Use Human Design To Unlock Your Writing Style

Use Human Design To Unlock Your Writing Style

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Human Design

Procrastination, unfinished pieces of writing, multiple ideas clamouring for space in your head—does any of this seem familiar? They’re all associated with an overactive mind and for writers they translate into lack of consistency, creative blocks, and self-doubt. Human Design offers an alternative approach, showing writers how to work with their energy rather than against it. By understanding your unique energetic blueprint, you can unlock your creative potential, embrace your writing process, and find greater ease and flow in your work.

How Human Design Supports Writers

Each one of us has a unique Human Design type, strategy, and authority that influence how we create, structure our writing life, and interact with inspiration. Rather than forcing yourself into a writing process that doesn’t suit you, Human Design helps you work with your natural rhythms.

Understanding Your Human Design Type

There are five types of Human Design type and whatever your type is, it plays a major role in shaping your writing habits and creativity.

  • Manifestors: Manifestors are initiators. If you’re a Manifestor, you thrive on bursts of inspiration and independent projects. Writing sprints, short-form content, and allowing yourself freedom in your creative process will keep you engaged.
  • Generators: Generators have sustainable energy when working on projects they love. If you’re a Generator, focus on writing topics that excite you. Daily writing routines and responding to external prompts will keep your energy high.
  • Manifesting Generators: Multi-taskers who thrive on variety, Manifesting Generators often juggle multiple writing projects at once. Embracing your fast-moving, non-linear process and setting boundaries can help prevent burnout.
  • Projectors: Projectors are natural guides who work best when recognised and invited into creative opportunities. If you’re a Projector, honour your energy fluctuations and focus on sharing your insights through writing when you feel inspired. (I’m writing this blog post now is because today is one of those days when I feel inspired).
  • Reflectors: Reflectors are highly sensitive to their environment and need time to process. As a Reflector, choose writing spaces that feel right and allow yourself a full lunar cycle before making big creative decisions.

How Your Authority Shapes Your Writing Decisions

Human Design authority guides how you make decisions. This can be particularly useful for writers choosing projects or navigating creative blocks.

  • Emotional Authority: You experience emotional waves before gaining clarity. Sleep on major writing decisions before committing.
  • Sacral Authority: Your gut response tells you whether a project is right for you. Listen to your instincts.
  • Splenic Authority: You receive quick, intuitive insights. Trust your spontaneous creative ideas.
  • Ego Authority: Making decisions based on what truly excites and motivates you will lead to success.
  • Self-Projected Authority: Talking through your writing decisions with a trusted friend can provide clarity.
  • Lunar Authority: Reflectors need a full lunar cycle (28 days) to make the best creative choices.
Download Your Human Design Chart

 

Aligning Your Writing Routine with Your Design

Each Human Design type benefits from a different approach to structuring their writing time.

  • Manifestors: Write in bursts when inspiration strikes. Give yourself freedom and flexibility.
  • Generators: Commit to consistent writing blocks. Respond to prompts or reader engagement.
  • Manifesting Generators: Work on multiple projects at once. Allow yourself to skip steps and refine later.
  • Projectors: Focus on shorter, deep writing sessions. Share your insights and let invitations come to you.
  • Reflectors: Write in an inspiring environment and give yourself time to process before finalising ideas.

Managing ADHD Through Human Design

For writers with ADHD, aligning with your Human Design can provide relief from creative frustration. ADHD traits, such as impulsivity and hyperfocus, can be harnessed as strengths rather than seen as obstacles.

  • Time-Blocking for Focus: Use structured yet flexible writing blocks that suit your energy cycles.
  • Honouring Energy Fluctuations: Some days are for writing, some for editing, and some for ideation. Allow yourself to shift focus as needed.
  • Building Writing Rituals: Rituals signal to your brain that it’s time to create. Try using a specific playlist, a candle, or a favourite drink before writing.
  • Trusting Your Process: Whether you write in bursts or require external accountability, embrace what works best for you rather than forcing a traditional approach.

Real-Life Applications: Writers Using Human Design

Human Design has helped many writers embrace their creative rhythms. For example:

  • A Manifesting Generator writer realised her tendency to work on multiple projects was a strength, not a flaw. She now writes fiction, runs a blog, and creates courses—all aligned with her design.
  • A Projector writer learned to honour her limited energy. Instead of forcing daily word counts, she writes in short, inspired sessions and produces high-quality work.
  • A Generator discovered that responding to reader questions and engagement on social media sparked new ideas for books, making her writing process feel more natural and engaging.

Final Thoughts: Writing with Ease and Flow

Your Human Design isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about embracing your natural creative process. Writing should feel aligned, joyful, and fulfilling. By understanding your energy type, decision-making process, and creative rhythm, you can unlock your best writing self and produce work that resonates deeply with you and your readers.

Want to learn more about how Human Design can transform your writing life?

Explore your own chart and experiment with these strategies to find the best approach for you and contact me at norah @ norahdeay.com (flipping bots!) if you’d like more information. 

Download Your Human Design Chart

11 Audiobooks Every Writer Should Listen To: A Symphony of Words

by | May 25, 2023 | Creativity, Writing advice

Introduction

Are you a writer thirsty for inspiration, keen on mastering the craft of storytelling, or are you hunting for tips to polish your creativity? Whatever your literary path, enriching your knowledge through books is undoubtedly an essential step and here, I present a list of 11 audiobooks every writer should listen to in order to improve their writing. I hope this carefully curated list will fan the flames of your creativity and storytelling skills. These are not necessarily the BEST books, but they are my favourites so that’s why they’re here.

woman listening on headphones, clipart, sitting in a chair

 

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

by Stephen King

Narrator: Stephen King

Renowned author Stephen King shares his experiences and wisdom on writing. This part-memoir, part-masterclass audiobook provides valuable insights on the craft, with King’s own voice adding an intimate layer to the narrative.

 

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

by Anne Lamott

Narrator: Susan Bennett

Anne Lamott’s masterpiece offers a candid and humorous view on writing and life. It’s not merely an audiobook; it’s a guide full of advice and personal experiences that offer comfort to authors facing the struggles of the creative process.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces

by Joseph Campbell

Narrator: Arthur Morey

A staple in understanding the power of myth and the hero’s journey in storytelling, this audiobook delivers valuable wisdom on crafting compelling narratives that resonate universally.

 

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

by Elizabeth Gilbert

Narrator: Elizabeth Gilbert

A beautiful exploration of creativity, “Big Magic” encourages writers to embrace curiosity, let go of fear, and uncover the “strange jewels” within. Gilbert’s own narration imbues every word with her genuine passion and warmth.

 

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

by Steven Pressfield

Narrator: George Guidall

 This audiobook is a powerful weapon for writers battling creative block. Pressfield’s profound wisdom helps identify and conquer the inner obstacles to creativity, making it a must-listen for every writer. 

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

by Natalie Goldberg

Narrator: Natalie Goldberg

My all-time favourite, Goldberg’s timeless wisdom is a blend of Zen mindfulness and writing techniques. Her calming voice guides writers to silence their self-doubt and awaken their creative instincts.

 The Elements of Style (4th Edition)

by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Narrator: Frank McCourt

An iconic guide to English language and writing, this audiobook provides clear rules of usage, principles of composition, and advice on style. An invaluable tool for writers to refine their craft.

 

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

by Julia Cameron

Narrator: Julia Cameron

This audiobook is a lifeline for creatives feeling blocked or unfulfilled. Cameron’s 12-week course guides you through spiritual exercises that free your creativity, encouraging artistic confidence and productivity.

 

On Writers and Writing

by Margaret Atwood

Narrator: Margaret Atwood

Explore the fascinating role of writers as viewed by Margaret Atwood in this retrospective on her writing career. Delving into the various metaphors and roles writers assume, Atwood ponders the concept of writers as ‘gifted’, balancing wide literary references with personal anecdotes. Discover the purpose and pleasures of writing, rooted in the rich traditions of western literature.

 Structuring Your Novel
Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story

by K.M. Weiland

 Narrator Sonja Field

 Unlock the power of story structure with this award-winning guide by the author of ‘Outlining Your Novel.’ Learn to time your story’s events perfectly, eliminate structural weaknesses, and maintain pacing and progression. Discover how to turn your unique vision into a compelling plot, ensure readers ask the right questions, and join the ranks of countless successful authors empowered by story structure.

 

Romancing the Beat: Story Structure for Romance Novels: 
How to Write Kissing Books, Book 1

by Gwen Hayes

Narrator: Natalie Duke

Dive into the art of writing romance with ‘Romancing the Beat’, a conversational guide by editor and author Gwen Hayes. Learn the unique story beats of the genre and how to braid the external plot to the romance arc. Whether you’re a plotter or pantser, this guide is your recipe for writing engaging kissing books, taught by a mentor to New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors.

 

Conclusion

Every one of these audiobooks brings something unique to the table for writers. They unravel the intricacies of the craft, provide invaluable life lessons, and delve into the depths of creativity. Immerse yourself in the sonic richness of these narratives, and you’ll likely emerge with a renewed love for writing and a wellspring of inspiration.

Give your writing a powerful boost by investing time in these audiobooks. Remember, the essence of writing is not merely the words we pen down, but the symphony of thoughts, ideas, and emotions we orchestrate. Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep writing. Here’s to your writing journey soaring to new heights!

Do you have a favourite writing book? Audio or otherwise. Let me know below – I’m always on the lookout for new writing books.

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Please be aware that when you click on affiliate links and make a purchase, I may receive a commission from the retailer. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.  

Collaborating with Google for Accurate and Engaging AI Content

Collaborating with Google for Accurate and Engaging AI Content

by | Mar 14, 2023 | Writing advice

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we make and use content. It is also changing how we get information. AI has changed the process, but humans are still needed to edit and check facts because machines can’t be creative or think critically. By working with tech companies like Google, content creators can make sure that AI-generated content is correct and interesting.

 Working with Google has many benefits for people who create content. Google’s tools for processing natural language can improve the quality of content made by AI by finding and fixing mistakes in grammar and style and its search algorithms can also find gaps in content and change it so that it gets the most attention. Google’s machine learning models can also analyse and make sense of enormous sets of data, which gives content creators data-driven insights.

Fact Checking

 Google got on board the AI train early on and their Fact Check Explorer tool helps editors and fact-checkers check the accuracy of content across the web. This makes it easier for editors and fact-checkers to find mistakes in AI-generated content and fix them. This is especially important in the digital age, where fake news and misinformation are becoming more of a worry.

human editors fact-checkers Chatgpt

 Working with Google can also improve how AI-generated content is used by users. Human editors can pick up on subtle differences in language, tone, and style, which makes the content more interesting and relatable to the audience. Also, Google has machine-learning models that can figure out what each user likes and adapt the content to their needs and interests.

Conclusion

So! For AI-generated content to be correct, informative, and interesting, human editors, fact-checkers, and Google must work together. AI has many benefits, but it can’t replace creative editors and fact-checkers who can think critically and come up with new ideas. By working with Google, content creators can use both human and machine skills to make content that is both efficient and effective.

In the end, as it is for all humanity, it is the human touch that makes a difference.

Contact me if you'd like me to edit your AI Content

 

If you’ve read down to here, you probably have an interest in AI-generated content.

I edit & fact check 1000 words for €40.

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How To Blog a Book

How To Blog a Book

by | Mar 22, 2021 | Writing advice

How to Blog a Book

What holds most would-be authors back from publishing? It’s not a lack of writing talent. It’s not a lack of knowledge. And it’s definitely not a lack of desire.

If you ask most people why they haven’t finished their book, they’ll tell you they don’t have time.

We’re all busy people. You have clients to serve, a business to run, a family to care for. Not only that, but you’re spending time writing, marketing on social media, managing your team…the list is nearly endless.

When would you have time to write an entire book?

You’ve Probably Already Written It

It’s true. If you have a blog, and you’ve been maintaining it for more than a few months, then you very likely have already written all the content your book needs. All that remains is to organise and give it a light edit.

If you don’t have a blog (why not?), or your blog is young, blogging your book is even easier, since you can plan your content around your book topic.

Here’s how it works.

Think of your blog categories as sections, and each blog post as a chapter. You can loosely organise your book by sorting all your blog posts by category, then listing them in logical order. Your book may only contain a single category, or it might contain several. The choice is yours.

Remove self-serving, time sensitive, curated, or other content that doesn’t fit into a book. Remove the calls to action. It won’t make sense to promote your services or products—or worse, affiliate offers—within a book.

 Why you must Edit

What you’re left with is a rough draft of a book. All that remains is a few passes with your editor who you will have engaged for:

  1. Flow: Books should follow a logical path from one chapter to the next, so you’ll likely have to add or edit the beginnings and endings of your posts.
  2. Spelling, grammar and punctuation: Don’t skip this part. In fact, get someone else to do it. It’s too difficult to spot our own mistakes, and book readers are less forgiving than blog readers.
  3. Content: Enlist the help of a few friends or colleagues who you trust to share their honest opinion with you. Ask them to read through and note any content that is confusing, or that could be explained in greater detail.

That’s it! Revise, and you’re ready to publish.

 

 Think no one will read a book that’s repurposed from your blog?

Think again. Bloggers have used this method to write books for years, and some of them are spectacularly successful. Darren Rowse of ProBlogger.net fame wrote and published his wildly popular blogging guide based entirely on content he’d already published on his blog. He found that even though the content was freely available, people bought the book because they wanted the convenience of having it organized for them in one document.

Even fiction writers have discovered the power of blogging a book. Andy Weir, the author of “The Martian,” first published his book one chapter at a time on a blog.

Don’t continue to let excuses hold you back from publishing your book. Use the content you’ve already written, or strategically plan your blog to turn it into a book, but either way, get publishing!

 

Contact me if you don't want to do this yourself

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Self-Doubt Thrives When You Compare Yourself to Other Writers

Self-Doubt Thrives When You Compare Yourself to Other Writers

by | Feb 9, 2021 | Writing advice

 Have you ever finished a wonderful book that, when you put it down, only left you feeling full of self-doubt? Because you think you’ll never write that well? Repeat after me 😊 I will never do this again! Comparing yourself to other writers can only damage your future successes. You may not be at the same experience level of those you’re comparing yourself to, and another person’s success may not be the magical transformation you feel it will be. 

 It’s not magic

Self-doubt can arise from the comparisons you make between you and fellow writers. Some may seem to have the Midas touch no matter what genre they write in–but you don’t know how many rewrites and edits they put that work through before it hit the bookshelves. 

 Those writers who are successful have likely spent an enormous amount of time and effort on their writing. It may look easy, but chances are they went through the same self-doubting process about their own potential for success. 

 Fear of exposure

Comparison to others and the self-doubt that follows goes on in every business – but it’s more prevalent in writing because you’re always putting yourself out there, presenting yourself and your ideas to others, particularly your friends and family (why do we feel more nervous about this audience?). They’ve been hearing for a long time about your writing, now they will see for themselves how good (or not) you are. 

The massive and constant success of others can make you feel like such a failure–because someone is always making more money than you or seems to be successful with everything they publish. 

Defeat the comparisons 

Comparisons like that are treacherous to your own self-confidence and can defeat what you’re trying to accomplish. You may not be aware of their many unfinished novels in the past or of how much time and money they’ve spent getting to this point. 

One way to view comparisons is to see them as challenges. “If she can do it, so can I!” may be exactly the boost you need to act, and make your own dreams come true. Note also that success for writers in the 21st Century is as much about marketing as it is about writing. Educate yourself on the strategies used by successful writers to get book sales.

 Strategise

Competition is fierce among writers. Looking into the strategies of other writers can be a good thing if you use them as models rather than comparing yourself to them negatively.  

Self-doubt can grow to be the nemesis of your future. Guard against comparing yourself to others negatively and focus on getting your writing to be the best it can be.