A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers

by Nicole Bross, Kirsten Donaghey

Finally—a book on writing that understands how your ADHD brain actually works

As a writer, having ADHD can present additional hurdles that make writing a novel seem downright impossible. A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers is written with those obstacles in mind, and will show you how to overcome even the most stubborn challenges.

This book is for you if:

• You want to write a book but can’t seem to get organized enough to start

• You have a lot of unfinished books because you keep getting distracted by new ideas

• You struggle with procrastination or forgetfulness so the writing never gets done

• You have trouble motivating yourself to write once the going gets tough

• You sit down to write, only to lose focus five minutes later


Sound familiar? You’re not alone; these are common issues that many writers with ADHD face, but it doesn’t mean you’re lazy, a bad writer, or will never be able to finish your book. With the right tools and strategies, you can achieve your goal of writing a novel!

With this book, you’ll learn how to:

• Organize your ideas into a framework that will guide you from your first page to the last

• Develop a consistent writing practice that’s customized to your unique situation and needs

• Stay focused and motivated all the way through your draft, even when you’d rather be doing anything else

• Turn your ADHD into a creative superpower by harnessing its strengths and benefits


Full of exercises, case studies, and thought-provoking advice, A Novel Approach will give you the tools you need to develop new habits and practices that work with, not against your ADHD. Your ADHD doesn’t have to stand in the way of your dream of being an author. It’s time to rewrite the story you’ve been telling yourself about what you can do, because your ADHD doesn’t get the final word—you do.

210 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2025

About the author

Nicole Bross is an author from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband, two children and two goblins masquerading as cats. When she’s not writing or working as a book coach and editor for fiction writers and as the editor of Birthing Magazine, she can be found curled up with a book, messing around with her ever-expanding collection of manual typewriters or in the departures lounge of the airport at the beginning of another adventure.

Reviews

[trishajennreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly helpful and easy to read. I marked so many pages with quotes to remember and exercises to try. I’m encouraged and feel better equipped to write and to help other writers.

[Melissa H. Mwai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing handbook for neurodivergent writers with ADHD. I love the unique tips tailored to our struggles at through the writing process. Also 1000 bonus points for keeping the chapters short (for folks to struggle with focus) and encouraging us to read it out of order (BIG novelty boost). Brilliant and highly recommend.

[Lottie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I’ve never felt like normal writing craft books help me due to my neurodivergency, so this was extremely helpful