The myth of ideal conditions can discourage us from getting on with a project, it's tempting instead to wait until things get easier or better. Just how do we let go of this idea and get down to work?

Ali and Penny talk about how they've learnt to dismiss ideal conditions, instead accepting where they are, even if it's a bit shit. They examine the upsides of time constraints and how it can be important to dismiss what other (often male) writers say about routines, as well as why why neither of them believe in the muse.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Why I won't try to be super-mum - by Penny Wincer for The Telegraph

Mother for Dinner - Shalom Auslander

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 - Cho Nam-Joo