#adhd writing

#1. Brainstorm and outline visually

Use mind maps, concept charts, digital whiteboards, and calendars! Mapping story elements visually helps manage "whirlwind" ideas. You can use tools like Scrintal or Mindomo. :)

Me? I use a giant whiteboard in my office. It helps a LOT.

Sometimes, in my writing, even I have found it hard to tell when someone is interjecting themselves into my written conversations without highlighting the words in a designated color. So I'm trying the more script like writing style... I suppose I'm looking for feedback on whether or not this is a welcomed change.

Below are spoilers for Fairytale Affair:

I'm feeling very satisfied right now. Proud of myself for reaching my goal. My brain is very much like "Good job, take 5, take a nap, drink some water." Which is probably good, but I'm always slightly worried my hyperfixation is going to leave. I've abandoned projects for less than this, but I know myself well enough now to know what's really going on: I'm going to have to organize all my notes for the new subplots, map out the next few chapters, find the next "happy point" I want to reach in the story.

Basically, starting a "new project" within the current existing project, and my brain is like, "That sounds like work, I don't wanna do that rn."

And honestly, this next arc is probably going to be quite fun to write, because I get to play with the social aspects of it now, the part I lovingly call my Rumor Arc. And I already have an idea of what I want to do with the next few chapters anyway. I just have to map out my beats, and then I'll be back at it again by next week.

vs

I feel like one of the main reasons I love it is the way it’s written. It makes it feel more…impactful? More emotion I guess. Or makes the emotions Peri feels easier to understand. I can’t describe it well but it’s very good. Your writing is very good. That with the names of the chapters being silly while the fic is pure angst it great. It kinda makes me wanna read more angst that’s long and emotional.

keep up the good work bro the fic is so good ahhhhhh!!!!!!

I’m so greatful people enjoy my writing.

I honestly wasn’t sure if anyone would bc there wasn’t much angst in the fandom, but also I thought people might because there wasn’t enough angst in the fandom, ya know?

But also because I have a bit of a unique writing style. I write in a way that feels right for me.

No rules.

I allow myself to format the way I want, and word things the way I want without worrying about what I’m “supposed to do”

I write like poetry in a way, it’s fun and allows me to express myself more. I focus on what I want to focus on. If something feels boring to write, It’s probably boring to read, so I rather leave it out or write it from a different angle.

I think I’ve said this before in an AO3 comment reply, but I think a lot of my writing style has to do with the fact that I have ADHD. I struggle with focus a lot unless it’s something I’m really interested in, but even then I get distracted and procrastinate. I’ve learned a few tricks around this that helps, and it affects my writing style a lot.

-I have more spaces between lines so it doesn’t look too overwhelming.

-“if something is boring to write, it is boring to read” thinking

-focus on the good parts

-Always keep in mind what your readers came here for.

-keep things snappy and to the point (don’t go overboard with describing unimportant details)

In a way, I guess you could say I’ve created an “ADHD friendly work” idk if that’s already a thing, if it is, I haven’t seen it and want to see it.

I kind of wish there was more works that were like mine. I struggle a lot with reading books. I only really read fanfics because those are the only things that can keep my interest without me zoning out or getting frustrated that I couldn’t process what I just read or I get lost in meaningless words.

I guess I really just write what I want to read. I hope I can inspire others so that I can also read what I want to read.

Put the mouse somewhere you can't reach it.

So I've been having trouble recently finding a good way to write consistently. It's difficult for me to stick to schedules and routines. Then I came up with a quick and simple way to reward myself for writing. Behold!

The "Word Count Jar"!

Essentially, for every word I write, I "earn" a penny. It moves from the big change jar to the small one. And I can use the money I "earn" to reward myself with treats, new fidgets, and whatever I want! The idea is instant gratification that actually gets stuff done. Plus, it feels good to put money in the jar. It's a physical representation that work is getting done. (And if you like the clink, it's even better)