21.12: Breaking Down Barriers- Environment

21.12: Breaking Down Barriers- Environment

From Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

March 22, 2026 · 25 min · Season 21 · Episode 12

About this episode

The episode discusses how the writing environment affects the writing process and offers tips for improving focus.

When writing feels harder than it should, the problem might not be the story— it might be the room. In this episode, our hosts explore how environment shapes process, from desks and chairs to light, sound, and visual clutter. We talk about running through your senses to troubleshoot what’s actually pulling your focus, and how small adjustments (a different chair, a cleaner desk, a bowl for your phone) can make a real difference. We also dig into noise (everything from industrial playlists to total silence), boundaries with the people you live with, and the fine line between solving a problem and avoiding the work. Sometimes the fastest way forward is figuring out what you’re running from. AND what you're running toward. Homework: Use your senses to make an inventory of your writing environment — sound, sight, smell, touch, even taste. Then identify which elements serve you and which ones create friction, and experiment with changing one barrier this week. Final WXR Cruise! Our final WXR cruise sets sail for Alaska in September 2026—get your tickets here! Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Erin Roberts, DongWon Song, and Mary Robinette Kowal. It was produced by Emma…

People in this episode

Hosts: Erin Roberts, DongWon Song, Mary Robinette Kowal

Topics covered

  • writing environment
  • focus
  • productivity
  • sensory experience
  • barriers to writing

Keywords

  • writing
  • environment
  • focus
  • productivity
  • sensory
  • barriers
  • noise

Sponsors

MasterClass, Quince

More episodes of Writing Excuses

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Writing Excuses podcast page.