Hidden beneath every sentence of your favourite book lies the author’s inspiration and creative machinery. Many writers rely on a writing routine to keep them working at an optimal level. Psychologically, writing routines can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity which helps to establish a fertile writing mind. There is a sense of taking charge of the process, which can make beginning easier.
Each writer’s routine can be as unique as the writer. Flannery O’ Connor kept her two hours of writing each day as productive as possible by facing her wood dresser to prevent distraction. Edith Wharton, in contrast, needed to face a window in order to write. Maya Angelou wrote in a rented hotel room which had no decorations or paintings, and even cancelled housekeeping, all to avert distraction. Karl Marx wrote at night, while smoking, and visited the British Museum Reading Room during the day for inspiration. Virginia Woolf liked to wake up at the same time every morning, eat breakfast with her husband, and then start to write at 9:30am.
GlobalEnglish Editing has compiled a fun infographic that describes the writing routines of 20 famous authors. Do you see your favourite author’s writing routine?
Fictionophile 
Reblogged this on Nia Markos and commented:
Fascinating to compare writing styles. I wake at 6am every weekday, grab a coffee and start writing until eleven. My routine never varies. What about you? What is your routine>
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: 3 Quotes, 3 Days Tag – Day 3: The much anticipated conclusion – emma reads
Fascinating post! I’m a bit disappointed to find Virginia Woolf’s approach was so disciplined. Given the innovative nature of her writing I’d have expected her to do something completely mad like write naked half way up a tree or something, lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cathy, you paint quite a picture. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see quite familiar authors in the list, though I have only read one book for most
LikeLike
ooh this is so fascinating!! EB White’s writing routine reminds me a bit of roald dahl, who had a little writing hut in the backyard of his home so he could write without his children distracting him 🙂
LikeLike
Great post!! Very Informative!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much; this is very interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree that kids throw the whole schedule into whack. I usually write best between 11 and 2. But that’s prime activity time for kids. you adjust to what you must do. LOL
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for your comment.. It’s great to hear from a working author.
LikeLiked by 2 people