The life of an author is often believed to be one of inspiration and creativity, with words flowing effortlessly from mind to page. However, the reality for most writers is that their craft is shaped by their own daily routines.
Each author has a different routine. Many authors start their days early, leveraging the quiet morning hours to focus on their craft. For instance, Haruki Murakami is known for his regimented schedule, waking up at 4 a.m. and writing for five to six hours straight. This early start allows him to enter a state of deep focus, free from the distractions of the day. Maya Angelou too wrote in the mornings, renting a small, sparsely furnished hotel room where she could concentrate fully on her work.
These morning routines are crucial for some authors as it helps them set a productive tone for the rest of the day. The uninterrupted time allows authors to deep-dive into their creative process, often resulting in a more prolific output. This practice underscores the importance of consistency and discipline in the writing life.
Others focused on balancing focus and flexibility. Authors like Graham Greene aimed to write 500 words daily, whether he felt inspired or not. This consistent output helps writers avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism and writer’s block, ensuring steady progress on their projects. Murakami, for instance, incorporates running and swimming into his daily schedule, believing that physical endurance is necessary for the mental endurance required in writing. Similarly, Henry David Thoreau took long walks in nature, which he found essential for his creativity and philosophical reflections. William Wordsworth had long walks in the Lake District. These walks inspired much of his poetry, which he wrote in focused sessions during the afternoon. Exercise and physical activity not only promote health but also provide a mental break, allowing ideas to percolate subconsciously. It helps authors to live a balanced life, physically and mentally.
The impact of social interaction plays a drastic role on the author. Some authors prefer discussing ideas with authors, others their solitude. J.K. Rowling preferred brainstorming and writing the Harry Potter series in cafes, surrounded by the hustle bustle of daily life. The presence of others provided a sense of connection and inspiration without direct engagement. Other authors, like Marcel Proust, embraced complete solitude, isolating themselves to immerse themselves deeply in their work.
Some authors have evening or night routines rather than morning ones. They often use this time to unwind, reflect on their day’s work, and prepare for the next. Many authors read extensively in the evenings, which serves both as relaxation and a source of inspiration.
For instance, Stephen King reads every night before bed, which he believes is crucial for honing his craft. Franz Kafka, worked as an insurance officer by day and wrote at night. Kafka's job left him little time to write during the day, so he often wrote late into the night, sometimes until the early morning hours. His night-time writing sessions contributed to the surreal quality of his works, such as "The Metamorphosis" and "The Trial," reflecting the disjointed nature of his own life and sleep patterns. Marcel Proust, who wrote his monumental work, "In Search of Lost Time," mainly at night. He often slept during the day and wrote at night in a soundproof, cork-lined room to minimise disturbances.
As authors have been known to defy the normal, there are several authors who have had a completely erratic schedule. Sylvia Plath struggled with severe depression and possible bipolar disorder influenced her erratic writing schedule and intense bursts of creative periods. Her mental health issues are vividly depicted in her works. Hunter S. Thompson known for his "Gonzo" journalism style, his substance abuse resulted in a highly erratic lifestyle. His writing process was unconventional, often fueled by drugs and alcohol, leading to an unpredictable and chaotic personal life. Charles Bukowski's drinking habits were central to his persona and his writing. His alcoholism led to an unpredictable lifestyle and capricious writing schedule, often reflected in the raw, unfiltered nature of his work.
While every author has a routine that is uniquely theirs, glimpses of their routines can be seen in their works, yet the common aspect in all of their daily processes is discipline and careful balance of the various other aspects in their life. In the same breath, it doesn't matter when you write, it's important that you stay true to your thoughts and ideas and try to convey those to the reader.
Citations:
The Daily Routines of 12 Famous Writers, written by James Clear
The daily writing routines of Joan Didion, Kurt Vonnegut, Haruki Murakami and other famous writers, written by Chris Harrigan
Follow the author Prisha on Instagram @prishaaa_m
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