INTRODUCTION:

Hello, lovelies! In today’s corner, we are discussing how to complete a writing project—specifically a manuscript, novel, whatever you are working on—if you are neurodivergent.

What does it mean to be neurodivergent? 

This word is used to describe someone whose brain processes information differently, and those with behavioral traits that would also be considered “not the norm”. This could include folks on the autism spectrum, those who have ADHD, and other various learning disabilities. However, this is more like an umbrella, encompassing many folks with different needs.

Think of it as folks who are your “typical” learners and folks who are “atypical”. I like to think of it as kids who can sit in a classroom and learn directly from listening to instructions versus kids who need to run around and touch and feel in order to learn. 

I have undiagnosed ADHD. I’ve had it all my life and didn’t have a name for it until I was nearing my thirties, and now my life makes sense. (Plus, I see it in my kids.)

Personal Examples:

If you’re questioning if you fall in this category–not that categories are bad–let me know if you can relate to these personal examples:

• You feel like you don’t fit in at school and/or work
• You struggle in school, especially in subjects that are supposed to be easy
• You constantly need movement or distractions
• You go from one unfinished task to another, but you eventually complete them all
• You are either extremely organized or extremely messy
• You are a perfectionist
• You hyperfixate on things, such as what you could have said better in an earlier conversation
• Your brain feels like it’s always on the go etc.

Don’t worry, if you’re like me and you check off most of the things on this list, nothing is wrong with you. You and I just process information more differently, our brains are wired differently. And hey, diversity makes the world a better place. I mean, do you want to be the person who works what feels like a robotic job and hates it? Or would you rather be the person who challenges themselves to be better than they were yesterday and the person next to them?

I challenge you to be the latter.

Going back to our topic: How can someone who cannot focus nor learn like your “typical” group of individuals complete a writing project?

Here are 8 techniques to help you start and finish your manuscript, if you are neurodivergent:

Watch the video here:

8 TECHNIQUES FOR THE NEURODIVERGENT WRITER:

1. Make a do-to list  List the things you need to accomplish today, and tackle them one by one, starting with the task that is going to take the longest. Once you finish the hardest task, the other ones will feel like a reward.  Physically check off the items you have completed, (you can use this planner) and then reward yourself in the end. You could have a lollipop, a movie, or a nap, you name your reward. (For me, it’s having my husband grab dinner. )

2. Get Moving If your writing task is to write for one hour, give yourself a break in between by getting up to stretch or chatting with a friend, pet, or partner. Movement gives your brain a break, so you are ready and refreshed when you return to writing. Other ways to incorporate movement is by changing the scenery. If you have an office in the house, take your writing to the dining table; go write in the car; write in bed; go write outside, or go to the coffee shop.  Your brain will thank you.

3. Listen to Music or Other I admit, I can’t work in an extremely quiet environment. My brain starts creating noise, which is distracting. So I need music, a podcast, or an audiobook in order to keep writing. Heck, even the noise from outside the window is good enough for me.  Therefore, incorporate noise into your writing space. White noise machines, or fans, work great too.

4. Body-Double Body-doubling is when you have someone else present while you work on a task. Having someone else around motivates you to keep going, and you can both keep each other accountable.   You can do this by grabbing a friend or family, having a writing group (in person or online); going to the coffee shop or going to the library. You don’t necessarily need someone you know to help you remain writing, but it helps to have others working around you because you’ll stay motivated just from being surrounded by their own progress.

5. Work on Multiple Projects This is something I have always done as a writer. I can’t stick to one project. My brain comes up with multiple story ideas, scenarios, blog posts, and so on. And I write whichever one is the most interesting at the time. I also learned that James Patterson does this to alleviate writer’s block. I couldn’t agree better. If you find yourself struggling to start or finish your current writing piece, switch to a different one. Who knows? –The next one may be the draft you finish first.

6. Create an Outline Whether you’re a pantser or a plotter, having an outline will keep you accountable and ensure that you complete what you set out to write. This outline can be as simple as filling out a plot diagram, making a list of events, or creating a beat sheet. (I won’t go into detail on how to create all three of these outlines, instead, you can learn more here.) Again, an outline is to help you complete what you have set out to do.

7. Set a Timer Another way to hold yourself accountable is to set a timer. If you want to write for the next 15 minutes–set a timer; if you want to write for one hour–set a timer.  Having a timer eliminates any guessing with the time and also forces you to put something down on paper before the time runs out. This is also a great way to start a writing prompt. And if you find you need more time, then keep writing.

8. Give Yourself a Smaller Writing Challenge If completing a full novel sounds too daunting, then give yourself a smaller writing challenge. Try a novella, short story, flash fiction, or writing prompt instead. Completing these smaller projects will still make you feel highly accomplished in the end. Personally, this is how I recently completed two novellas. It started as a writing challenge! See the video here for that challenge. Trust me, it’s extremely satisfying to know that I have two published book and the third installment in progress. My books are available on Amazon and Kobo.

CONCLUSION:

In short, those of us who are neurodivergent struggle to write consistently and finish a project. To keep yourself motivated and ensure you start and finish your writing project, try these 8 techniques. And if you have other techniques that work for you, share them in the comment box.

Good luck! Have fun reading and writing!

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Resources Mentioned: