Confessions of an ADHD Magpie: Plot Bunnies, Dopamine, and Creative Chaos

What if your scattered brain is actually the source of your story magic?

May 18, 2025

Hi, my name is Angie, and I'm a recovering plot bunny addict.

Right now, as I type this, I have six unfinished manuscripts giving me the stink eye from my desktop. There's the "Book in a Day" project that lasted exactly 6.5 hours (because apparently, I thought I was superhuman that Sunday).

The NaNoWriMo 2021 novel I swore I'd turn into a serialized masterpiece—complete with color-coded planning sheets that are now gathering digital dust while "business priorities" keep elbowing creativity out of the way.

Then there's the vampire detective I'm planning to write live on YouTube, because apparently adding performance anxiety to the creative process seemed like a brilliant idea. Think The Dresden Files meets Pushing Daisies, but with the added thrill of potential public humiliation.

But here's where it gets really good.

Last month, my brain—clearly feeling neglected—whispered the most seductive creative lie: "What if you wrote a cozy fantasy Omegaverse story?" I spent a few hours plotting this beautiful disaster before realizing some genres are like toothpaste and orange juice. They just shouldn't meet.

Your Brain on Plot Bunnies: The Science of Creative Chaos

Let me paint you a neurological picture. Your ADHD brain isn't broken—it's optimized for innovation, not completion.

While neurotypical writers might steadily march through one project like disciplined soldiers, we're more like creative magpies, constantly distracted by shiny new ideas that need immediate attention.

Here's what's actually happening upstairs when Plot Bunny #47 shows up:

The Dopamine Chase: Starting something new triggers a massive dopamine hit. It's like your brain's reward system throwing a surprise party every time you open a fresh document titled "BESTSELLER-FINAL-FINAL-ACTUALLY-FINAL.docx."

Novelty Seeking: ADHD brains crave stimulation. That vampire romance that felt earth-shattering three weeks ago? Now it feels as exciting as watching paint dry in slow motion.

The Cruel Irony: The very trait that makes us incredible at generating ideas—our brain's insatiable appetite for novelty—is the same one that makes finishing feel like psychological torture.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Project Polygamy

Let's normalize something real quick: having multiple WIPs doesn't make you a writing failure. Most writers have 3–10 unfinished projects hiding in their digital graveyards.

The difference is that they don't usually admit it at parties.

Why We Abandon Our Literary Children

The Middle Muddle Phenomenon: Remember that initial burst of "This is THE ONE!" energy? It has an expiration date. Around 30% completion, reality sets in. Your brilliant premise starts feeling like a house of cards built during an earthquake.

Fear Disguised as Boredom: Sometimes what we call "losing interest" is actually fear wearing a clever disguise. Fear that we're not good enough, that the story won't live up to our vision, or worse—that someone might actually read it.

The Perfectionism Trap: "I'll just fix this one chapter before moving on." Famous last words. ADHD brains are especially vulnerable to the edit-it-to-death spiral, where good enough never feels good enough.

The Hyperfocus-Then-Crash Cycle: A Love Story

One minute you're writing like your life depends on it, cranking out 5,000 words in a caffeine-fueled frenzy. You're Neo in The Matrix, seeing the story in pure code. You are INVINCIBLE.

The next minute? You can barely look at your manuscript without feeling like you've been hit by a literary truck. Sound familiar?

This isn't failure—it's neurology.

ADHD brains burn through creative energy differently. We're more like creative sports cars than reliable sedans. Powerful bursts of momentum followed by necessary pit stops (and lots of naps).

The "I Hate Everything About It" Temper Tantrum

Let's talk about that special moment when you sit down, read your work, and think, "Dear God, did a drunk monkey write this?"

That nuclear-level contempt for your own words? Yeah, that's normal. Not fun, but normal.

Plot Twist: Your ADHD Brain Might Be a Creative Superpower

Here's a revolutionary thought: What if your brain's tendency to juggle seventeen story ideas isn't a bug—it's a feature?

The Connection Engine: While linear writers follow Point A to Point B, your brain makes incredible leaps between seemingly unrelated concepts. That cozy fantasy Omegaverse research? It might inform your vampire detective's emotional arc in ways you never expected.

Resilience Through Variety: Having multiple projects means one disappointing writing session doesn't derail your entire creative life. Project feeling stuck? Switch gears. Your brain stays engaged, your creativity keeps flowing.

The Innovation Advantage: Some of the most groundbreaking stories come from genre-blending and unexpected combinations. Your "scattered" approach might be exactly what creates your unique voice.

Your creative chaos isn't a character flaw—it's your brain's way of ensuring you never run out of creative fuel.

Making Peace with Your Beautiful Chaos

Maybe you're not scattered—you're strategically diversified. Like a creative stock portfolio, but with more vampires and confused protagonists.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Not every story needs to be finished. Some are meant to be stepping stones, experiments, or pure fun. The goal isn't to complete every project—it's to keep your creative spirit alive and thriving.

Reframe the Narrative: Instead of "I never finish anything," try "I'm actively exploring my creative potential through multiple avenues."

Same behavior, completely different story.

Your Creative Rebellion Starts Here

Your ADHD brain isn't working against you—it's working differently. And that difference? It might just be your creative superpower in disguise.

Tell me: What's your current plot bunny vs. WIP situation? Drop your numbers in the comments—no judgment zone!

Are you team "six projects and counting" or "one story, laser focus"?

Because here's the truth: The world needs the stories that only your wonderfully scattered, brilliantly curious, endlessly creative brain can tell. Even if it takes six attempts and a detour through cozy fantasy Omegaverse to get there.

Next week: I'll share the practical strategies that work for training your creative magpie brain—including my "World Domination Plans" document and why the three-project rule might save your sanity. TTFN!