ADHD and Writing: A Hidden Advantage

Sometimes your greatest perceived weakness can become your strongest creative asset.

Let’s explore how Josh Zetumer transformed his ADHD from a perceived writing obstacle into a creative superpower… And the unconventional approach that could change how you write.

Here’s his groundbreaking perspective on harnessing hyperfocus:

“When I discovered writing, it discovered this thing I could really focus on. Growing up with therapist parents made me want to write characters with psychological complexity. But then I had all this energy…”

Let’s break down his core strategies:

1. Research Immersion

• Avoid referencing other films/shows
• Study raw source material (YouTube, interviews)
• Let obsession drive authentic details

2. Structural Innovation

• Embrace four-act structure for features
• Break free from traditional timestamps
• Focus on emotional continuity over chronology

3. Character-Driven Complexity

• Write from inside-out using real behaviors
• Include enough direction to protect intent
• Leave room for actor interpretation

The game-changing insight: Success in writing complex narratives isn’t about fighting your natural tendencies — it’s about building a process that transforms them into advantages.

His advice for writers:

• Ground every episode in a single theme
• Cut historical events that don’t serve character
• Let obsessive research fuel authenticity

Quick mindset shift: Stop thinking about “overcoming” your writing challenges. Instead, focus on building systems that harness your natural tendencies for creative output.

Keep writing,

- Brock Swinson

P.S. Here’s my full audio interview with writer Joshua Zetumer