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Writers—we’re known for our quirks. Many of us have unusual habits and rituals that get us into the creative mindset. Mine involves an early morning soak in the clawfoot tub, a cup of coffee in my favorite mug, and the solitude of a cozy room where I daydream my story into existence. But whether you need absolute silence, a specific location, mug, sweatshirt, or pen, these routines are important to us, but can seem insignificant to outsiders. In this blog, we’ll explore these quirks, examine why they develop and I’ll even showcase some of the more interesting practices that fuel the writing process of a few prominent authors.
There really is a method to our madness. Writing rituals can act as a mental switch; a neurological toggle if you will to help us enter a creative mindset. They also help us avoid distractions and stay focused, especially during those long, challenging writing projects. Rituals create a routine that ground us, which can reduce our anxiety around our writing process.
Ernest Hemingway, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, was known not only for his iconic prose, but also for his distinctive writing rituals that played a significant role in his creative process and productivity. For example, he was notoriously strict on aiming for a maximum of 50 words per paragraph. This wasn’t just an arbitrary number; he believed a limited word count helped keep his writing concise, focused, and authentic.
Hemingway frequently wrote his first drafts in pencil on onionskin paper. This method allowed minimal friction and clear visibility of his edits. He believed that writing in pencil kept his words more fluid and spontaneous. He also had a particular preference for using a portable typewriter, the most famous of these being his Corona No. 3, which he used extensively in his early years as a writer. The portability allowed him to write in various locations, including cafés, hotels, and even in the field during his time as a war correspondent.
Another notable aspect of Hemingway’s quirky habits was his preference for standing while writing, which he believed aided his creativity and focus.
In contrast to Hemingway’s vertical writing habit, American novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and actor Truman Capote famously claimed that he was a “horizontal author”. Capote often preferred to write while lying down with a notebook or typewriter balanced on his knees. This reposed posture was part of his creative process, allowing him to think, often sipping coffee or smoking cigarettes while working, blending leisure with work.
Superstitious by nature, Capote never started or finished a piece of work on a Friday, believing this brought bad luck, and this superstition influenced his work schedule. No significant milestones were allowed to fall on that day.
But Capote’s superstition went beyond Fridays; it’s said that he had a serious aversion to the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia. Capote would not travel on the 13th day of any month. He’d avoid any form of transportation (like planes, trains, or ships) that had a connection to the number 13, such as a flight number, rail or a seat number. It’s also reported he refused to sit at a table with 13 people; finding himself in such a situation, he would insist on adding a 14th person or creating some other arrangement to avoid the number. This quirk helped give Truman his intriguing and somewhat enigmatic reputation in literary circles.
Charles Dickens was known for his long, regular walks, which he claimed helped him think through his plots and characters. He’d walk for miles, often at night, through the streets of London.
Dan Brown has the odd habit of hanging upside down on an inversion therapy table to overcomes writer’s block. He claims this helps him relax and think more clearly. The change in perspective, both literally and figuratively, is said to stimulate creativity and help him see plot problems from a different angle. He also sets an antique hourglass on his desk to remind him to take hourly breaks. During these breaks, Dan might do push-ups, sit-ups, or…go hang upside down!
The late Agatha Christie, known as the “Queen of Mystery,” had a peculiar habit of eating apples while taking warm baths. This ritual was part of her creative process, helping her relax and focus on her writing. The combination of the warm bath and the sensory experience of eating apples likely helped her in enter a state of creative flow, allowing her to develop her stories and solve plot issues.
Friedrich Schiller, the German poet, playwright, and philosopher, had the peculiar habit of keeping rotten apples in his desk. Reports suggest the smell of decaying apples stimulated his creativity. He was also known to be a nocturnal writer, finding the solitude and quiet of night conducive to his work, providing him a space where his thoughts could expand without the noise of everyday life.
Honoré de Balzac, the prolific French novelist and playwright, had several quirky writing habits that contributed to both his immense productivity and his unique literary style. He was known for his incredible work ethic and his dependence on coffee. He famously consumed massive amounts of the beverage, sometimes up to 50 cups a day, to fuel his long, 15-18 hours writing sessions. He’d often lock himself in his study for days or weeks to minimize social interactions and avoid distractions. It’s also said he wrote in a monastic habit, believing it fostered a serious and focused mindset.
Haruki Murakami’s writing ritual is known for its deliberate and almost ceremonial approach. He writes in a specific room with a particular setup, often using music and a specific brand of coffee to get into the right mindset. Additionally, Murakami uses a “red pen” for editing, a habit inspired by his love of drawing and a desire to make his work look more “artistic”.
Acclaimed novelist Zadie Smith often works in cafes and writes in a kind of “stream-of-consciousness” style. This method involves letting thoughts flow freely onto the page with minimal initial editing. This allows for raw, unfiltered expression, which can be refined later.
David Mitchell of “The Cloud Atlas” and “The Bone Clocks”, uses a method of “reverse outlining” by first writing a long, detailed version of his novel, then editing it down to its core. This unconventional approach helps him to create intricate narratives.
Every writer has their ink-redible writing quirks and rituals. Though varied and sometimes unusual, these eccentricities serve multiple purposes. They create a psychological space where the writer can disconnect from the everyday and connect with their inner world. They act as anchors, providing a sense of routine or comfort that can be crucial in the often solitary and unpredictable journey of writing. Moreover, they symbolize the writer’s commitment to their craft, a personal contract with creativity that says, “Now, I am ready to write.” As we conclude our exploration of these unique pre-session practices, I’m curious—what’s your pre-writing session quirk or ritual?
~Dani
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