[04.29]

Tips for Writing with ADHD

I don't typically do things like this but here we are, these are just some things I've picked up along the way that may or may not help

Split up your chapter or document

The most I'm able to handle is about 1-2k wc per page before I start getting overwhelmed/unable to process half of what I'm reading & writing so this one's the most helpful IMO. I separate subjects into individual documents so I can somewhat stay on track and that way I'm not trying to filter through the beginning/middle/end all at once.

Words & sentence structures

If you can't remember a specific word/structure the sentence the way you're intending; first of all moniter your time but if you can't get it right just underline and move on with your doc. You can always come back later vs getting sucked into a time void without progress.

Where to start

If writing from beginning to end isn't working, start at the most interesting point of your doc and work from there. My chapters end up like connect the dots but it keeps me engaged overall.

References

(This one may do more harm than good for some people so bare that in mind.)

If your thoughts start to wander too much/your having issues getting words down/your under stimulated, pick up a book for a few minutes. This generally helps me get back on track with focus & refreshes my memory on sentence structures/formatting/ect. If your having problems paying attention to that as well then it's best to take a break for a bit.

Timers

This one's important, especially when editing. Set timers, more so if you feel like you're getting stuck. It's easy to lose track of actual hours so i set them for around every 15-20 minutes while editing so if I'm not making progress with one area I know to move on and save it for later.

Get it down immediately

Google docs, notes app, even texting it to yourself just get the idea out before it's gone, even if it's just a few words.

Text to speech

If you can't follow along with your own writing/ reading it aloud isn't helping or if you're just looking for errors, copy and paste you doc into a text to speech site.

BGM

Background music can be helpful especially if it's noisy where you're writing. I aim for music without words so it doesn't end up overly engaging so, classical, music boxes, instrumentals and the like.

Minimize distractions

Set aside a specific time period you plan to write and turn off all notifications on your phone / minimize all possible distractions.

Okie-dokie lastly make sure you're taking breaks if you feel like you're getting too overwhelmed, it'll do more harm than anything if you don't. I hope some part of this was helpful & good luck! ♡

Your story doesn't "have a message;" your story IS a message. The narrative and characters and setting and dialogue are just determining whether or not you delivered that message well.

me writing the worst paragraph of my life knowing that a sexier, more hydrated version of me will fix it later

STOP BEING SELF CONSCIOUS ABOUT YOUR CREATIONS STOP SECOND GUESSING WHAT YOU REALLY WANNA DO STOP DEBATING IT'S WORTH. LET YOUR ART SERVE YOU INSTEAD OF THE OTHER WAY AROUND

discipline is self care

self care isn't just face masks and bubble baths, it's also doing your assignment in advance so you won't pull an all nighter before the deadline, cooking at home instead of ordering out; discipline is an act of self love and care

Isn't it odd how much fatter a book gets when you've read it several times? As if something were left between the pages every time you read it. Feelings, thoughts, sounds, smells... and then, when you look at the book again many years later, you find yourself there too.. a slightly younger self, slightly different, as if the book had preserved you like a pressed flower... both strange and familiar.

- Cornelia Funke, The Inkheart

something pretty to remind you that there is still pretty out there

i love being mysterious and not telling anyone about important stuff that might be happening until it's a done deal i feel sneaky lmao