Ep 132: Why The System Is the Problem Not You with Susanne Schotanus
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What if the reason writing feels so hard has nothing to do with discipline - and everything to do with the system you are using?
In this episode of The Real Women Real Business Podcast, Shauna Lynn Simon sits down with Susanne Schotanus, founder of Passionate Writer Coaching and the world’s first ADHD writing coach for adults. After coaching hundreds of ADHD writers, Susanne has made it her mission to change the narrative from “you are broken” to “you need strategies that work for your brain.”
Susanne explains how executive function challenges affect everything from emails and proposals to books, articles, and business content. She breaks down why a “simple email” may actually be a multi-step project, how overloaded brains freeze when too many mental programs are running, and why shame is often the biggest barrier to getting words on the page.
Listeners will walk away with practical tools, including the APT and TOAST systems, to simplify writing, reduce overwhelm, and create more supportive ways to finish what matters.
Timestamps:
(01:49) - (07:38) - How Susanne became an ADHD writing coach by following both data and passion
(07:39) - (12:53) - Why ADHD affects the writing process and how executive function challenges show up
(12:54) - (18:48) - Why simple emails can become hidden projects and how shame keeps writers stuck
(18:49) - (23:34) - The APT and TOAST systems for breaking down tasks, projects, and areas
(23:35) - (30:39) - Second brain systems, templates, SOPs, and reducing what your brain has to hold
(30:40) - (39:07) - Sticky notes, Notion, Apple Notes, self-trust, and why the system may be the problem
Resources:
Book Your FREE Coaching Assessment Call with Shauna Lynn: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/coachme
Learn more about the show: AboutShaunaLynn.com/podcast
Free Workbook from Susanne Schotanus: http://passionatewritercoaching.com/rwrb
Connect with Susanne Schotanus:
Learn more about Susanne: https://passionatewritercoaching.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionatewritercoaching/
Susanne Schotanus is the founder of Passionate Writer Coaching and the world’s first ADHD writing coach for adults. With a BA and MA from the University of Amsterdam, academic and publishing experience, and more than five years coaching hundreds of ADHD writers, Susanne helps people get their ideas onto the page without battling their brains in the process. Her clients include novelists, academics, memoirists, business owners, and anyone with a story or message to share. Through practical tools built around executive function, sustainable writing practices, and self-compassion, Susanne helps writers move away from shame, overwhelm, and the belief that they are not cut out for the work, so they can finish meaningful projects in a way that actually works for their brain.
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