Reedsy Live: What You Can Learn From an ADHD Writer with Jackson Dickert

Set in Chamberlain, Maine, 'Carrie' by Stephen King tells the story of Carietta 'Carrie' White, a 16-year-old girl who is ridiculed and bullied by her peers and abused by her ultra-religious mother, Margaret. Carrie discovers she has telekinetic powers after a humiliating incident in the school locker room where she gets her first period. The story unfolds through multiple narratives, including newspaper reports, court transcripts, and personal memoirs, detailing Carrie's transformation from a shy and isolated girl to a force of vengeance. After being humiliated at the school prom, Carrie unleashes her powers, causing widespread destruction and death in the town. The novel explores themes of ostracism, bullying, and the psychological trauma experienced by its characters.

In 'Cujo,' Stephen King tells the story of a Saint Bernard named Cujo, who is the beloved family pet of the Cambers in Castle Rock, Maine. Cujo's life takes a tragic turn when he is bitten by a rabid bat while chasing a rabbit into a cave. As the rabies takes hold, Cujo transforms from a friendly and loyal dog into a monstrous killer. The novel follows the terrifying events that unfold as Cujo attacks Donna Trenton and her young son Tad, who are trapped in their car at the Cambers' property. The story explores themes of terror, family crisis, and the devastating consequences of a simple yet deadly mistake. King's vivid portrayal of the characters and the setting creates a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In this classic work, Csikszentmihalyi investigates 'optimal experience' and reveals that true happiness and satisfaction can be achieved through a state of consciousness called 'flow. ' During flow, individuals experience complete concentration on the task, clarity of goals, and immediate feedback. The book demonstrates how this positive state can be controlled and how it can improve the quality of life by unlocking meaning, creativity, and peak performance.

In 'Misery', bestselling novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car accident by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed number one fan. However, Annie's obsession turns violent when she discovers that Paul has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain, in his latest book. Annie keeps Paul captive in her isolated house, forcing him to write a new novel, 'Misery’s Return', to bring the character back to life. The novel explores themes of captivity, writer's block, and the dark side of fandom, as Paul struggles to survive Annie's brutal and unpredictable behavior.

In this thriller, Jack Morgan, a former Marine pilot and the head of the prestigious private investigation firm Private, is involved in several high-stakes cases. He is investigating a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved murders of 18 schoolgirls. When his best friend's wife, who was also Jack's former lover, is killed, Jack devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer. The book is known for its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and the use of advanced forensic tools by Private's investigators.