Beyond 10,000 Hours: How Writers Really Get Better

“No” Isn’t the End: Building Creative Resilience After Rejection

In this episode Brenda Murphy—your NeuroSpicy writing coach—walks through how to handle manuscript rejection, especially for neurodivergent creators with rejection sensitivity. She explains why publishing decisions are business choices, how to learn from feedback, and why self-publishing is a powerful option. Brenda offers concrete coping strategies: feel your feelings, limit reaction time, never rant publicly, celebrate submissions, always start a new project while waiting, and keep your creative identity intact. The episode emphasizes persistence, professional growth, and treating rejection as part of the creative journey. Show notes Thanks for listening! Sign up for my writer’s newletter and get a free writers workbook here: https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/ [https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/] Here are the episodes I mentioned in the podcast: How to deal with RSD and working with other folks : https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-rdnsu-16ebfdf [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-rdnsu-16ebfdf] Imposter Syndrome and Writers Block episode: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-24yrx-1625b05 [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-24yrx-1625b05] Book Recs We Need Your Art by Aime McNee The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharpe The Artist’s Way by Juila Cameron Sign up for my writer’s newletter and get a free writers workbook here: https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/ [https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/]

Accepted — Now What? A Guide for Neurospicy Writers

Congratulations — your work was accepted! This episode walks neurodiverse writers through the emotional and practical next steps: celebrate, list your questions, understand your contract, and protect your professional relationship with editors and agents. Learn how to manage imposter syndrome and rejection sensitivity, keep writing to avoid writer's block, start a newsletter, plan marketing, and handle reviews with support and perspective. Short, clear, and encouraging advice to help you move from the excitement of acceptance into the next stage of your writing career. Show notes Oh Dang it was accepted Newsletter Ninja information is here: https://newsletterninja.net/resources/ [https://newsletterninja.net/resources/] Jen offers some solid advice geared for authors: https://jenndepaula.com [https://jenndepaula.com/] How to deal with RSD and working with other folks : https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-rdnsu-16ebfdf [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-rdnsu-16ebfdf] Imposter Syndrome and Writers Block episode: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-24yrx-1625b05 [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-24yrx-1625b05] Sign ups from my Newsletter and get a free Character Workbook https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/ [https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/]

Beyond 10,000 Hours: How Writers Really Get Better

Brenda Murphy explains the 10,000-hour theory and explains that mastery requires three things: a clear, controllable goal, deliberate practice focused on challenging skills, and targeted feedback. Time alone won’t improve your writing without intention. She gives practical steps for writers, pick one craft area to improve (structure, dialogue, pacing, or character), study examples, apply techniques, and get specific feedback from readers or editors. For neurodivergent creators, harness hyper-focus to deliberately build skills. Define success on your terms, set measurable goals, and keep practicing with purpose so your writing and your confidence can grow. Find out more about Mind Mapping here: https://blog.writingwhiledistracted.com/?p=2274 [https://blog.writingwhiledistracted.com/?p=2274] Sign up for my Writer's Newsletter and received a free Character Workbook here: https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/ [https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/]

Unplug, Boundaries, Write: Five Ways to Carve out Creative Space

Brenda Murphy offers five practical, compassionate strategies for writers—especially neurodivergent and burnt-out creators—to protect their focus and revive their creativity amid constant chaos. Learn how to create before you consume, set boundaries, unplug for sensory rest, use morning pages to clear mental clutter, and give yourself grace so you can keep writing, even in hard times. Books Mentioned: We Need Your Art by Aime McNee The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron  Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free workbook https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/ [https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/]

How to Keep Writing When You Want to Burn It All Down

Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," a podcast dedicated to helping writers navigate the often chaotic world of creativity and distraction. I'm your host, Brenda Murphy, a NeuroSpicy writing coach, here to transform scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. This episode focuses on those overwhelming moments when the urge to give up and "burn it all down" becomes too strong. Whether it's the daily challenges of life, mental health struggles, or external pressures, writers often find themselves grappling with despair and self-doubt. Join me as we explore practical advice on how to stay focused and keep writing during tough times. Discover the power of rest, the importance of revisiting your creative "why," and the necessity of maintaining connections with others in your writing community. Let's tackle these feelings of isolation and keep the flame of creativity alive. If you've ever felt like setting your manuscript on fire, know you're not alone. Tune in for supportive tips, encouragement, and ways to let your creativity thrive amidst chaos. Embrace the distractions and uncertainties; these are the stepping stones to mastering the art of writing. Sign up for my newsletter take your pick of writing guides: https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/ [https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/]