If you’ve ever told yourself you’re lazy, undisciplined, or just “bad at finishing,” this episode might reframe everything.

In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I talk with book coach and editor Nicole Ross about how ADHD impacts a writer’s mindset, motivation, and process—especially for those diagnosed later in life. We unpack the shame spiral so many writers fall into, why traditional writing advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how diagnosis can open the door to self-compassion and smarter systems.

We also talk about her book A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers (co-written with Kirsten Donaghey), including practical tools for overcoming paralysis, managing shiny object syndrome, and using outlines to reduce overwhelm and actually finish.

If you’ve struggled with consistency or focus, this one is equal parts strategy and permission to be kinder to yourself.

Timestamps
 00:00 The Writing Advice Shame Spiral
 01:41 Meet Nicole + Her Book
 05:46 Late ADHD Diagnosis + Mindset Shift
 13:51 Building Better Writing Systems
 17:03 ADHD Creative Strengths
 27:14 Motivation + Shiny Object Syndrome
 32:02 Why Outlines Help
 37:35 Paralysis vs. Procrastination
 41:12 Final Encouragement

You can learn more about Nicole and her work here:

🌐 Writing: https://nicolebross.com
🌐 Book Coaching: https://manuscriptalchemy.com

The Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers is available wherever books are sold. 

Links mentioned:  

When Your Brain is the Enemy: Life as a Writer with ADHD by Nicole Bross

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