Luci Taylor, author of the "Midwestern Bookish Belles" series, reimagines heroines with neurodivergent traits, sharing her inspiring journey of self-discovery post-ADHD diagnosis. She discusses how understanding her ADHD empowered her creativity, leading to the completion of her first book. Luci highlights the importance of community support and using unique strategies, like colorful Post-it notes, to organize her thoughts. Her story encourages aspiring neurodivergent writers to embrace their quirks and showcases literature's power to reflect diverse experiences.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early struggles and unrecognized potential
In elementary school, Luci Taylor excelled academically but struggled socially and with spelling.
Despite her apparent intelligence, she felt she wasn't reaching her full potential, evidenced by her disappointment at her class ranking.
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Middle school challenges and withdrawn behavior
In middle school, Luci Taylor's academic performance declined due to several factors, including a new school, family stress, and her sister's ADHD diagnosis.
Despite a teacher recognizing her potential, she failed the accelerated program test three times.
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High school structure and test-taking struggles
Luci Taylor's grades improved in high school due to the structured environment of her all-girls Catholic school, where she learned executive functioning skills.
However, she remained a poor test-taker, feeling embarrassed by her low ACT score.
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This book, written by certified ADHD coach and podcast host Tracy Otsuka, is designed specifically for girls and women with ADHD. It addresses the unique challenges faced by ADHD women, including the gender gap in medical research that often leads to undiagnosed cases and increased problems with anxiety, depression, and other issues. Otsuka provides an entirely new set of tools, systems, and strategies to enhance productivity, focus, and confidence. The book highlights the extraordinary qualities of ADHD women, such as overflowing creativity, laser-focused attention, deep empathy, and fearless entrepreneurial spirit. By dismantling long-standing stereotypes and misinformation, Otsuka offers a beacon of hope for women looking to transform their symptoms into strengths and unlock their full potential.
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup
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What if understanding your ADHD brain is the key to achieving your biggest dreams?
For Luci Taylor, an ADHD diagnosis in her twenties became a turning point, giving her the clarity and confidence to finish her first book. Her journey—from crafting her first stories in kindergarten to creating complex, neurodivergent characters—is a testament to the power of self-discovery and embracing your unique strengths.
In this episode, Luci opens up about the struggles and breakthroughs she’s faced with ADHD, from challenges in school to finding her creative voice as a writer. Diagnosed later in life, Luci shares how finally understanding her ADHD transformed the way she saw herself and her goals. Her “Midwestern Bookish Belles” series reimagines classic heroines with neurodivergent traits, inviting young readers to see themselves in characters who defy convention and embrace their quirks.
Luci also shares insights into her creative process, which includes using colorful Post-it notes to organize her ideas and letting go of perfectionism in early drafts. For aspiring neurodivergent writers, Luci’s story is a reminder that embracing your brain’s unique wiring can fuel both creativity and resilience. Her journey offers encouragement and practical advice for anyone learning to live authentically with ADHD or supporting someone who is.
ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka 