Brain Pickings recently had a roundup of the daily routine of famous writers—most of them before the advent of the internet so you won’t find too many tips for avoiding email/Facebook/Twitter distraction. Even so, you might find some inspiration from….
RAY BRADBURY on where you can write
“I can work anywhere. I wrote in bedrooms and living rooms when I was growing up with my parents and my brother in a small house in Los Angeles. I worked on my typewriter in the living room, with the radio and my mother and dad and brother all talking at the same time. Later on, when I wanted to write Fahrenheit 451, I went up to UCLA and found a basement typing room..."
SUSAN SONTAG on when to write
“I write in spurts. I write when I have to because the pressure builds up and I feel enough confidence that something has matured in my head and I can write it down. But once something is really under way, I don’t want to do anything else. I don’t go out, much of the time I forget to eat, I sleep very little.”
For an entire book of writing advice from the best classic and modern writers (Dickens, Austen, Twain, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Vonnegut, Amis, etc.) get a copy of “Your Creative Writing Masterclass,” published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon or your other favourite bookseller—it makes a great present for that writer or keen reader in your life as well!
