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Ever wondered what makes a bestselling author tick? Behind every great book is an author with a unique set of writing habits that help them bring their stories to life. From early morning routines to unconventional practices, these habits can offer inspiration and insight into the creative process. Here’s a look at ten bestselling authors and the writing habits that have contributed to their success.
1. Stephen King: The Discipline of Daily Writing
Stephen King is the epitome of consistency. He writes every single day, holidays included, and aims for 2,000 words before calling it a day. King believes in drafting quickly without worrying about perfection. His focus is on getting the story out, trusting that the real magic happens during the revisions.
2. J.K. Rowling: Plotting on Paper
J.K. Rowling’s journey from writing in cafés to becoming a global literary phenomenon is well-known, but her method is equally fascinating. Rowling prefers to write her first drafts longhand before typing them up. She’s a meticulous plotter, often creating detailed notes and plans before she even begins the writing process. This careful planning helped her weave the intricate storylines that captivate readers worldwide.
3. Haruki Murakami: The Power of Routine
Haruki Murakami is a master of routine. He wakes up at 4 a.m. every day, writes for 4-5 hours, and then spends the rest of the day exercising, reading, or listening to music. Murakami’s routine is almost ritualistic, allowing him to dive deep into the surreal worlds he creates. His disciplined approach reflects his belief that writing is as much about stamina as it is about creativity.
4. James Patterson: The Art of Outlining
James Patterson’s name is synonymous with prolific writing. He’s known for meticulously outlining his novels before writing, often down to the chapter level. This habit allows him to work on multiple projects simultaneously, sometimes collaborating with co-authors to keep up with his output. Patterson’s detailed outlines are the backbone of his fast-paced thrillers, ensuring that every twist and turn is carefully planned.
5. Toni Morrison: Early Morning Magic
Toni Morrison balanced a full-time job while writing some of the most acclaimed novels of our time. Her secret? Writing in the early morning hours, before the sun rises. Morrison found this quiet time crucial for focusing on her writing without the distractions of the day. This habit, born out of necessity, became an essential part of her creative process.
6. Ernest Hemingway: Standing Up for Creativity
Ernest Hemingway’s writing habit was as unique as his prose. He wrote in the morning, standing at a typewriter, and continued until he reached a satisfying stopping point—often a place where he knew what would happen next. This technique kept his momentum going, allowing him to pick up the thread easily when he returned to his work the next day.
7. Agatha Christie: Writing Anywhere, Anytime
Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery, didn’t have a fixed writing schedule. She often wrote wherever she could find a space, be it the kitchen table or in bed. Christie was also known for meticulously plotting her mysteries before she put pen to paper. This flexibility, combined with careful planning, allowed her to craft some of the most enduring whodunits in literary history.
8. Maya Angelou: Solitude and Focus
Maya Angelou understood the value of solitude. To escape distractions, she would rent hotel rooms where she could write in peace. Angelou often wrote in the early hours of the morning and aimed to finish by midday. Her practice of writing in isolation helped her focus deeply on her work, resulting in the powerful, lyrical prose that she is celebrated for.
9. George R.R. Martin: Night Owl Creativity
George R.R. Martin, the mind behind the epic *A Song of Ice and Fire* series, prefers to write at night. He often uses an old DOS-based word processor to avoid the distractions of the modern world. Martin’s writing process is slow and meticulous, with each scene crafted carefully to ensure it meets his high standards.
10. Margaret Atwood: Adaptable Writing
Margaret Atwood’s writing habits are as adaptable as her imagination. She alternates between writing longhand and on a computer, depending on her location. Unlike some of her peers, Atwood doesn’t adhere to a strict schedule. Instead, she allows her writing habits to evolve with her environment and inspiration, ensuring that her creativity remains fresh and dynamic.
Conclusion: Inspiration from the Masters
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing, these bestselling authors show that finding and sticking to the habits that work for you is key. Whether it’s writing every day, outlining meticulously, or finding a quiet space to focus, these habits have helped shape some of the most successful literary careers of our time. So, take a page from their books and explore what habits might help you on your own writing journey.
Want to know more writing habits and tips? Listen to this episode of The Novel Writing Podcast, hosted by Colleen Mitchell:
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