Even More Tools for Neurodivergent Writers and Editors
I have a feeling you already know this, but I’m going to say it anyway: Writing is hard. It requires dedication, creativity, passion, resourcefulness, and a whole host of other shiny adjectives, which is why many people don’t get past the idea stage. And when you add in the executive dysfunction often associated with ADHD and some other diagnoses under the umbrella of neurodivergence, finishing a book might feel like an especially daunting feat.
But the good news is that there are some great tools and resources out there to help you manage executive dysfunction and make your writing dreams a reality, so this month, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites. If you haven’t already, be sure to also check out the other lists I’ve compiled with some of the most helpful tools and resources for neurodivergent writers and editors. (And remember — every individual has unique needs for managing these challenges. These tools are not intended to take the place of therapy, medication, or coaching, and none of the information in this post should be construed as medical advice.)
You Need a Budget (YNAB)
Being a creative comes with expenses, whether it’s for supplies, submission fees, publishing costs, or bookish swag. Unfortunately, I’m personally no stranger to the effects of the “ADHD Tax”—impulse buys and forgotten subscriptions that can quickly add up. These unplanned expenses can also cut into your publishing budget or eat away at those royalties you’ve been working for. For me, You Need a Budget (often referred to as YNAB) has been a lifesaver. You can use it on your desktop or in their mobile app, and the idea is to give every dollar that comes into your account a specific job. You can get as granular as you want with your categories and set deadlines so that annual subscriptions and rare expenses don’t sneak up on you. It makes big purchases—like hiring professionals to help you self-publish your book—much easier to save for over time and ensures that you always have a clear picture of where your money is going. When it comes time to file your (actual) taxes, it can also be helpful for identifying relevant business expenses and adjusting your budget going forward.
Gateless Writing
If you’ve struggled with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), as many neurodivergent people do, your inner critic might be extra loud. We all have one, but listening to that voice is not always beneficial to our creativity. In fact, giving too much weight to your inner critic can leave you feeling stuck or hopeless about your creative projects. One way to practice soothing the dysregulation that comes with RSD is through the Gateless Writing method. Drawing on creative neuroscience and Zen principles, this method combines meditation, improvisational writing, and structured, supportive feedback to help turn the volume down on that critical voice and get you writing without the fear of rejection or ridicule. For me, it’s been my go-to strategy for busting through writer’s block and getting myself out of my head and onto the page when I’m overthinking. If you’re interested in trying it out, I have a virtual writing salon coming up on Oct. 16 which is open to writers of all genres for a sliding scale fee.
Notion Templates
I’ll admit that when I first checked out Notion, which bills itself as the ultimate workflow and task management platform, I was immediately intimidated by all the options and potential customizations. But I’ve since discovered that you don’t have to start from scratch! There are free templates available for just about everything you can think of, including some designed with neurodivergent people in mind. A quick search brings up free templates for tracking your energy levels, keeping your budget, to-do list, and TBR in one place, measuring progress toward your goals, and more. There are also tons of templates specifically made for keeping your writing projects organized with word count trackers, character sheets, worldbuilding logs, and all sorts of other helpful tools. By using the templates, you can skip the overwhelm of building out your own structure and jump right into managing all the moving pieces of your writing life.
Yoga with Adriene
When I get hit with task overwhelm or sensory overload, few things help more than moving my body. I’m a huge advocate for getting outside for a mental health walk, especially when your brain feels stuck—you might find that the fresh air and exercise help you move through whatever block you’re experiencing in your writing project. But for those times when you don’t have the capacity to get outside or you need something quick that can be done from the comfort of your own home or office, I highly recommend the free YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene. Adriene has a calm, affirming way of explaining each position, which makes her videos accessible for all levels of experience with yoga. She also tailors her videos to specific benefits you might like to target, such as yoga for nervous system regulation, yoga for brain power, and yoga for concentration and mental focus. She even has a yoga sequence designed to help relieve “text neck,” that hunched position we find ourselves in from too much time staring at our screens (which I’m sure most writers are familiar with). Plus, she has playlists sorting her videos by length, so if all you have time and energy for is a quick five-minute practice, you’ll be able to find a video that works for you.
The Writer’s Helm
When it comes to support on your writing journey, there’s no substitute for community, and The Writer’s Helm is a great example of a neurodivergent-friendly virtual space. Founded by two queer and neurodivergent creatives, this writing group is all about being inclusive and “aggressively supportive.” Members can join three writing sessions per week for helpful body doubling, and some of those are silent sessions where cameras and microphones stay off, meaning you never have to feel pressured to mask. You can also participate in Q&A calls, workshops with industry professionals, intuitive art sessions, a monthly book club, and more. Though access to the cowriting sessions requires a paid membership, it’s free to join The Writer’s Helm’s Discord server, so you can start chatting and get to know the community before deciding if you want to sign up for the full package. And did I mention it’s pirate-themed?
What tools or resources have been the most helpful for you? Reach out and let me know!
P.S. - None of these are affiliate links—just products and resources I was excited to share.
