From 107 Rejections to Bestselling Rom-Coms: A Chat with Sharon M. Peterson on Perseverance, Laughter, and Life with ADHD.

We had the pleasure of hosting USA Today Bestselling Author Sharon M. Peterson. If you’re a fan of witty romantic comedies, an aspiring writer looking for a shot of inspiration, or anyone navigating the creative process with ADHD, this is an interview you absolutely don’t want to miss.Sharon’s journey to becoming a beloved rom-com author is nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine receiving 107 rejections for your first novel. Most of us would have packed it in. Not Sharon. Her story is a powerful testament to the fact that perseverance truly is “90% of it.”Why We Need Laughter (Especially Now.)As a former middle school teacher, Sharon found her calling in humor. She explained that she writes romantic comedies because, in her words, “laughter is hopeful.” In a world that often feels heavy, her books offer a delightful escape—a chance to find joy and cope with life’s stresses through heartwarming stories and genuine belly laughs.The Unspoken Chapter: Writing with ADHD.One of the most candid and impactful parts of our conversation revolved around Sharon’s adult diagnosis of ADHD. This realization was a turning point, shedding light on why external deadlines were always crucial for her focus and productivity. She also highlighted the often-misunderstood representation of ADHD, especially in women, and shared her own “aha!” moment connecting with others who navigate similar challenges.This discussion wasn’t just personal; it was packed with actionable advice. Sharon generously shared her top tips for maintaining focus and boosting productivity—strategies that resonate deeply whether you have ADHD or simply juggle a busy life:* The Brain Dump Before Bed: A simple yet powerful technique to clear your mind and reduce anxiety by writing down all your next-day tasks before you sleep.* The 20-Minute Alarm: Turn writing into a game! Set a timer for 20 minutes and challenge yourself to beat your previous word count. It’s a fantastic dopamine boost.* Minimize Distractions: Utilize focus modes on your word processor, eliminate distracting tabs, and even turn off the word count display to stay immersed in your story.Diving into The Fix Up.We also shone a spotlight on Sharon’s latest novel, The Fix Up. This “grumpy sunshine” forced-proximity rom-com introduces us to Ellie, a single mom, and Gil, a secret grandson, who are forced to co-inherit a property in charming Two Hearts, Texas.Sharon revealed a personal connection to Ellie—her protagonist also has adult-diagnosed ADHD, making this book a particularly challenging but rewarding one to write. And for those who love practical life hacks, you’ll be fascinated by Ellie’s unique Sticky-Note System for managing her “chaotic brain”—a system divided into “Now,” “Soon,” and “In the Future” tasks.Beyond the Books: Poodles, Success, and What’s Next.From her hilarious confession about a lifelong poodle phobia (it’s a “fight or flight” response, she assures us!) to her heartfelt definition of success—making people smile and laugh—Sharon offered a glimpse into the person behind the pages. And for those eagerly awaiting more, she teased an exciting new book in the Two Hearts series, featuring the character Iris!This interview was truly a masterclass in resilience, a deep dive into the craft of writing, and a touching conversation about embracing one’s unique brain. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, there’s so much wisdom to gain from Sharon M. Peterson.Listen to the full podcast or watch the interview here:Don’t forget to check out Sharon M. Peterson’s fantastic rom-coms wherever books are sold, and let us know your biggest takeaway from this inspiring interview in the comments below!Support Our Non-Profit CICAs many of you know, The Writing Community Chat Show is now officially a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Our mission is to support authors and creatives through interviews, workshops, competitions, and community projects.Running the show takes...