What if there’s no “right” way to write a book? No perfect planner, no ideal routine, no craft book that finally cracks the code?

In this episode, Caitlin is joined by Rachel May and Emily Golden of Golden May Editing to talk about writing with ADHD, embracing creative discomfort, and why the mess is the magic. From late diagnoses to revising six drafts only to return to the first, this conversation is a vulnerable, hilarious, and deeply validating permission slip for anyone who’s tired of doing it “by the book.”

💬 “You can’t shame your way into self-trust. And you can’t spreadsheet your way into a sacred first draft.” — Caitlin Liz Fisher

If you've ever felt like a “bad writer” for needing breaks, changing your mind, or hating your once-brilliant plot twist—this episode is your reminder: writing isn’t about following the rules. It’s about trusting yourself.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why late-diagnosed ADHD reshaped Rachel’s approach to writing, coaching, and self-compassion
• How writing craft books often fail neurodivergent writers and why the problem isn’t you
• The myth of the perfect process and what to do when your system stops working
• Why intuition matters more than a rigid routine in writing the book only you can write
• The importance of letting yourself feel every messy, frustrating, beautiful emotion that comes with creativity

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

Rachel May 

https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/

Emily Golden

https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Golden May Editing

https://goldenmayediting.com

Tenacious Writing Community: 

https://www.tenaciouswriting.com

https://www.instagram.com/tenaciouswriting/

📚 NEW! THE SACRED FIRST DRAFT SOCIETY

A witchy, soul-nourishing membership for writers who are done treating their creativity like a productivity app.

Weekly coaching, co-writing, guided rituals, affirmations, and woo—on purpose.

$69/month, because we’re reclaiming pleasure in pricing

Perfect for neurodivergent writers who feel like their story ghosted them

🎟️ Join here:⁠ https://www.askfishfisher.com/sacred-first-draft-society⁠

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If you want to keep hearing spicy, emotionally intelligent, deeply comforting takes like this one...

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