Chapter 1: The Unexpected Shift

Bipolar disorder comes with its challenges, but for me, it stripped away distractions and streamlined my social life, allowing ample space for writing.

Nobody wishes for mental illness. When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it felt like I had plunged into an abyss, with no end in sight. I transitioned from being the vibrant life of the party, surrounded by friends and indulging in diverse hobbies like bagpiping and amateur opera, to becoming a solitary figure with little to occupy my time.

Initially, I struggled for a couple of years, but eventually, I recognized that my bipolar condition had its silver lining. As Carrie Fisher famously stated:

"Bipolar disorder, it’s a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life."

Section 1.1: The Initial Struggles

You might wonder how something so seemingly destructive could be beneficial. The truth is, I had long harbored a desire to write, but I faced a significant hurdle: I lacked the focus and discipline to maintain a writing schedule. Instead, I was too busy socializing, playing music, or preparing for performances of productions like Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

I embodied a vital lesson in life:

Talent without discipline is akin to energy without an engine.

Despite my attempts to write—reading The Artist’s Way, screenwriting books, and guides on novel writing—my enthusiasm would wane as soon as my friends called, inviting me to parties.

Guess what happened? The allure of social gatherings always triumphed, causing my budding writing routine to fizzle out.

Subsection 1.1.1: A New Beginning

All of that transformed when I experienced late-onset bipolar disorder in my thirties. I found myself relinquishing everything: parties, friendships, and hobbies.

For a time, I was too unwell to care, but eventually, I found a semblance of stability and sought something meaningful to fill my time. I recalled my passion for writing and tentatively decided to commit to a daily writing routine of half an hour. Why the hesitation? My previous attempts had never lasted long, so what would change now?

To my astonishment, I managed to stick to this new regimen. Gradually, I increased my writing sessions to two hours daily. I had discovered a newfound focus and determination. In the face of adversity, I adapted, organized myself, and persevered.

As Venus Williams wisely said:

"I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest."

I am convinced that without my bipolar condition, I would never have become a writer—never have crafted a screenplay, penned articles, or authored a book. In this way, my bipolar disorder has shaped my identity as a writer, proving Carrie Fisher's assertion correct: it equips you to handle almost anything in life.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Writer Within

If you're an aspiring writer struggling to establish a routine, consider how fortunate you are and take proactive steps to carve out an hour each day for your craft. Imagine achieving this without the impetus of mental illness; that would be a double blessing.

Commit to a writing routine, and a world of possibilities opens up. As Maxwell Perkins aptly stated:

"Just put it down on paper, and then we’ll see what to do with it."

Consider canceling that second party this week or leaving early to dedicate an hour to writing. Don’t allow disorganization to control you.

Establish a routine, and then you can truly identify as a writer.