Amazing Resources for Neurodivergent Writers

My last post highlighted Writing Tips for the Neurodivergent Brain, but what about writing resources and tools? What sorts of “helpers” are out there to help people with not-so-great executive functions get to the end?

What the Heck Is “Executive Function”?

This is the part of the brain that manages tasks, time, focus, and self-control. For most people with any neurodivergence, some part of this is going to be hard.

For example, I have self-control all day long, but sustaining focus and managing details feel like climbing Mount Everest. And every day, I start at the bottom and start climbing again. If I’m tired or ill, it’s even worse. To continue the Mount Everest analogy, on those days, I can’t even remember how to get my rope harness on. Forget climbing.

Another way to look at it…

Crappy executive function is like having a broken internal “manager.” You know what to do, but organizing, starting, or finishing can feel overwhelming, inconsistent, or impossible, even when you want to get things done.

One of the blogs I follow – Creatively ADHD – rocked my world with this quote: “Writers love to say writing is like wrestling alligators. If that’s true, writing with ADHD is like wrestling an alligator with one hand—sometimes both—tied behind your back.”

Although I agree that ADHD can be a creative superpower, that superpower can’t always overcome the snarled-into-knots disorder of a neurodivergent brain.

For a writer, this might look like:

Analysis paralysis: You constantly try to dissect the problem, but never really figure out how to solve it.

Inability to recover from interruptions. My kid has learned that when she sees those two lines in between my eyebrows, I’m in the flow. I will completely lose hold of my forward progress if she interrupts me then. Which of course makes me really crabby.

Boredom leading to tangents. Boredom feels excruciating for the neurodivergent brain. Which means that boredom often leads to *squirrel* tangents.

Sometimes those tangents can lead to good, and sometimes they can lead to evil. One full-of-boring-tasks day, I spent two hours looking at Drew Barrymore’s entire family tree. Another one, I found out that Lucille Ball backed Star Trek after the network turned it down, and ultimately helped it get on the air.

(I used the second tangent in a book for a Trekkie character, so that tangent wasn’t all bad.)

There are other things like hyperfocus, distraction, perfectionism, and doubt in our abilities that can also plague this kind of brain.

It’s a lot to corral.

Neurodivergent Tools Can Help!

There are a lot of great tools and resources to help corral a busy brain. I’ve gathered some of my favorites below, in case they can help you too.

Tools & Tech that Help Neurodivergent Writers

Sometimes, the best tool is one that helps you stay on task. I’ve tried all sorts, as you’ll see below.

1. Writing Software with Minimal Distractions

If distractions are getting the best of you, try some of these.

• FocusWriter (free): Full-screen, customizable writing environment.
• Scrivener: Great for organizing nonlinear thoughts, scenes, and research (but has a learning curve).
• FocusMate is another one I’ve tried. You can co-work with total strangers if you want.

2. Timers & Focus Aids

• The later versions of Windows have their own focus/timer tool if you click on the clock in the bottom right corner of the taskbar.
• Forest app: Pomodoro timers with visual aids, typically 25 minutes.
• My own kitchen timer has been a magic productivity tool. (ProTip: Go digital so the ticking doesn’t drive you nuts.)

3. Note Capture for Fast Minds

• Otter.ai: The free version will let you record for 5 minutes at a time. Plus, you can easily move between the app on your phone and your computer.
• Evernote and OneNote are aces for keeping notes that are searchable.
• I’m a huge fan of keeping a mini-recorder on your person at all times for quick recording.
• In a pinch, I text myself, but this is a last resort because it’s too slow.

Productivity Strategies Designed for ADHD Brains

I stumbled across many of these during my days with NaNoWriMo. I’ve had to go get the official terms for some of them, but every one of them helped my productivity skyrocket.

1. Body Doubling. This just means write with a friend. I like to do Zoom writing sprints. Many authors co-work on Discord.

2. Use Timed Sprints + Rewards. There are some tricks to this. Start with a short sprint – anything from 20 to 40 minutes. Follow with some small dopamine reward that works for you. Could be snacks, dancing, or a quick brainstorming session if you’re stuck.

3. Set Tiny Goals with Fast Wins. I’ve talked about this before. The smaller you can chop up your goals, the better.

Note: Don’t go big, like write chapter 3. Go tiny like, write conversation between [character names] to accomplish [fill in the blank].

4. Externalize Everything. Visual cues help busy brains stay on task. Sticky notes, dry-erase boards, or storyboards help get the ideas out of your head AND help you focus on only that one idea.

Supportive Communities

If you want to hang out with people who get you, and who have great tips…

• Writers with ADHD on Facebook
• Neurodivergent Writers & Artists Discord (active, inclusive)

Great Blogs

I’ve gotten some amazing tips and insight here:

• Rebecca Makkai has a great Writing With ADHD Substack
• I also like Creatively ADHD on Substack, especially this post
• Passionate Writer Coaching has great resources for ADHD writers.

Books & Guides

These books are both on my TBR list, and were recommendations from a therapist pal. (affiliate links)

• Your Brain’s Not Broken by Tamara Rosier – Insights on motivation and energy for ADHD minds.
• Refuse to Be Done by Matt Bell. I’m super excited about this one. Its subtitle is “how to be done in 3 drafts.” (Yes, please!) It’s supposed to be excellent for nonlinear writers, and has a kind, persistent tone.

Bonus Productivity Tips from ADHD Writers!

Every single one of these made me happy.

• “Write during the dopamine window – whatever time of day you’re weirdly energized.” – @ADHD_Alien (Pina Varnel)
• “Make writing into a game: Word count bingo. Scene roulette. Anything to keep it fun.” –Reddit: r/adhdwriters
• “Let yourself write out of order. Your brain isn’t broken, it’s nonlinear. Embrace it.” – Jessica McCabe, How to ADHD
• “Progress over perfection. Finish messy, edit later.” – Dana Rayburn, ADHD Coach
• “If you keep forgetting your ideas, text them to yourself. Future-you will thank past-you.” –  @neurospicywords (X)

A Few Final Notes

When I realized (and accepted) that my brain was different, I was able to stop beating myself up for taking a different path to The End. “The way all my friends did it” just didn’t work for me. But I still wanted to get my work done.

Here are the top changes that made the biggest difference in my productivity:

1. Break down tasks: I recommend you divide large writing projects into small chunks. It reduces overwhelm and increases progress.
2. Utilize visual aids: Whiteboards have been a game-changer. Also, index cards with story questions on my bathroom mirror. You might use something else.
3. A dedicated writing environment: I didn’t have this for a long time, but I’m seeing that I’m more productive. In a perfect world I have two spaces – changing locations sparks creativity for me.
4. Regular exercise: Science-y reason…physical activity boosts dopamine and norepinephrine. My reason…it improves my ability to focus for longer periods of time.
5. Find your highest focus times: Work during periods of natural focus, whether in short bursts or longer sessions. My highest focus tasks happen right after the first cup of coffee and late at night. It’s so freeing to find out when your highest focus times are and lean into them.
6. Prioritize self-compassion: Knowledge is power. Recognizing and being compassionate about the challenges associated with a neurodivergent brain is sometimes most of the battle. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding and enjoy your unusual brain.

I hope some of these tools and resources help you on your writing journey. If you have found other fabulous ones, please do share them with us in the comments.

Happy writing!

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