Writers’ Toolkit Returns …
… And it’s for anyone who needs a little help to develop the skills and mindset to be a more productive writer.
By Amanda Marples
I’m often asked, “Is all your stuff for neurodivergent writers?” And the answer is yes … but neurotypical writers too! Everyone can benefit from learning new strategies for managing rejection sensitivity or carrying out effective research, regardless of how their brain is wired!
I offer guidance and wisdom on all the things that are commonly challenging for ND people, such as procrastination, rejection sensitivity, overwhelm, executive function problems and so on, but all humans struggle with these issues from time to time, and more frequently during times of stress, change, or ill health.
With that in mind, if you have ever wondered if there is a better way to manage your research, or have a number of abandoned novels lurking on your hard drive, then you would be more than welcome at my sessions. I won’t be checking your health records at the door, so there really is no need to worry about being diagnosed. You are not required to share any information about yourself at all, in fact, unless you want to. The only requirement to attend is a desire to know more about how to tackle these common areas of difficulty.
If you are neurodivergent, or think you might be, rest assured that my content and delivery is pitched to speak to those of us who are struggling to implement conventional writer wisdom such as “get organised” or “grow a thick skin”. I’ve been to those workshops and know the feeling of despair that ensues. You won’t get that here.
Starting on Sunday 22nd June, my upcoming series of sessions will cover:
Reading skills - why you’ve read the same line fifteen times and what to do about it
Trauma - how to harness your experiences, and how to use writing to aid healing
Research skills - how to focus and direct your ideas not disappear down a rabbit hole never to be seen again
Writing to the end - how to manage boredom, overwhelm, the sticky bit in the middle where you aren’t sure what happens next…and keep going.
In my sessions, you can expect evidence-based information about why you might be finding some of this stuff hard, followed by techniques and strategies to manage it. I love people to ask questions and share experiences so expect lively conversation and laughter in a contained and safe space. There might be one or two tangents and side-quests along the way (of course; I have ADHD myself!), but you will leave the session with some new tools to try and a renewed sense of hope.
This is why it matters:
I spent many years in frustrated hopelessness about my writing. Years and years. I don’t want that for anyone else. There are solutions to these barriers, and if I can share what I’ve learned with others and increase the representation of neurodivergent voices in the industry, then my work here is done.
Can’t wait to see you there!
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Amanda Marples is a writer, mental health social worker and academic mentor. Learn more about her and what she does by visiting her website. Email all your questions (the sillier the better) to amanda@reconcilecreative.com and follow her on Instagram @reconcilecreative