Writing & Editing with ADHD
Today I’d like to talk about something more on the personal side.
About two years ago now, I (as I suspect is true for many of us as a result of the pandemic) was diagnosed with ADHD. I’ve been learning a lot since that time, and I have this feeling that I’m catching up now with perhaps where I should have been all along. Of course, I guess that’s the case when you find out a lot of your challenges have an actual, demonstrable root cause that’s actually been with you your whole life. But even if it was a mystery for a long time, it still had a profound impact on me, including with my writing practice and work as an editor.
Writing & Editing with ADHD
Today I’d like to talk about something more on the personal side.
About two years ago now, I (as I suspect is true for many of us as a result of the pandemic) was diagnosed with ADHD. I’ve been learning a lot since that time, and I have this feeling that I’m catching up now with perhaps where I should have been all along. Of course, I guess that’s the case when you find out a lot of your challenges have an actual, demonstrable root cause that’s actually been with you your whole life. But even if it was a mystery for a long time, it still had a profound impact on me, including with my writing practice and work as an editor.
Worldbuilding: The Case for a Compendium
Worldbuilding is, perhaps fittingly, a massive, all-encompassing topic that’s easy to get lost in. When you have a world’s worth of detail to develop, it’s hard to tell, not only where to start, but also where to stop so you can shift focus to your actual story. For some writers, developing a setting might even be the end goal. Regardless of why you’re embarking on the endeavor, at some point you’ll likely find yourself asking the question “How do I keep everything organized?”
Enter: the compendium.
When to Tell & Not Show
Someone mentioned to me the other day that there was a healthy debate going on in their writing group between showing versus telling as a narrative approach. To writers who have heard the refrain “show, don’t tell,” throughout their careers, this might be a bit of a shock. It would seem that not all are in agreement about what is often considered a writing standard.
Maintaining Internal Logic & Consistency
Maintaining the internal consistency and logic of our writing can easily slip a writer’s attention, but such issues can be a nuisance for readers. The facts you present must agree with all facts stated elsewhere, but the finer details can become difficult for us to pick out. If you’re worried about committing these kinds of errors in your writing, read on for my advice.
Updates to Post Format & Frequency
I’ve long held that social contracts (even if it’s just me announcing an intent to follow through on something) help tremendously with my productivity, so it’s only fair that I address it when things change. Here’s a quick post to share some updates to blog format and frequency.
Plagiarism, Copyright & Defamation
This time on the Laws of Writing we’ll be looking at the actual laws that apply to written works—namely plagiarism, copyright and defamation—and how to tell if your work is at risk in any of these categories.
How to Write Engaging Dialogue
Wondering how to create electrifying dialogue that catches your reader’s attention or conveys emotion in a scene? Let’s talk about it.
Creating Compelling Characters
Last time on The Ingredients we looked at the setting as a starting point for your story. Now let’s look at starting with the drivers of plot: characters.
A Little More About Me
Hi! For anyone new here, I’m Mary. I started this blog a few months ago now, so I figured it might be time to give you a little more insight into who I am.
What Is a Style Sheet?
Editors, especially copy editors, use what’s called a style sheet when working on new projects, though style sheets are not exclusive to the editorial profession. Style sheets can actually benefit writers as they write. Let’s look at how we can make use of them.
Passive & Active Voice
Why is it that people laud active voice while passive voice is derided? Is it a rule or preference to favour one over the other? To put it simply, if there wasn’t a use for a particular style, it wouldn’t exist, so let’s examine these more closely.
How to Shape Your Setting
Stories can come from many places. Maybe you want to explore a particular philosophical angle or maybe you’ve thought of a fascinating character. Don’t forget that your setting can be just as enchanting a starting point. In this week’s blog, we’ll be using setting as an anchor point from which to conjure your story.
Finding Your Writing Group
Writing is often thought of as a lonely endeavour, and while it’s true that most stories only have one author, it doesn’t mean the process must—or should—exclude other people. Belonging to a community and having a support network behind you can help combat feelings of isolation, motivate you to write more and even make your writing better.
To Capitalize or Not to Capitalize?
To capitalize or not to capitalize. That really is the question.
Let’s look at how to capitalize on capitals.
How to Write Captivating Sentences
A writer might be describing the best thing since sliced bread, but if their sentences are dull, readers aren’t likely to stay engaged. The way the words sit on the page and on the tips of our tongue can enchant a reader.
Though some kinds of writing are meant to be perfunctory, there is room for art in many instances.
Inspiration & Idea Generation
A writer may have a wealth of ideas, struggling to even keep pace with the thoughts as they occur. Other times, as if by a magical curse, the wellspring runs dry. Getting stuck when you’re trying to start the next big project can leave you feeling helpless and unmotivated. But there are ways to treat this malady.
Should I Hire an Editor?
At some point you might ask yourself: should I hire an editor? Though there are a few factors to consider, hiring an editor is an investment in your project that helps ready it for publication. So where do you start?
Interruptions & Inclusions & Compounds—Oh My: A Who’s Who of Dashes & Hyphens
This week we’re zooming in on an oft-overlooked but important element of punctuation & grammar: dashes and hyphens.
Evoking Setting & Mood
Atmosphere can make or break the immersion that writers strive to achieve, both in fiction and nonfiction. Let’s learn how to craft an effective one in this week’s blog.