November 11
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.
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"I write my books for the 12- or 13-year-old me who was trying to figure things out and didn’t understand why she struggled so much. I want to help that girl who’s sitting in sixth grade, feeling lost."
- Luci Taylor
"My readers tell me they can feel my characters’ emotions. My empathy really brings the writing to life."
- Luci Taylor
"Daydreaming is one of my strengths because it lets my imagination come up with all kinds of ideas that I can bring into my writing."
- Luci Taylor
"Don’t worry about what your first draft looks like—just make it happen."
- Luci Taylor
"We get so stuck in perfectionism that we think the first draft has to be the best. But no one sees the first draft but you, so put your ideas down, and then you can make all the edits later."
- Luci Taylor
- Luci Taylor, a mid-20s author, experienced ADHD symptoms throughout her school years, including excessive talking and difficulty with friendships.
- Growing up in a family of teachers helped her develop coping mechanisms, though she struggled with spelling and test-taking.
- Her educational experience was complicated by her father's young-onset Parkinson's disease and changing schools, while her younger sister received ADHD accommodations earlier.
[20:00 - 40:00] ADHD Diagnosis and Writing Journey
- After college graduation, Luci experienced a quarter-life crisis that led to her ADHD diagnosis about two years ago.
- She was inspired to write after reading about Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables potentially having ADHD traits.
- Luci created the Midwestern Bookish Bells series to reimagine classic novels with neurodivergent characters, making them more relatable for modern readers.
[40:00 - 47:40] Writing Process and Future Plans
- Luci uses a color-coded post-it note system to organize her writing and advocates for imperfect first drafts.
- She chose self-publishing to maintain creative control and break traditional publishing rules.
- Luci emphasizes how her ADHD traits, including heightened empathy and sense of justice, enhance her writing abilities.
