10 ways to support the neurospicy writer in your life (or yourself)

Recognize that one size doesn’t fit all, this is especially true for writing advice. So allow yourself the knowledge and the space that maybe only one or two of these ideas will help the individual writer. 

1. Routines -When you have a routine it isn’t just that your body and mind learn that this is what happens, but our family members too (especially furry ones). For example, I find that since I work from home when parents or family visit it is hard and I feel guilty when I’m trying to write or work when they are in the next room, (PS they visit like 1-2 times / month). But when I tell them I am writing/ working from 9-11 we both can observe that, and then they know I’m still making time for them. Making a set time to write can be beneficial. Lena finds that writing early in the morning when she is the only one awake is the most productive writing time. If you are a friend or family member honor this allotted time as you would a work meeting - don't bother them, do your thing or even go run an errand. 

2. “Gentle productivity” - Not every neurospicy person has it in them to write everyday and that is okay. For many writers the practice of writing each day can be for several reasons. However, other people may have a limited number of spoons each day, and if you/they already had a doctor’s appointment, errands, life derailed a bit and you still need to eat - that may have been all you had! So be gentle with yourself and add 10-15 minutes to the next time you write. (Read more about this is in Anna Vaught’s book “Gentle Productivity”.)

3. Deadlines, Challenges and prizes. When routines don’t work we struggle to motivate ourselves. Telling an ADHD person to sit everyday at the same time and write can seem both insulting and laughable. Our motivation and focus comes in fits and starts as we bounce between hypofocus and hyperfocus. Deadlines set by writing contests or self-imposed deadlines that a friend or family member holds you to can be a tremendous motivator. That’s really the only time Lena will write. Tidy up your writing area - I know we hate doing this too. But it is easier to write when you aren’t distracted by the 15 other things you should be doing. 

4. Put your phone in focus mode or use a focus app - that way those dings, messages and distractions etc. don’t bother you. Also put it face down. (I don’t suggest putting it in the other room - unless it has one designated place - or you may not find it again.)

5. (Idea from instagram/ tiktok - adhd –) if its been a week or more since you wrote and you don’t want to sit down and write under that crushing cloud of grey uninspired uncertainty, tell yourself (or your inner writer) it’s write or do a chore they have been putting off or detest but still has to be done… Like you can sit down and write for 15 minutes or you can deep clean the oven or gasket on the washer. (don’t do this all the time? - or all you will do is write and avoid all other things:) 

6. Remember creativity isn’t one size fits all - sometimes creativity and the writing process is daydreaming and imagining your character stirring a potion, (while you make spaghetti). Or if you need to write but are overwhelmed by the state of the world - writing an email/ postcard/ letter (or even calling) your local representatives to convey your opinions and wishes counts. 

7. Change of space - sometimes we get into a rut - so if you are lucky enough to have a writing routine (time and place or goals) but are struggling with creativity - try writing in a new space or in a new format - go from digital to analog (paper and a pen), your kitchen to a coffeeshop.

8. Shift your genre or point of view - Instead of starting from scratch and a completely blank page - try rewriting a previous microfiction story or a passage of your work in progress of up to 500 words. Either change the genre of the scene (eg Romance to Horror) or change the Point of view from 1st to 3rd - or to another character. 

9. Join a writing group either on line or in person. If others hold you accountable to be present for an hour a week, it can help.

10. Get a writing kit from us - with you in mind, our kits arrive with multiple types of sensory inspiration, tactile, visual and sometimes scented or even auditory (playlists). We always have a side quest of some sort for the days when you are trying to keep your routine, but may be out of spoons or just don’t feel creative or productive - try the included puzzle, creative endeavor etc. Then you can try one of the challenges or writing prompts. Motivate yourself to open the included gift once you complete a challenge or writing prompt. Inspire, Motivate, Write, Reward.