Dear Sci-Fi writer, All though I'm not a writer, I do understand deadlines. I work from home, answer to clients, boss, sales quotas, etc. I can identify with the panick that sets in at the so-called eleventh hour. Years ago I thought I only operated, was motivated if I was on fire. As I approach middle age operateing while on fire just isn't the same as in my twenties. I can relate to all you wrote, but I don't have the finger-snapping answer. Sometimes my boss takes my assignments, projects in pieces as he knows (I never disclosed to him) he can help me put it together. If I keep the whole I can easily get weighed down, overwhelmed. That extra from him helps my flow. This can't always be done, I realize. I've heard all the cliches too. ---When the pain of not doing becomes greater than the pain of doing--YOU'll Do- IT. ---none of these worked for me. I've paid thousands of dollars for late taxes, penalties, etc.-- you just have to find your grove, flow, mo-jo, ---I learned of my ADD after everyone around me already knew for years I had been living with it. It's been 5 yrs now, and I'm realizing in some ways I'd learned to work with ADD and didn't even know it. Realizing after 20 minutes I was digging a rabbit hole (than at the end of day), useing egg timer, trying different techniques to regain creativity, sometimes it's just plain old acceptance that the timimg isn't now. Good Luck, be gentle to you, once your meds stablize you'll be amazed the places, achievements, your capable of. ADD another way of thinking, doing.

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I am a writer with ADD and I have the identical problem. I often get so far afield from my main point that I can't find my way back or end second guessing myself and restarting over and over again. I use a timer system that alerts me ever quarter hour. For my non-add friends this seems like alot, but I get off track so easily that it really helps me to have a time check every 15 minutes. Also, in another thread barry51 recommended www.theeasyessay.com. I tried it this morning and as a result wrote what I think is the most cogent and persuasive essay of my life. I was able to complete what ended up being a single-spaced two page essay in 45 minutes instead of what usually results in days or weeks of anxiety and frustration. Over the next three months I have nearly a dozen proposals to write. Now that I have this system in my tool belt, I can see myself accomplishing well all that I have in front of me, instead of my usual m.o. missing deadlines and putting out mediocre work. I think it can be applied to just about any type of writing and I plan to put it to the test. I hope you try it and are pleased with the results just as I was.

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I'm not a writer myself, but I can definitely relate to your situation. I am a musician and I have hopes of composing music as well. Playing an instrument and composing work a lot like writing - all creative activities, often with deadlines. It can be very stressful to not be able to figure out how to begin or develop a project. What helps me is to first be super organized - I get all of my music and materials together, make any markings I need, etc. before I start, and I often don't practice immediately after. Look for inspiration - this can be counterproductive if done to excess, like spending hours listening to music I like, but if I just listen to a few great recordings or read about a great musician it helps to remind me why I do what I do. Eliminate all distractions - I'm sure you've heard that before, but if you really get rid of all the tangible distractions and try to push all your distracting thoughts out of the way, it can really help. Write down every relevant (or maybe irrelevant, it may be useful) thought that comes to mind whenever it comes up. I like to write down all the little ideas that randomly pop up in one place, sort of like jotting down shorthand notes in a lecture, and later I can put them together and also feel a sense of accomplishment when I see how much I've written down. I also take frequent, short breaks when I'm working to clear my head. Don't think about the deadline, it will only stress you out. Just think of every minute you spend working on your project as one more brick in the wall. Before you know it, you have a pretty sturdy wall. I hope this helps. Good luck!!!

VP

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If this block started when you got that six month deadline then it's all fear; i would be afraid too. Now, you have impressed a mentor/editor and literary agent with your ideas;not easy, but you did it. Type what you told the mentor/editor lit agent and let it grow, and it will too. Good luck, i'm with ya all the way.

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I experienced the same problems when I was younger, and in more areas than just writing. However, writing is my natural gift. I finally decided to make a go of it as a career.

It took me quite some time, but I developed a strategy for writing my book about living with undiagnosed ADD/ADHD. The key element was not overcoming the common writer's block, but walking away from whatever I wrote to give the words some time to sink in. Then, after a brief period, I could look at what was written with a fresh perspective.

My vollege professors all claimed that my writing was disjointed, which is a common attribute in ADD/ADHD mind. Age has diminished by proclivity to write in unrelated fragments. All I can offer to you is my experience taking stimulants and attempting to write. I could not write because I was so wired from the amphetamines.

www.adhd-information-exchange.com

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We are with you all the way:)

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maybe isolate the paralyzing anxiety piece (set the clock for one hour and pretend there is no deadline) and see if the freedom to rabbithole re-ignites your interest. Try stimulant medication? Books say the top two been around since 1937 with some saying 90%. Societal Stigma and fear about" speed"? The new stuff (non-stim) has its own set of contra-indications.

*There is only one thing better than a good plan - and that's a change in plans. .

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Hi,

I After reading your post I just had to respond. Isolation can be very difficult for some of us ADDers. I am currently working on my MS Psychology degree online. Trying to do everything online has been excruciating for me! My suggestion to you is to try getting out of the house and do some writing in your local library, coffee house, or restaurant. This has helped me in the past. It doesn't help all the time, but give it a try and see what you think. Deadlines have a way of freaking us out too. Go easy on yourself and try to do just one page in the morning. Tell yourself you only have to do this much, but can keep working only if you choose to. Anything you can do to snap youurself out of the freakout mode helps. Hope this helps you some. Working with a coach can help keep you on track too. If you'd like more information on coaching you can contact me. I am a Life/Business Coach who struggles with adult ADD. Good luck!

Michelle BS Psychology Life/Business Coach mburke@indytel.com

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