Five Work Habits of Famous Writers

Five Work Habits of Famous Writers

Writing is a craft that requires a combination of talent, hard work, and discipline. Many famous writers have developed work habits that have helped them become successful in their careers. In this article, we'll explore five work habits of famous writers that you can adopt to improve your own writing.

Establish a Routine

Many successful writers have established a routine that helps them stay focused and productive. For example, Ernest Hemingway wrote every morning from 6 am to noon. This routine allowed him to get his writing done before any distractions could interfere with his work.

Developing a routine can also help you train your mind to get into a writing mindset. Over time, your brain will start to associate certain activities or environments with writing, making it easier to get started and stay focused.

Embrace Solitude

Writing is often a solitary pursuit, and many writers find that they work best when they're alone. Famous writers such as Emily Dickinson and J.D. Salinger were known for their reclusive lifestyles, and their work reflects a deep introspection that can only come from spending time alone.

Of course, not everyone is comfortable with spending long periods of time in isolation. But even if you're an extroverted person, it's important to make time for solitude in your life if you want to be a successful writer. Whether it's a quiet hour in the morning or a weekend retreat, finding ways to be alone with your thoughts can help you tap into your creativity and produce your best work.

Take Breaks

While it's important to establish a routine and stick to it, it's equally important to take breaks when you need them. Many famous writers have found that taking a break can help them recharge their creative batteries and come up with fresh ideas.

For example, Toni Morrison would take a break from writing every day at 5 pm to have a glass of wine and relax. This allowed her to step away from her work and come back to it with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of energy.

Read Widely

Many successful writers are also voracious readers. Reading widely can help you develop your writing skills by exposing you to different writing styles, genres, and ideas. It can also help you stay inspired and motivated by giving you new ideas to explore in your own writing.

Famous writers such as Maya Angelou and Stephen King have spoken about the importance of reading in their lives. Angelou once said, "I have always read ravenously. If I don't have a book with me, I feel like a naked person." King, meanwhile, has said that "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."

Persevere

Finally, one of the most important work habits of successful writers is perseverance. Writing is a difficult and often frustrating pursuit, and it can be easy to get discouraged when things aren't going well. But the most successful writers are the ones who keep going, even when the going gets tough.

Famous writers such as J.K. Rowling and George R.R. Martin faced rejection and setbacks before achieving success. Rowling's first Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by 12 publishers before it was finally accepted, and Martin famously took six years to write the fifth book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.

But despite the challenges they faced, these writers never gave up on their dreams. They kept writing, revising, and submitting their work until they finally achieved the success they deserved.

Conclusion

Writing is a challenging but rewarding pursuit that requires talent, hard work, and discipline. By adopting the work habits of famous writers such as establishing a routine, embracing solitude, taking breaks, reading widely, and persevering, you can improve your writing skills