How I learn to harness my scattered, ADHD brain, one inquiry at a time.
I’m keenly aware that debuting my first novel, much like introducing any new product, necessitates media appearances to generate buzz and attract readers.
of them.
By leveraging podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels, I pinpoint additional interview opportunities, thereby amplifying visibility for my forthcoming e-book, ultimately increasing its chances of success.
If self-promotion isn’t my forte, then that’s exactly the problem – I’m missing out on opportunities to share my story and inspire others. The anxiety of discussing one’s own literary endeavors can indeed be a source of discomfort. Given my propensity for mental meandering, I’d often find myself veering off topic, indulging in tangential thoughts, and losing sight of the question at hand – a constant battle to tame my wandering mind, courtesy of my trusted companion, ADHD.
No! A trepidation stirs within me, a faint whisper of doubt that resonates deeply: what if I’m not capable of accomplishing this? The need to present a cheerful exterior while hiding my true emotions?
Not enjoyable.
But, essential. As the launch date drew near, I decided to utilize the remaining time effectively by balancing novel-writing with organization. However how?
What to do?
With the vast expanse of online resources at their fingertips, any indie creator seeking to successfully launch their project can quickly become overwhelmed by an avalanche of advice, struggling to discern what guidance is most relevant and actionable. Regardless of the circumstances, occasionally a worthwhile idea finds its way to you.
During one such procrastination-fueled quest – purportedly designed to provide a reason to avoid writing altogether – I stumbled upon an intriguing proposition: film yourself speaking to the camera daily for thirty days. As you immerse yourself in the world of filmmaking, you’ll be astonished to discover that your self-assurance and mastery of the medium skyrocket, with the sheer number of cinematic experiences piling up.
Is smart. Practicing in front of a camera within the comfort of your own space may help alleviate the intimidation factor when speaking to one directly. What a strange habit you’ve developed. Day after day, the words just flowing out of your mouth like a never-ending stream, and yet, there’s no one around to share in this peculiar ritual with you.
As a sudden epiphany struck me, I found myself pondering the wise maxim that it’s essential to focus on just one thing at a time – whether that’s pursuing a single creative outlet or preparing for an interview about my forthcoming e-book.
In the early stages of my writing career, I successfully conducted and produced my inaugural podcast interview. I was thrilled to engage with the stunning advertisement on the website.
“I was diagnosed with depression when I was 20 years old,” Rachel began. “At first, I thought it was just a phase, that it would pass.”
Can you tell us more about what happened then?
“I started feeling overwhelmed, like everything was piling up on me,” Rachel continued. “I felt like I was drowning in my own emotions.”
With the expertise I gained, I realized I had been woefully underprepared for the intricacies of book-launch interviews.
As a seasoned professional, I possess dual expertise – as a captivating lecturer on stage and as a confident interviewee in front of the camera lens – with a specific focus on discussing matters unrelated to personal topics. I’m happy to discuss matters of philosophy, education, and ADHD with you, as I can easily provide insight into the topics I’ve studied. Mostly, this podcast interview focused on living with ADHD?
During our conversation, Advert inquired about the status of your digital book. We agreed on this beforehand. Here is the rewritten text:
As I reflect on my journey, I found myself compelled to craft a fantasy novel inspired by my experiences with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This literary endeavor allowed me to explore the intricacies of creative expression in the face of neurodiversity. So, confident in your e-book’s familiarity, were you ready to launch?
No.
The level of attention to detail demonstrated in my previous experiences far surpassed anything I’ve encountered before. For me, it’s not about the things I’m familiar with; it’s about the actions I take, the creations I bring into existence, and embracing my unique identity as an individual.
I was once woefully unprepared for this unexpected turn of events.
Why is it so arduous?
To excel in a competitive environment, you must develop a strong sense of self-awareness, set ambitious goals, and communicate them effectively while maintaining an authentic and approachable demeanor – all new skills requiring deliberate practice and refinement. Before diving headfirst into an unfamiliar topic, it’s often wise to develop a solid foundation of knowledge first.
Initially, technical aspects demand attention: becoming accustomed to focusing on the camera lens rather than the interviewer (or oneself), as I’ll elaborate on subsequently; adjusting lighting; volume of speaking; and ensuring high-quality camera and audio settings – all require meticulous consideration several days prior to the first interview, at most.
Certain aspects that necessitate more in-depth guidance include:
- : Do we glance bored? Enthusiastic? Can you actually cover your mouth while speaking? How can we tailor our approach to fulfill our desires most effectively?
- Formulating our individual perspectives, concepts, and emotions into concise phrases follows naturally. We couldn’t have possibly shared our ideas at that time, implying a lack of clarity in articulating them effectively.
- Discussing our own selves, exploring how our experiences have shaped us, can indeed be a fascinating topic. To develop a thorough understanding, one must put themselves in their audience’s shoes. Finding a balance between humility and confidence can be crucial in making a compelling impression on others. If someone appears too humble, they may come across as boring; yet, showcasing self-absorption won’t help either.
As e-book launch frenzy descends, even blinking becomes a rare indulgence. Organizing upfront allows us to conduct precise interviews with skilled and confident professionals who are equipped to handle a wide range of situations effectively?
go about it?
I dedicated myself to daily camera sessions, anticipating potential interview questions and responding promptly to one or two each time.
Besides the fact that my yet-to-be-published e-book is still a work in progress, I now need to anticipate thirty to sixty potential discussion topics that could arise during future interviews related to its contents. Oy vey.
I’m still getting used to this constant stream of thoughts and feelings, so I apologize if my responses are a bit scattered.
As the project teetered on the brink of collapse, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of ChatGPT. And Gemini. And Claude. And Perplexity.
I wouldn’t believe that an AI engine with essential solutions couldn’t definitely generate questions. I leveraged a diverse range of PR story angles, posing inquiries to each search engine in an effort to uncover relevant insights.
Your math is appropriate. I now possess a comprehensive list comprising 400 subsequent inquiries. While some are undeniably sillier than others, let’s remain truthful: this phenomenon is surprisingly common even in genuine interviews as well.
The Journey
As I once excelled at navigating complex technical assessments and implemented modifications swiftly, typically finding a suitable solution within the initial 48 hours, while my phone rested peacefully on a soft cloth. While not particularly effective for focused interviews, this exercise can prove to be an excellent and adaptable way to maintain mental stimulation for just two minutes each morning. One thing is often enough to spark a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
By the end of Day Six, I finally acknowledged that my morning espresso was insufficient. A parched throat begged for a refreshing glass of water to enable articulate speech without the interruption of a hacking cough.
The Enlightenment
After a ten-day struggle, I finally found solace in my preferred spot, engaging in daily conversations with myself via webcam. As I transformed from the weird to being regular, I gained the ability to finally gaze upon myself with fresh perspective, critically assessing my appearance.
This epiphany arose: I previously provided straightforward answers, rather than cultivating opportunities for inquiry into myself and my writing. What sparked my passion for crafting cozy fantasy is the prospect of weaving intricate worlds where readers can escape the mundane and revel in the magic that lies just beyond the veil. In terms of primary themes, my e-book delves into the complexities of identity, community, and the power of storytelling to transcend adversity. As a Jewish author, my heritage undoubtedly informs my narrative voice, imbuing my tales with a rich cultural tapestry that resonates deeply with those who share my heritage.
Prior to embarking on my writing journey, I was oblivious to the existence of the “cozy fantasy” subgenre – that is, until I began crafting my own brand of this enchanting genre. As it often happens in hindsight, the passage of time has led to an increase in reputation, although I find this narrative quite entertaining. Despite its silence on the topic, I find myself enthralled by the notion that an ADHD mind is akin to a wondrous land, where life’s challenges are mitigated by the enchanting quality of its surroundings and the captivating sense of magic that pervades the narrative. While these details might lack humor, they still hold the power to captivate your target audience with their authenticity and relevance.
As I recalled saying to myself, “I had the chance to feature just one Jewish folktale in the book.” What’s next for innovative brands? In reality, the ebook seamlessly weaves together cameos from various Jewish traditions alongside a captivating subplot that vividly brings to life a beautiful and humorous Jewish folktale. Isn’t this an improvement over the original? True, too!
As I’ve come to realize, two weeks into this investigation, writing and speaking have distinct differences that cannot be ignored.
Deep, huh? You’re probably gasping with excitement as you delve into this.
Despite initial reservations, I am now pleased to acknowledge a significant flaw in my appearance. As I embark on the crucial initial stage of transforming myself into a confident, interactive podcast guest, aligning with my promotional objectives requires careful consideration. These skills will also help facilitate various types of interviews, media appearances, live events, and more, both online and in-person. This kind of advertising and marketing acumen could also help in private relationships, enabling us to present ourselves more persuasively to those we hope to win over.
I strive to refine my understanding on how to further unlock additional relaxation when tapping into my writing abilities, thereby transcending self-referential discussions about my own writing and personal experiences. After testing these theories against reality, I look forward to sharing conclusive findings with you in a future article.
Would I commit to doing the two-minute daily challenge myself? Regardless of whether one has ADHD or a tissue field, I’m intrigued by the insights you’ve gained. Please share within the feedback!