Writing Excuses 20.40: Mary Robinette Kowal’s Personal Writing Process
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Oct 5, 2025 Discover the unique writing process of Mary Robinette Kowal, who thrives on a chaotic schedule shaped by her puppetry tours. She reveals how living with ADHD and depression has led her to adopt creative brain hacks for focus. The conversation challenges the notion of daily writing, embracing writing as a flexible practice. Tune in for insights on micro sessions, protecting writing time at home, and using personal motivators, like lists and playlists, to enhance productivity in writing.
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Writing In Transit
- Mary Robinette Kowal started writing novels in the passenger seat of a white cargo van while on puppetry tours and later transcribed from a portable computer.
- She says she still writes best in transit like airplanes and trains because those spaces suit her process.
Design Your Process Around Your Brain
- Mary realized she has ADHD and depression and now designs her process around triggering and managing hyperfocus.
- She uses brain hacks like binaural sound and scheduled dates to cue writing time.
Make Writing A Tiny Daily Goal
- Try writing three sentences every day to reduce decision friction and make writing an easier default.
- Small, specific goals lower executive-function barriers and help reinstate the habit.
