Write On! interviews author Charlotte Faulconbridge

Charlotte Faulconbridge is an autistic and chronically ill prize-winning poet, published author, musician and TEDx performer/speaker. She became an ambassador for MIND Coventry and Warwickshire in 2024 and was a highly commended finalist in the BBC Make A Difference Awards.

Her debut book, Too High To Function, which tells the story of her life on the autistic spectrum, has been sold in over 20 countries, on every continent, and was an Amazon #1 Bestseller in its category and made the top ten across all categories in time for Autism Acceptance Week.

Due to birth complications, Charlotte was born mute and relied upon sign language for communication as a child. Writing poetry has recently enabled her to verbally express her emotions like never before, a theme she delves into in her new book, The Warring Twenties, and she wishes to advocate for alternative methods of communication within the world of performance.

WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?

CF: Honest – too honest, some would say! As an autistic person, my brain’s filtering system is about as effective as a colander is at holding in water. Many writers use their creativity to mask their quirks as a form of escapism. But I’m not afraid to ostracise the good, the bad, or the socially ugly from my work. I find great freedom in not only sharing my love and joy with the world, but also my deepest regrets and most shameful moments.

WO: Can you tell us a bit about your books Too High To Function and The Warring Twenties?

CF: Too High To Function is the autobiographical account of my life before, during and after receiving my autism diagnosis. I pair my own personal experiences with the neuroscience behind the condition to give readers the fullest understanding of autism. Almost exactly a year after publishing my first book, I released my debut poetry collection, The Warring Twenties, which tells the story of my quarter-life crisis, my journey leading up to it, and my positive poetic mantras that steer my heart through its murkiest waters.

WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?

CF: When I wrote  Too High To Function, my inspiration was the blatant gap in knowledge surrounding the understanding of autism. The number of times I asked my doctors: “But why does my brain work like this?!” and was met with the same answer of: “Because you’re autistic,” really frustrated me, as the word autism doesn’t explain why. So I embarked upon a research mission that lasted multiple years to dive deep into the neuroscience behind neurodiversity. The knowledge I acquired was far more enlightening than anything I’d ever learned in a medical appointment. Pairing my own personal experiences alongside the neuroscience is what makes my book unique and has enabled me and many others to see ourselves in a whole new light. Offering a safe space of comfort for my readers through my words will always inspire me.

WO:  A previous issue of Write On! explored the theme of ‘Difference.’ Writers have the potential to shape perceptions and influence how differences are understood and appreciated. Do you have a favourite example of a book that has inspired you to look at the world with new eyes, or even an example of how you have tried to build bridges through your own writing, in any genre?

CF: Although not a book, I do have a single poem that has inspired my own perceptions of difference. The Law Concerning Mermaids by Kei Miller was introduced to me by fellow poet, Ashley Edge, at one of their fantastic workshops. It has easily become one of my favourite poems. He delivers his message so eloquently! Having faced my own share of discrimination, it’s incredibly easy to feel anger towards the world’s injustices, but not so easy to peacefully educate others on their behaviour. Never before has a poem hit me so softly yet so powerfully at the same time. There is a great deal of empowerment within fighting war with peace.

WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?

CF: This will sound counterintuitive, but don’t get bogged down in the technicalities of writing (e.g. punctuation, spelling). We tend to think too much about the process of creating, when we should really be doing the creating; i.e. not just thinking about it! As long as you feel whatever it is you’re writing, editing can follow much later on in the process. I wouldn’t even say that intention is the most important thing either, as I’ve often started writing about one subject when my heart has taken me to another by complete accident. In my opinion, the best pieces of writing aren’t planned, they’re felt in the moment. So just write. Worry about the rest later!

WO: Question from Twitter user: @lisalovesbooksx Do you have any poets or poetry books you would recommend to someone new to poetry?

CF: I have so many fabulous recommendations for all the different seasons of the mind, so it’s hard to choose just a couple of favourites. When I attended my first-ever poetry event, Clive Oseman completely changed my view of what I understood poetry to be. I wasn’t long out of school when I discovered him, and had no idea poetry could actually be funny! He’s a surrealist genius and I’d defy anyone not to enjoy his work, even if they’re not that interested in poetry. Another poet who blew me away when I’d just started writing was Jemima Hughes. She’s a complete tour de force of the art form and really inspired me at the beginning of my writing and performance journey.

WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?

CF: All I can say for now is watch this space – I’m only just getting started!

WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?

CF: Tony Harrison (the cockney squid from The Mighty Boosh) because with him around I’d never stop laughing!

You can find out more about Charlotte Faulconbridge via her website: inclusivecreatives.co.uk  and connect with her on Instagram: @charlotterobynf

Too High To Function and The Warring Twenties are available to buy from: inclusivecreatives.co.uk

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Issue 24, featuring John Marrs, will be out on 16 April. You will find it in libraries and other outlets. Alternatively, all current and previous editions can be found on our magazines page here. 

You can hear great new ideas, creative work and writing tips on Write On! Audio. Find us on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Type Pen to Print into your browser and look for our logo, or find us on Podcasters.Spotify.com.

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