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This blog is for neurodivergent writers. The aim is to highlight the benefits of being neurodivergent when it comes to the way we write and what we write.

Disclaimer: I am 1) neurodivergent, 2) a writer, and 3) a professional editor. While the content of this blog reflects the views and experiences of some neurodivergent writers including myself, I am sure it does not reflect the views or experiences of all neurodivergent writers.

1. How neurodivergent writers are different

Every person in the world has their own different way of thinking, their own original thoughts and own way of storytelling or story-showing.

Neurodivergent people, including writers, are different to the “norm” (whatever that is). Neurodivergent people may be particularly “artistic”, “highly strung”, and have more “out of the box-thinking” than the average person. My view – but you are welcome to correct me if I’m wrong – is that neurodivergent people who are reasonably well supported are more likely than neurotypical people to be artists of some sort – visual artists, writers, performers and so on.

In my view, neurodivergent people who are given the support or freedom they need to be themselves and focus on their chosen art-form have the potential to produce far more amazing and original creations than neurotypical people.

2. Neurodivergent traits that are helpful for writing

The below traits, common to many neurodivergent  people, are helpful when it comes to writing and self-editing. Most neurodivergent writers will have some of these traits. Some neurotypical writers will have all of these traits. But some neurodivergent writers may not have any of these traits.

• We view things a little (or a lot) differently – see them from a different angle
• We may have excellent hyperfocus that allows us to “deep dive” into a creative cone of silence while working on anything interesting; this enables us to work uninterrupted regardless of what is happening in the real world
• We may focus almost solely on our current writing project 24/7 – even when we are not actually writing we are thinking about our writing project. This means we are quite busy in our heads, and don’t have much interest in the more  boring aspects of life (such as the need to buy food, clean the house, do the laundry etc)
• We may see or be aware of patterns others may not see; e.g. themes or recurring motifs in story or in life, or sighting images in all sorts of things. This patterning can be really helpful when it comes to creating story or images
• We may have strong intuition and strong connection to that place where the muse/our ideas live, which gives us insight into real people’s and our created characters’ personalities and motives, and allows our writing to flow naturally
• We may have strong empathy which enables us to intuitively communicate with people from all walks of life and to put ourselves in their shoes and really understand, which is important when writing characters that feel “real”
• We may be extremely pedantic, even perfectionist. While this can hinder the initial drafting and writing process, it is very helpful when self-editing
• If writing is our “thing” –  our vocation as a neurodivergent person – we will have focused mainly on writing since we were very small. By the time we are a young adult will already have developed our own original writing style. Because we are so focused and interested in writing, we will relish an editor’s  constructive criticism and continue to develop as a writer. The ability and passion for continually improving one’s craft is arguably a writer’s best asset.

Note: many neurodivergent writers also have traits or disabilities that make their lives, including writing or self-editing, challenging. But there are plenty of other articles and posts about that; I won’t delve into that topic here.

3. All writers, including neurodivergent writers, need an editor

All writers, including neurodivergent writers, need an editor.

This is because our written content, especially the first draft, has more to do with what we want to write or what naturally pours out of our creative centre, than the  impact of the content we’ve written on a future reader. After it’s been written, it needs someone to review and edit it to make sure it is clear and engaging enough for a future reader to want to read it.

For example, some writers may have a brilliantly original and rules-free style, but it may be so rules-free that a reader would not be able to understand it. Some write  beautifully but every now and then come out with a jarring or awkward or unclear sentence that would potentially cause the reader to  feel annoyed or confused. Some writers find certain topics or descriptions highly interesting and do not realise that a reader is going to find them boring.

But it is really hard for the writer to know whether a reader is going to find a passage boring or confusing or annoying. Because it is ours.

That’s why it is important to have a good editor. Not only are they able to be  objective because it is not their baby, but they are experienced in knowing the needs of the reader (in your target audience) and how to fix things while not  making any unnecessary changes.

A good editor is one who helps us iron out the wrinkles and pot-holes so it is easy for the reader to read the content. Who works collaboratively with us and gives us options so we can decide. And who ensures that even when a lot of corrections need to be made, our voice and style and message are kept intact.

It’s always worth listening to an editor’s advice or reasons as to why a change is necessary, or a certain word or phrase is incorrect, because 1) they are a professional editor and we are not, and 2) we have paid them for their advice.

But it is always up to the writer to decide whether or not to accept an editor’s corrections or suggestions for improvement. Because we are the owner of our story.