Middle East shaped The Innocents Abroad and Life on the Mississippi. Or Mary Wollstonecraft, who turned her travels through Scandinavia into a groundbreaking travel memoir filled with sharp social commentary. Even James Baldwin, who found a deeper understanding of his identity and place in the world through his time in Paris and Istanbul. These writers didn’t just record their experiences—they allowed travel to expand their perspectives and, in turn, their writing.

Travel makes us keen observers. It pulls us out of our routines and asks us to see the world with fresh eyes, much like writing does. And writing, in turn, helps us process what we see. Whether it's a small observation about a café in Bogotá or a sweeping reflection on culture and identity after weeks away from home, writing allows us to capture the essence of our experiences in ways we might not fully appreciate in the moment.

If you’re someone who loves to travel—or just dreams about it—writing can be a powerful way to extend the journey. Whether you’re jotting down thoughts in a travel journal, capturing moments in poetry, or simply documenting how a new place makes you feel, writing helps you take those experiences with you, long after you’ve returned home.

At Neurodivergent Narratives, we know that writing can help you see the world—and yourself—in new ways. Whether you're writing from a new continent or the comfort of your own room, every word is a journey in itself.

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