My Brain is Not My Friend Right Now: the Challenges of Working with a Quirky Brain

I was in tears. Again.
I was tired of tears. I was pretty sure my husband was, too.
The problem is, tears are pretty standard for me, as an autistic woman (not for every autistic woman, but definitely for me). Masking; walking in a world that is usually overstimulating in multiple ways, just by virtue of being the world ; trying to communicate “normally” and read between lines I can hardly see sometimes…it all makes for a perpetual feeling of being lost/left out/left behind/left alone to handle what I’m handling.
That’s only a tiny piece of being a writer with a “quirky” brain.
https://writerunboxed.com/2026/03/11/my-brain-is-not-my-friend-right-now-the-challenges-of-working-with-a-quirky-brain/

#REALWORLD #Writinglife #adviceforwriters #neurodivergentwriter #neurodiversity

My Brain is Not My Friend Right Now: the Challenges of Working with a Quirky Brain

I was in tears. Again. I was tired of tears. I was pretty sure my husband was, too. The problem is, tears are pretty standard for me, as an autistic woman (not for every autistic woman, but definit…

Writer Unboxed

Dreamspace Dispatch (Podcast): Season 1, Episode 4: The Shadow Side of AI

Exploring the ethical use of AI in creative work requires moving beyond simplified narratives of salvation or destruction. This article examines the often-overlooked risks and responsibilities that come with integrating AI tools into creative practice, including the environmental costs of generative AI systems, the implications for disabled and neurodivergent creators, and the broader equity concerns that shape how these technologies affect creative communities. Rather than advocating for or against AI, this piece offers a grounded, honest assessment of what creators, advocates, and thoughtful technology users need to understand to engage with AI tools in ways that are informed, sustainable, and genuinely responsible.

https://dreamspacestudio.net/dreamspace-dispatch-podcast-season-1-episode-4-the-shadow-side-of-ai/

Behind the Scenes of Dreamspace: What’s Really Hiding Backstage

The author's creative space is a vibrant, chaotic environment filled with diverse crafting materials and tools. It's characterized by a blend of messiness and inspiration, where creative chaos reflects ongoing projects and ideas. The space serves as a sanctuary for artistic expression, revealing the emotional struggle beneath the surface of perfection.

https://dreamspacestudio.net/behind-the-scenes-of-dreamspace-whats-really-hiding-backstage/

Digital Rituals & Writing Altars: Building a Self-Honoring Writing Life

The author emphasizes the importance of gentle rituals in their writing process, particularly as a disabled, neurodivergent individual. Key practices include prioritizing rest, nurturing mornings, affirmations, and customized digital tools that support their workflow. These rituals create a sustainable environment that fosters creativity and personal well-being, forming their unique creative altar.

https://dreamspacestudio.net/digital-rituals-writing-altars-building-a-self-honoring-writing-life/

The Difference Between Writing for You and Writing for The Algorithm (And Why Both Matter)

The post discusses the balance between writing for personal expression and for audience reach. It highlights the importance of creative freedom while recognizing the need for SEO techniques to make writing discoverable. Successful writing appeals to both personal voice and search algorithms, ensuring it connects with existing and potential readers.

https://dreamspacestudio.net/the-difference-between-writing-for-you-and-writing-for-the-algorithm-and-why-both-matter/

SEO doesn’t have to be scary, stuffy, or robotic. Gentle, human-first tips for writers who want to reach their people—without the stress. #GentleSEO #Dreamspace #BloggingTips #NeurodivergentWriter #Accessibility

https://dreamspacestudio.net/gentle-seo-human-first-nd-friendly-strategies-for-writers-who-hate-seo/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Gentle SEO: Human-First, ND-Friendly Strategies for Writers Who Hate SEO - Dreamspace Studio

The Dreamspace emphasizes a human-centered approach to SEO, focusing on creativity and authenticity rather than algorithms. It advocates for clarity, accessibility, and gentle keyword usage, aiming to make content discoverable without sacrificing individuality. Small victories and consistency matter more than traffic numbers, prioritizing well-being and genuine connection over robotic optimization.

Dreamspace Studio

The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Imposter Syndrome Crisis

As a runner who dabbles in long distances of the double digit kind, my resting heart rate sits at about 45-50 beats per minute on any given day.
https://writerunboxed.com/2025/11/12/the-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-imposter-syndrome-crisis/

#REALWORLD #Writinglife #impostersyndrome #neurodivergentwriter #RachelToalson

Confessions of a Neurodiverse Writer: Encouragement and a Spoonful of Hope

This post may appear to have little to do with the craft or business of writing, but the lived experience of what I suspect to be a great many of us creative types deserves attention, too. Kelsey A…

Writer Unboxed

Just had a crazy productive creative session! 🤯 I'm woozy with accomplishment! 🫨

Today I...

☑️ Mapped out the deep lore and emotional core for a new novel concept exploring trauma, identity, magic, blood, drug-dealer fae, and classical ultra-violence.

☑️ FINALLY finished and published my Urban Occult Punk Mani--wait....no, that was yesterday. Fuck! Is it rude to plug it again?

Fuck it. I'm plugging it again. 🤘🔌

https://ellisarcwolf.com/#urbanoccultpunk-manifesto

Take that, fear that my abusers are all right and I'm actually a terrible person! ✊ 👊 🖤 🎸

#UrbanOccultPunk #PhilosophicalPunkFiction #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #Manifesto #WorldBuilding #Punk #Trauma #Creativity #EllisArcwolf #MentalHealth #NeurodivergentWriter #IndieAuthor

P.S. I wish I could share what I wrote with you guys. Stupid first publishing rights. *sulks*

Ellis Arcwolf

Ellis Arcwolf is a queer, trans, Latina author of speculative fiction and a former Licensed Professional Counselor. She explores themes of identity, trauma, and justice through storytelling, FFXIV, and philosophy. This is her website.

Ellis Arcwolf

Would anyone be interested if I ever made a Substack account for my writing? It'd be for shits and giggles basically, I don't wanna feel obligated to write articles all the time. I'd probably write about politics and possibly esotericism. All of my articles would be free unless I get good traction on there.

For more background into my politics, I'm an independent from the US with a slight left lean. I'm also a bi AuDHD woman, so I'm able to bring a healthy dose of diversity into what I do! I think universal healthcare, inflation and privacy are the biggest issues in the US currently. That said, I'm also very passionate about neurodivergent advocacy and acceptance. I think neurodivergence is the biggest DEI issue that few talk about.

#writing #WritingCommunity #politics #uspol #uspolitics #substack #substackwriters #substackpolitics #writer #writers #writersofmastodon #writerscommunity #writings #article #articles #articlewriting #independent #independentmedia #IndieMedia #indiewriter #indiewriters #indiewriting #indiewritersofmastodon #indiewritingcommunity #left_politics #left #LGBTQ #lgbtqia #bi #bisexual #AuDHD #audhdwriters #audhder #audhders #AuDHDAdvocate #adhd #ActuallyAutistic #autistic #autism #neurodivergent #neurodivergence #neurodivergency #AutismAcceptance #neurodivergentwriter #neurodiversity #dei #deipolicies #deiprograms #womenwriters #diversity