An epistolary novel of dueling neurodivergences

To escape a Groundhog Day-style life in Hell
would you risk what you’ve always wanted most?

“In this remarkable narrative, Darien Simon uncompromisingly explores the tangled dynamics of trauma, resilience, and human connection. Her candid reflections—part diary, part personal letters—offer a rare, intimate view into the complexities of healing after deep wounds. What moved me most is the blend of fierce honesty with genuine empathy, illuminating how misunderstandings, unspoken expectations, and missed signals can derail even our most vital relationships.  Things I wish I’d Said is an inspiring work of the courage it takes to start again.” – Antonieta Contreras, Psychotherapist and author of “Traumatization and Its Aftermath” and “How Deep Is the Wound?: A Guide to Investigating, Understanding, and Resolving Your Emotional Pain.”

When del, fear-baffled by CPTSD from nearly fatal child abuse, and desperate to heal, meets Sam, an autistic man reliant on algorithms to navigate communication and relationships, their different neurodivergences could combine helpfully or lead to irreconcilable differences.

Whether their dueling neurodivergences are helpful or hurtful will depend on how those interact as del and Sam face the challenges of:

Healing from childhood abuse,
Finding a way to synergize and capitalize on their neurodivergent strengths,
Communicating effectively,
Building a genuine understanding of each other, and forging a durable relationship.

Navigating these challenges, against a backdrop of Covid, resurging misogyny, and rising authoritarianism – which mirror, on a global scale, del’s childhood abuse experience – will impact del and Sam differently. Will that make them stronger together or are there unknown unknowns that can defeat them?

Publication news:

UPDATE: a full color paperback print edition is forthcoming late in March along with an epub. With the change of source, both should be available through Indie and main stream book stores, as well as libraries.

Audiobook (date TBC)