How I Manage Writing With Combined ADHD
In 2024, I was diagnosed with combined ADHD. It’s something I was hesitant to share, as I didn’t want to face any judgement or misconceptions. However, given that one of my business values is transparency, it felt important to be open.
The diagnosis was a game-changer and made me realise things about myself I had always struggled to fully understand.
Now, I want to share how my ADHD impacts my writing and how I account for it. Hopefully, you will be able to take something away from this.
#1 Giving myself flexibility
The most important thing for my ADHD when writing, is making sure I’m being flexible. For me, writing is about freedom — especially when it comes to the drafting process.
I avoid over planning my books because that takes away the fun and novelty of the idea.
I have flexibility in my writing schedule. Twice a week I write with my writing group, but outside that I write whenever I feel like it.
I let myself focus on the WIPs that feel strongest and easiest to write.
I know that I am most motivated to write in the evenings, so this is when I try to dedicate time to my book. That means completing all the day’s tasks beforehand.
#2 Finding what works
Finding what works for an ADHD writer is so important. Having tools and systems in place can be a great way to help us stay focused.
I know that I will work best in revisions if I have a deadline to meet. I don’t enjoy revising, and having a completion date helps keep me accountable.
In 2018, I switched from Word to Scrivener, and Scrivener has been amazing. The total organisational control and flexibility of the platform makes everything about writing and revising so much easier for me.
Because I’ve been writing for so long, I know when a story isn’t working. I know it’s best not to force it, so when I hit a wall, I take a break from the book.
In 2022 I worked with a critique partner for the first time and found the experience invaluable. Allowing myself to send an imperfect first draft to someone really helped me get over my perfectionism tendencies.
#3 Being kind to myself
The biggest thing for an ADHD writer to remember is to be kind to yourself. Writing is hard, so don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
I used to be a chronic comparer. I used to worry about people saying my stories were similar to something else. Now, I remind myself that similarities can be good.
Because my day job requires reading and looking at screens, I don’t put pressure on myself to write. Sometimes, my head is too full at the end of the day that my own creative well feels empty.
I don’t set drafting goals because I know that will make me stressed. I write until I no longer feel like I can. That might be 1,000 words or 2 sentences. Words are words.
Motivation and interest can be fickle when you have ADHD. I used to believe in seeing everything through and sticking to it, but now I just ride the waves.
Whether you have a neurodivergence or not, writing is still hard work. I hope this has a been a helpful reminder to give yourself grace and enjoy it for what it is.
Although ADHD is a part of my life, it doesn’t define me and it doesn’t impact my ability to write books or to edit them. I just know that I sometimes need to do things differently to how other people do things.
