What Being an Author (With ADHD) Has Taught Me

When I first decided to write a book, I imagined it would mostly involve me curled up with a cup of tea and a laptop, pouring out words with the occasional sigh of deep literary thought as I stared out the window.

Spoiler alert: it’s not quite like that.

What I have learned as a self-published mental health author (who also happens to have ADHD) is that the journey is beautifully chaotic, super fulfilling—and often full of accidental snacks (snacksidents, if you will), forgotten tasks, and side-quests.

Writing With ADHD: A Non-Linear Love Story

It seems sensible to start with the writing part. You’d think, as an author, the main event would be writing. And it is… eventually. But here's the truth: I don’t write every day. I can’t write every day. And I don’t even try to anymore.

With ADHD, my creative process looks a lot less like a straight road and a lot more like a series of colourful post-it notes whirling around inside a tumble-dryer.

I’m learning to accept that waiting for the “writing mood” to strike isn’t laziness—it’s how I work best. For me, inspiration and motivation come in waves, and when it hits, I ride it like I’m on a surfboard. There are days I literally write thousands of words in one sitting over the course of 10 hours of hyperfocus, and others where I open my laptop, stare at a blinking cursor, and decide it’s the perfect time to organise my tea collection (of which I have a huge collection).

Plan? What Plan?

Another thing I’ve learned is that I don’t plan my books at the start. I just start writing and see where it goes.

I might write a scene that ends up in the middle of the book, or jot down ideas that don’t find their place until I’m on my fifth book idea. My first drafts are often a collection of emotional vignettes and scattered thoughts, all stitched together with blind hope and a tonne of caffeine.

It’s messy. It’s intuitive. It’s very me, and somehow, it works.

Eventually, a shape begins to form out of the messy clay. Themes emerge, characters show themselves. That’s when I can start structuring—and honestly, it feels a bit like discovering a fossil in a block of marble. I didn’t know it was there, but I chipped away long enough to find it. I’ve just realised my 6th book idea from post-it notes I found the other day with scenes and random ideas for characters on them. A very loose plot is now beginning to emerge to string together the gems of the sticky-notes. That’s just how I work.

Wearing All the Hats

Being a self-published author means doing everything. Writing the book is only the beginning.

I’m also:

• My own promotion team

• A social media manager (who may not be entirely consistent)

• My own editor, at least in rounds one and two

• An accountant

There are days when I feel like I’ve cracked the code. Other days, I look at my to-do list and wonder if maybe I should have just taken the blue pill instead (I’m a geek, it’s a Matrix reference).

The Heart of It All

Here’s the thing: every chaotic, overwhelming part of this process is worth it for the pride and joy I feel. Especially as someone writing about mental health, I’ve learned that my own mental landscape is not a hindrance—it’s part of the magic.

ADHD doesn’t make me a worse writer. It makes me a different kind of writer, and my process makes so much sense to me now. I feel deeply. I think in tangents. And I try to bring that same compassion, messiness, and hope into everything I write.

If you’re a fellow self-published author—or an aspiring one—please know that there is no “right” way to do this. Whether you’re neurodivergent, chronically disorganised, or just trying to figure it out as you go, you’re not alone. You are doing better than you think.

And if all else fails? Have a nap. You’re the boss, remember?

Let’s Stay Connected

If this post resonated with you, I’d love to connect over on Instagram! I share snippets of my writing life, books I’ve read, and sometimes quite random things. You can find me @LauraRoseAuthor

Also, if you're curious about my books, I’ve published two titles that are close to my heart, and both are available now on Amazon. Whether you’re looking for something that feels like a warm hug or a gentle reminder that you’re not alone, they’re there for you. You can find them on Amazon and KU.