ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka EP. 359: How ADHD Brains Write (and Why the Rules Don’t Work for Us)
Nov 19, 2025
Susanne Schotanus, an ADHD writing coach and founder of Passionate Writer Coaching, shares her journey from struggling writer to helping others overcome ADHD-related creative blocks. She highlights why consistency is a myth for ADHD writers and how perfectionism can stifle creativity. Discussing the healing power of play in writing, Susanne emphasizes that ADHD storytelling can be structured yet free, allowing creativity to flourish. Her insights on rebuilding a healthy relationship with writing inspire listeners to embrace their unique process.
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Early Diagnosis Forgotten
- Susanne was diagnosed with ADHD at 15 after two years of weekly psychiatric visits but received almost no useful guidance.
- She later had to be re-diagnosed at university because the original records were lost and the diagnosis had been ignored.
Balance Structure With Freedom
- Susanne says ADHD management needs a balance between structure and freedom to satisfy the 'inner rebel' while maintaining momentum.
- She learned this balance in the last 5–10 years and calls it essential for ADHD women.
Break Projects Into Manageable Steps
- Break big writing projects into smaller pieces and clarify your natural entry point to overcome start-blocks.
- Use structure selectively so it supports momentum without killing creativity.
