Writing is hard. It’s even harder when your brain doesn’t work like everyone else’s.
Writing While Weird
When I first started reaching out in writer spaces to share my work and meet other authors, I was pretty nervous. I’m not good at new people. I talk too much or not enough and the words “don’t be weird” play on a loop in the back of my mind. Imagine my delight when I discovered most authors are just as awkward and uncertain as I am. And the research backs it up. There’s a strong correlation between neurodiversity and creativity. It’s kind of a kick in the pants that the same genetic quirk filling my mind with endless ideas is also actively sabotaging my attempts to carry those ideas to completion. So, if you’re a neurospicy bean like me, gather around the campfire and listen to my hardwon words of wisdom. Maybe it’ll make your writing journey a little easier.
- Let go of the “right way” to do things.
Quick, raise your hand if you’ve ever heard some variation of the phrase “if you just applied yourself?” I know I have. When your brain works differently, you learn early on that you’re doing everything wrong. You solve your math problems wrong, you follow the directions wrong, you sit on the carpet at school wrong. It makes sense that you want to make sure you’re writing the “right” way. But here’s the secret: there is no right way.
Writing is thinking and if you don’t think like anyone else, why would you write like anyone else? Are you a fly by the seat of your pantser, writing without the safety net of an outline and skipping ahead to write that cool ending before you even started the intro? Or are you meticulously plotting out every character beat on a color coded excel sheet? Guess what? Either way, you’re doing it right. Use whatever method helps you get words on the page. That’s all that really matters in the end.
- Writer, known thy self.
Whatever your particular flavor of neurospicy, it behooves you to learn about it. Knowledge is power. The power to know your particular challenges and plan around them. The power to forgive yourself for things beyond your control. The power to hone in on your strengths and exploit them to your advantage. You should get information from a doctor or mental health professional if you can, but if you are self diagnosed or struggle to access mental health care, the internet offers a bounty of information. Do your due diligence and seek out reputable resources. I am a big fan of the youtube channel How to ADHD and the ever excellent Diploma Duck.
And because no two people are exactly alike, even if they share a similar brain chemistry, learn to observe and identify your own specific strengths and challenges. When you find yourself in the writing zone, cranking out words like crazy, take note of the environmental factors. What time of day is it? Where are you working? What’s the noise level like? What about the lighting? What were you doing in the hour before you began writing? If you’re able, ask friends and family to share their observations of when you’re in your “flow state.” Use this information to help recreate the ideal conditions for you to write. And if you’re ADHD like me, be prepared for those conditions to change from time to time. What worked three years ago might not work now, so reassess and update your notes.
- It’s your nervous system, dummy.
It’s me. I’m the dummy. See, I made the mistake of falling for a pernicious myth that exists in some corners of the literary world. This myth suggests that serious authors are the ones who pound out a set word count every day, diligently putting in the hours to hone their craft, writing no matter what life throws their way. Those other authors, the ones waiting for inspiration to strike? Who don’t write unless they’re in the mood? Wastrels. Flibbertigibbets. Amateurs.
I hadn’t learned rule number one yet.
The truth is, when I go days or even weeks without writing, it’s not because I’m draped over a chaise lounge waiting for the muse to press my cheek to her bosom and softly whisper words of inspiration. It’s because my nervous system is dysregulated. And, if you were paying attention to rule number 2, there are ways to fix that.
Just like you can’t squeeze blood from the proverbial stone, you can’t force creativity out of a mind that is in distress. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing up your writing spot or going for a walk in the sunshine. But sometimes, especially during those days when the world around you is falling apart and stress is spiking in your brain, it’s about waiting. Giving yourself space and grace. You’re not being lazy or uncommitted to your craft. You are letting your brain heal.
- Make friends with the weird kids.
You wrote those words all alone, but they don’t really live until someone else reads them. Writing is largely a solo act of creativity, but it’s still a team sport. You need beta readers and critique partners and friends who understand when you say your characters hijacked your manuscript and took it in a new direction. And the more writer friends you make who suffer from the same fumbles and follies you do, the easier it is to silence those voices telling you that you’re an amateur who’s doing it wrong.
Remember, the research shows that neurodiversity and creativity go hand in awkward, sweaty hand. Don’t let the voices in your head saying “don’t be weird” convince you that you’re alone. Your tribe is out here and we’re waiting for you.
