21.23: Barrier Breaking: Interruptions
From Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler
June 7, 2026 · 30 min · Season 21 · Episode 23
About this episode
The hosts discuss the impact of interruptions on writing and offer strategies to manage them effectively.
In this episode, our hosts explore one of the most persistent barriers to writing: interruptions. From family members and pets to emails, meetings, fatigue, and neurodivergence, they discuss how disruptions can derail creative focus—and how writers can build systems to work with them instead of against them. The conversation touches on hyperfocus, ADHD, task-switching, and the emotional cost of being pulled out of the zone. Practical strategies include leaving “breadcrumbs” to re-enter a project, using phone settings and routines to protect writing time, and adjusting expectations around productivity. Rather than trying to eliminate interruptions entirely, we encourage writers to understand their habits and create sustainable ways to return to the work. Homework Practice handling interruptions in a low-stakes environment by setting a series of alarms for 5, 7, 9, and 15 minutes while you write. Each time an alarm goes off, leave yourself a quick “breadcrumb” note about what you were working on, take a short break, and then return to writing when the next timer starts. The goal is to get better at re-entering your work after interruptions so everyday disruptions feel less…
People in this episode
Hosts: Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, Erin Roberts, DongWon Song
Topics covered
- interruptions
- writing focus
- neurodivergence
- productivity
- creative process
- strategies for writers
Keywords
- interruptions
- writing
- hyperfocus
- ADHD
- task-switching
- productivity strategies
- creative focus
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Writing Excuses
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