Why should you work with a neurodivergent writing mentor? 

I understand what it's like to be a neurodivergent writer who has All The Ideas but is having issues in starting or executing them, and actually getting to a finished draft or project.
I understand the frustration involved. Sometimes it’s because of task management and initiation for us – we just can’t get started. We do the less important thing first, or “inexplicably” spend an hour sitting on the bed after a shower instead of getting to our desks.

The way our brains are wired, we're not always able to start things in the same way that other people do, even if we are eager to write, desperate to get our thoughts onto the page, and remember to take our meds.

There are ways that our brains can get kick-started, usually that's by making something fun, interesting, competitive or deadline-based, or a combination of those techniques. Sometimes you're able to use those tools by yourself in order to create enough motivation and momentum to get started. For the other times, that’s when I can help.

Tactics and tools for neurodivergent writers

In our first session, I’ll ask you what your objectives are, then we decide together how you can actually achieve that goal. We discuss what's getting in the way, and come up with strategies for you that will help you get to the finish line. Sometimes what you need is simply somebody sitting there with you, online, via Zoom, so that it feels like there's somebody in your
corner. Perhaps you need some gamification or rewards - I will very happily award you gold stickers, or sweary stickers, if that's what you need!

I can offer lots of different approaches we can try, from deadlines, to countdown timers, rewards and accountability. Often if you feel like you've got an appointment with me at 9:00am, that might be the thing that's more likely to get you to your desk and get you writing.

Why is it important for neurodivergent writers to establish a regular writing practice?

Committing to a writing practice is really important and rewarding, but like running or writing or tidying or eating vegetables before they disintegrate, it can be tough. Sure, we all love the dopamine hit that comes after doing these things, but getting there isn’t always simple.

Let me help you get off the starting blocks. It’s completely acceptable that you need some support at the beginning, and that’s also how I work as a mentor: I’m committed to fostering a safe and compassionate space for you to grow. There is zero shame here about how or where you work. Especially, if you're late diagnosed, you've probably had a lifetime of shame already, and it doesn’t produce good work or encourage you to develop a creative practice. But I encourage you to just do the work. Please that’s the important thing - The world is waiting to hear your story.

 How to work with me

I offer "book doubling" sessions over Zoom.

If you need help to form your idea, we can spend a Catalyst session discussing your project, and making a plan of action.

When you're stuck, have a niggle or stuck on something that's stopping you from progressing. Whatever it is, that's when it's time for a Midpoint session, these can be booked as multiple sessions. It's great when you have another writing cohort or buddy to talk to, because sometimes another perspective (me) or verbally processing an idea (you) unlocks the idea and lets you get back to writing.

Occasionally you may need more accountability and more attention, especially if a deadline is looming; So I offer the Resolution package of four sessions, incredibly helpful to get you over the line. We can discuss the frequency - some people need weekly check-ins, or it could even be daily, to really get your motivation buzzing again.

You can book your first session via the website, and move on to a package if you’d like after that. If you have an Access to Work award, then email us via our contact form and we can discuss how to set up the invoicing so that it works for you.

Looking forward to hearing your story!