Join Brenda Murphy, your neuro-spicy writing coach, on an inspiring journey to transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. In this episode of "Writing While Distracted," Brenda delves into the essence of the first draft—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to navigate through the chaos to complete your manuscript.

Discover practical tips to stay focused, learn the importance of embracing imperfection, and find out how to avoid the common pitfalls that prevent many writers from finishing their books. Whether you write every day or in short bursts, this episode offers valuable insights to help you keep moving forward, overcome creative blocks, and celebrate your accomplishments.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and remember: creativity thrives in the midst of chaos.

Show Notes for First Draft

Free resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Links to podcasts

https://writingwhiledistracted.podbean.com/e/mastering-novel-writing-11-essential-steps-for-neurodivergent-writers/

Links Character workbook  https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Link for Writers Block Workbook  https://BookHip.com/ZBMGLLR

Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," the podcast designed to help writers harness their creativity amidst life's chaos. I'm Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach. This episode delves into the fascinating and sometimes daunting task of character creation. Learn how to develop authentic, relatable characters that drive your story and keep readers engaged.

We'll explore various methods for character development, from checklists and backstories to understanding internal and external goals, motivations, and conflicts. Discover how to portray characters outside your lived experiences accurately and respectfully, and the importance of using sensitivity readers.

Additionally, I'll share my favorite resources, including Eileen Cook's "Build Better Characters" and Deborah Dixon's "Goal, Motivation, and Conflict," along with practical tips on organizing character information. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you craft three-dimensional characters that resonate with readers.

Tune in to learn how to transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance and keep your story moving forward, even when distractions loom large. Happy writing!

Free resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Here at all the resources I spoke about

Show Notes Episode 10 Feel the Fear

Links to podcast

https://writingwhiledistracted.podbean.com/e/mastering-novel-writing-11-essential-steps-for-neurodivergent-writers/

Links Character workbook https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

These are some books and classes I recommend as excellent resources for character creation.

How to use this information

After reading and rereading and putting into practice recommendations from the above sources, (full reveal, I credit Eileen Cook’s Build Better Character’s book for my Goldie Win), I came up with a form that helps to organize the information I find most helpful to know about each of my characters. You can find a downloadable version here as a fillable PDF workbook.

Disclaimer: While it might be helpful as a standalone workbook it will make so much more sense if you read Debra Dixon’s Goal Motivation and Conflict and Eileen Cook’s Build Better Characters, along with the other references listed above.

Link for Workbook: https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Are you a writer struggling to harness your creativity amidst distractions? Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," the podcast that turns your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. Hosted by Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach, this episode offers invaluable advice for staying focused and using your unique strengths to craft your story.

In this episode, Brenda delves into the importance of pre-writing, or as she calls it, "outlining for the outline impaired." Learn how to create a basic framework for your novel, from making a scene list to understanding your characters' desires and motivations. Discover how to navigate the "swampy middle" of your manuscript and keep your narrative on track, even if you're not a natural outliner.

Whether you're just starting your book or stuck mid-way, Brenda's practical tips will guide you through the process. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your genre, setting realistic deadlines, and understanding your characters' arcs. Plus, get insights into using tools like scene cards and software applications to organize your thoughts visually.

Join us as we explore how to turn chaos into creativity, making the writing journey less daunting and more enjoyable. Embrace the distractions that fuel your creativity and keep writing!

 Show notes Season One Episode Nine

Free resources for writers

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Link to Free Character Workbook https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Link to my newsletter just for Writers https://BookHip.com/ZBMGLLR

Link to my blog for deeper dives into Writing While Distracted content https://blog.writingwhiledistracted.com/ 

Here is the link of for the Milanote App https://milanote.com

Here is the link for Scrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

Sandra Gerth’s book:  Point of View: How to use the different POV types, avoid head-hopping, and choose the best point of view for your book (Writers’ Guide Series) 

https://books2read.com/u/mgDWlz

Jordan Rosenfeld’s book Make a Scene Revised and Expanded Edition: Writing a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time 

https://books2read.com/u/3LLzgw

Dustin Lance Black’s Writing Process https://youtu.be/vrvawtrRxsw?si=KaKtbpGmpJPrAOOi

Are you a writer whose mind is a whirlwind of creativity and distraction? Welcome to Writing While Distracted, the podcast that helps you transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. I'm your host, Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach. Join us as we kick off the first episode in the "Steps to Writing a Novel" series, focusing on how to evaluate a fiction premise.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of examining your novel's idea before you start writing, particularly for genre fiction. Discover how a strong premise can prevent the dreaded mid-manuscript slump and keep your story on track. Learn practical techniques like mind mapping and the "what if and then" method to expand your premise into a compelling narrative. Whether you're a discovery writer or a meticulous plotter, these strategies will help you plan and sustain a novel-length work.

Tune in for insightful advice, creative exercises, and tips on breaking down your writing tasks into manageable chunks. Embrace the chaos, harness your creativity, and find your story's beginning, middle, and end with confidence.

Free resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Expected lengths of fiction

Link to the Mind Map Site for the app that I use  https://www.mindnode.com

This is a learning guide from the University of Adelaide on mind mapping. https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/sites/default/files/docs/learningguide-mindmapping.pdf

Link to first podcast in the series: https://writingwhiledistracted.podbean.com/e/mastering-novel-writing-11-essential-steps-for-neurodivergent-writers/?token=72a0651efad2ce3ec216d8cf14b90496

Are you a writer whose mind is a whirlwind of creativity and distraction? Welcome to Writing While Distracted, the podcast designed to help you transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. I'm your host, Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach. In this episode, we dive into the 11 essential steps to writing your novel, offering practical advice tailored for neurodivergent writers.

From harnessing your initial idea and expanding it, to pre-writing, drafting, and revising, we break down each step with actionable tips. Learn how to manage your research time, develop compelling characters, and navigate the intricacies of editing and formatting. Whether you're aiming to submit your work to publishers or self-publish, this episode provides a structured roadmap to guide you through the process.

Join us as we explore techniques to stay focused amidst the chaos of your mind, celebrate your milestones, and prepare for your next writing project. With valuable resources and links available in the show notes, this episode is your starting point for turning your creative whirlwind into a finished novel. Tune in, stay inspired, and keep writing!

Show Notes Season One Episode 6

Full disclosure: Some of these are affiliate links and I get a small commission if you use the link, it does not affect the price you pay for the item or service.

Free Resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Here is the link for the list of Steps for Writing a Novel:  https://BookHip.com/VRGFVSR

Here is the link for the Character Workbook  https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon.

(https://books2read.com/u/mq7Rg8)  Conflict is story, and Debra Dixon’s Goal Motivation and Conflict is one of the best writing books I have ever read. She offers free tools on her website that will get you started with knowing your characters on a deeper level, and crafting story arcs that will keep your readers turning pages.

Scrappy Rough Draft by Donna Baker. (https://books2read.com/u/mvLRo) This book is the one to read if you are struggling with getting yourself to start. Full of great ideas and motivation treat yourself to this book that feels like your bestie is right there beside your chair cheering you on as you write.

Build Better Characters by Eileen Cook. (https://books2read.com/u/bMAvRk)  Compelling characters and their change/growth are an essential part of fiction. Elaine’s book helps you get to the nuts and bolts of why your characters do the things they do. Chock full of helpful worksheets and ideas, this book is well worth your time.

Make A Scene by Jordan Rosenfeld. (https://books2read.com/u/mgDvE7)  This book radically changed how I develop my storylines. A book is a collection of scenes and this book lays out how to string your scenes together to have your readers anxious to read what comes next. The best book in my opinion if you are struggling with the infamous “show don’t tell” writing advice. For those of us who are freaking out at the idea of writing an entire book (all those words!), working scene by scene helps with perspective. On those days I struggle overwhelm, I can remind myself I can move the novel forward one scene at a time.

Creative Penn https://www.thecreativepenn.com/resources-new/ This site is full of free and useful information about writing and self-publishing.

Ingram Spark (https://www.ingramspark.com/how-to-self-publish-a-book)  Check out this concise list of how to publish your book.

The Creative Academy for Writers is loaded with free information about writing and publishing your book.  https://creativeacademyforwriters.com

Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/)  I love Scrivener. It has a learning curve but it also has multiple tools that help me keep track of all my scattered thoughts and ideas that eventually become a book. It has helped my process more than anything else I have invested in since I started writing.

Learn Scrivener Fast (https://murphy.krtra.com/t/6hyUmVf9MYlF)   The best investment I have made in my writing career. This course helps you get the most from Scrivener and Joseph’s teaching style is wonderful.

I hope you will find some or all of these resources helpful.

Are you a writer whose mind is a whirlwind of creativity and distraction? Welcome to Writing While Distracted, the podcast that transforms your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. Hosted by Brenda Murphy, a best-selling, award-winning author and NeuroSpicy writing coach, this episode focuses on how to restart a writing project after a long break.

Brenda shares her personal experiences of stepping away from writing due to project conflicts, family events, illness, or mental health struggles. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of negative energy and shame associated with taking breaks. The episode delves into strategies like reading pre-writing notes, creating a reverse outline, and simply starting to write again.

Discover practical advice for staying focused amidst chaos, utilizing your strengths, and reigniting your passion for your story. Whether you're dealing with shiny new idea syndrome or questioning the worth of writing in the age of AI, Brenda offers insights and encouragement to help you finish your manuscript.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the winding roads of creativity, embrace distractions, and keep writing. Remember, writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself grace, and find your way back to your narrative with renewed inspiration.

You can check out my free resources for Writers here

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Navigating Writing Amidst Chaos: Mastering Focus and Creativity Description:

Welcome to Writing While Distracted, the podcast dedicated to helping writers transform scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. Hosted by Brenda Murphy, a bestselling award-winning author and NeuroSpicy writing coach, this episode dives into practical strategies for maintaining focus amidst life's chaos.

Discover tips for handling interruptions from children, partners, and pets, and learn how to create an optimal writing environment. Brenda shares personal anecdotes and methods to utilize small chunks of time effectively, emphasizing the power of consistency and self-care.

The episode also tackles self-distraction, offering advice on managing digital interruptions and setting realistic writing intentions. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, gain insights to enhance your productivity and keep your creative journey on track.

Join us and embrace the dance between focus and diversion. Keep writing, keep wandering, and let the distractions fuel your creativity.

You can check out my free resources for Writers here

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

You can find Catherine Price's book here, Some links I share are affiliate links and offer a small commission to me at no cost to you. Thank you for using them they really help the podcast out. https://www.amazon.com/How-Break-Up-Your-Phone-ebook/dp/B072J77B68/

If you are struggling to get started again after a long break I have a podcast  to help you with that here https://writingwhiledistracted.podbean.com/e/finding-your-way-back-restarting-your-writing-project-after-a-break/?token=187084410b3f5f6ab778210de11f10c9

Brenda Murphy, your neurospicy writing coach offers her top two writing tips. For writers of all kinds but particularly those folks whose mind is a whirlwind of creativity and distraction. Here creativity thrives in chaos.

Sign up for my newsletter for writers and those who want to be and receive free writing workbooks.

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Find Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones here https://books2read.com/u/mgDLB7

Follow the Writing While Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/brendlmurphyauthor

You can check out my author page here: https://www.brendalmurphy.com/

Are you a writer whose mind is a whirlwind of creativity and distraction? Welcome to Writing While Distracted, the podcast designed to help you transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. Join bestselling, award-winning author Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach, as she shares positive advice for staying focused amidst mental chaos and practical strategies for finding your story's beginning and reaching its end.

In this episode, Brenda dives into her personal journey of overcoming the overwhelming challenge of writing a book with a non-linear, non-neurotypical brain. Discover the tools and methods she developed to harness her unique strengths, from using notebooks and index cards to leveraging powerful apps like Scrivener and MindNode. Learn how to organize your thoughts, manage your time, and stay motivated, all while embracing your individual differences.

Whether you're struggling with executive function issues or simply looking for new ways to keep your writing on track, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical tips to help you make the most of your creative potential. Tune in and explore the tools that can transform your writing process, allowing you to capture every brilliant idea and turn it into a finished manuscript.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep writing—because the world needs your stories.

Show Notes Episode Three Season One Writing While Distracted Podcast

Check out my free resources for Writers here:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/ 

Here are the links for the apps and products mentioned in the podcast. Some are affiliate links, which helps support the podcast at no cost to you.  

Here is an explanation of the Pomodoro Technique https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique

Pomodoro App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/be-focused-focus-timer/id973130201

This is a great explanation of Mind Mapping and its benefitshttps://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/sites/default/files/docs/learningguide-mindmapping.pdf 

Mind Node Mind Mapping App ( https://www.mindnode.com )

Scrivener  https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

Learn Scrivener Fast with Joseph Micheal  https://scrivenercoach.kartra.com/page/NHn44 

Dustin Lance Black explains how he uses index cards to organize his research to write scripts. It is short video and totally worth the time it takes to watch.  https://youtu.be/vrvawtrRxsw?si=x5SxKJci7vY07b_6 }

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com

The best timer task timer I have found:  Hexagon Rotating Productivity Timer with Clock, Pomodoro Timer with 5,15, 30, 45, 60 Minute Presets, it is a Timer for ADHD Kids and Adults from by Znewtech   ( https://www.amazon.com/Hexagon-Rotating-Minute-Preset-Countdown/dp/B07L2QN8MY)

Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," the podcast that transforms your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. Hosted by your NeuroSpicy writing coach, Brenda Murphy, this episode dives deep into the insidious nature of writer's block and how it can derail even the greatest authors. 

Explore the two key components of writer's block: the inner critic and distraction. Learn effective methods to silence that nagging voice in your head and manage the distractions that hinder your creativity. Brenda offers practical strategies such as checking in with yourself, taking a break outside, and writing about not writing to break through creative blocks.

Discover how to deal with deep distractions and intrusive thoughts, which often stem from worry, fear, and boredom. Learn to declutter your mind with a brain dump, manage your executive function skills, and capture those distracting thoughts to keep your writing on track.

Whether you're struggling with intrusive thoughts or facing the overwhelming middle of your novel, this episode provides the tools and encouragement you need to keep writing. Don't let writer's block stand in your way. Tune in and transform your chaos into creativity.

Show Notes Episode Three Season One Writing While Distracted Podcast

Check out my free resources for Writers here:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Here are the links for the apps and products mentioned in the podcast. Some are affiliate links, which helps support the podcast at no cost to you.  

Here is an explanation of the Pomodoro Technique https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique

Pomodoro App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/be-focused-focus-timer/id973130201

Here is a explanation of Mind Mapping and its benefits

(  https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/sites/default/files/docs/learningguide-mindmapping.pdf )

Mind Node Mind Mapping App ( https://www.mindnode.com )

Scrivener  https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

Learn Scrivener Fast with Joseph Micheal  https://scrivenercoach.kartra.com/page/NHn44  

Dustin Lance Black explains how he uses index cards to organize his research to write scripts. It is short video and totally worth the time it takes to watch.  https://youtu.be/vrvawtrRxsw?si=x5SxKJci7vY07b_6 }

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com

The best timer task timer I have found:  Hexagon Rotating Productivity Timer with Clock, Pomodoro Timer with 5,15, 30, 45, 60 Minute Presets, it is a Timer for ADHD Kids and Adults from by Znewtech   (https://www.amazon.com/Hexagon-Rotating-Minute-Preset-Countdown/dp/B07L2QN8MY)