More Strange Writing Habits

Well, well, well… Here we are again with more strange writing habits to uncover. From tucking a book in to allotting time for stupidity, there are plenty of unconventional methods utilised by successful writers that may inspire your own works. 

Disclaimer (which I am certain you Impers can recite from memory at this point) that every writer’s process is different and if you haven’t yet found the ‘right’ way to write for you, keep trying different schedules, areas, soundtracks and other variations!

Sleep in the same room as the book: keep your mind on it!

Joan Didion was quoted as sleeping next to a nearly-finished draft so that ‘the book doesn’t leave’ – keeping it close by both literally and figuratively. A lot of writers do form their ideas and then end up running out of steam by the time it comes to getting it all down, so this could be a good trick to try and ensure that there is a physical reminder of the final product to keep motivation.

Set aside time for stupidness: stepping away

Ursula K Le Guin has a regimented timetable for her writing, rising early and dedicating at least half an hour to thinking before a hearty breakfast. The next step is to start writing, only stopping at lunchtime. After that, music and reading takes precedence, as well as household chores. She will then prepare and eat dinner – but the vital entry on her list is from 8pm onwards, where she doesn’t continue with anything sensible, claiming that ‘I tend to be very stupid and we won’t talk about this’.

As the cockerel crows: the early bird?

As soon as ‘first light’ hits, Ernest Hemingway is up and writing. He argues that this method allows for writing to start in the cool morning and gradually warms up as the day continues – which is almost prose itself! He also decided that when he was tired of ‘the awful responsibility of writing’, he would answer letters instead.

Finding your place: making your own space!

Prolific author Stephen King’s advice for writing is that every writer needs a place where they can get pen to paper in peace. He says that this area ‘really only needs one thing: a door you’re willing to shut.’ Clearly for writers with busy schedules, young families or unsuitable surroundings this will be easier said than done, but the quote also means that any type of distraction – even self-inflicted ones, like the urge to doomscroll instead, should be overcome.

Don’t talk to me until I’ve had… 50 cups of coffee?!

Honoré de Balzac has been quoted as starting to write at 2am, and quaffing up to 50 cups of coffee a day to fuel his novels, plays and short story writing for 18 hours at a time. Now the coffee makes sense! Whilst this method cannot be condoned in any way, shape, or form, perhaps the ritual of *one* nice cup of coffee, a scented candle or other item of comfort may  help the words flow. Worth a try!

Maybe I’ll just go and lie down…

These crazy methods are just some ways of writing – you could also try sitting down at a desk (if you have one) and waiting for the words to make themselves known. Or maybe there’ll be an upcoming third installment of even more writing habits that may yield the magic formula…