10 Quirky Habits of Famous Authors: Surprising Secrets to Unlocking Inspiration
If you didn’t know, you will after this…
Writers often have habits that the rest of the world just doesn’t quite understand.
Maybe we’re built a little differently than the rest.
Regardless, these quirky habits can be pretty helpful when it comes to helping us achieve our writing goals.
But did you know that a lot of famous writers had quirks you might not have realized?
Let’s take a look at some of them (free of judgment, of course).
1. Maya Angelou’s Writing Rituals
Maya Angelou, my favorite writer, had a habit of working in a hotel room with no distractions and a practice of writing on legal pads while lying in an unmade bed.
Working in a hotel room, I completely understand, but I’m still a little curious about the whole “unmade bed” part.
Did it have to be unmade in order for her to write?
Asking for myself.
2. Haruki Murakami’s Midnight Muse
Japanese fantasy writer Haruki Murakami has a nocturnal writing routine, where he starts working at midnight and continues until dawn, finding inspiration during the quiet hours.
This isn’t all that odd, though. A lot of writers are night owls and find it easier to write at night without distractions.
I know I definitely do. But I don’t stay up all night. I’m more of a morning person, as long as I don’t have to deal with morning rush hour traffic.
3. Agatha Christie’s Bathtime Brainstorm
English writer, Agatha Christie (known for her 66 detective novels) had a preference for generating plot ideas while soaking in the bathtub, which highlights the creative power of relaxation.
Maybe I should relax more. 🤔 Might actually get another novel finished.
Combining the Maya Angelou and Agatha Christie methods by relaxing at in a hotel bath might have double the effect.
4. J.K. Rowling’s Café Chronicles
J.K. Rowling, author of the famed Harry Potter series, had a habit of writing the early drafts of Harry Potter in various cafes, showcasing how changing environments can impact creativity.
That could explain why I was suddenly able to write (been a little blocked lately) after going on a quick weekend trip.
Now, the writing is pouring out of me, it seems.
I might just use the Rowling method the next time I’m blocked.
5. Truman Capote’s Horizontal Inspiration
Truman Capote’s unique method of writing while lying down emphasizes the unconventional ways authors find comfort and inspiration.
This probably would not work for me. I’d either fall asleep or let my mind bounce from topic to topic.
But whatever worked for him. And whatever works for you, do that.
6. Mark Twain’s Standing Desk Wisdom
I remember learning in college that Mark Twain used a standing desk, which shows how physical habits can influence mental clarity and focus.
Standing might not be the most comfortable way to write, but doing it could keep you from getting distracted.
I usually work sitting on my bed, but when I work in a place or in a way that’s not as comfortable, it forces me to do more work.
Maybe that was the idea behind this. 🤷🏾♀️
7. Virginia Woolf’s Walking Words
Virginia Woolf had a habit of taking long walks to stimulate her thoughts, which shows how movement can play a role in the creative process. Completely understandable.
A long walk can help clear your mind and bring about new ideas.
If you haven’t tried it, you might want to consider it.
I’m sure Virginia Woolf’s not the only one who’s discovered this.
Next time you have writer’s block, go for a walk and cure writer’s block the Woolf way.
8. Charles Dickens’ Color-Coded Creativity
Even though I despise his writing style, Charles Dickens is still a prolific writer and his novels are considered classics.
But what you might not know is that he had a practice of writing with blue ink for creativity and black ink for practical matters, exploring the impact of color on mindset.
I used to use different colored pens in college when I studied for an exam using flashcards. The different colors of the words and phrases definitely helped me remember the words and definitions.
Color can be pretty impactful. You might not want to use it in this way, but it could be helpful throughout your writing process.
9. Ray Bradbury’s Typewriter Time Travel
Ray Bradbury’s love of typing on a typewriter and his belief in its ability to transport him into different worlds of imagination isn’t unheard of.
But I don’t think I’ll be clacking it up on a typewriter anytime soon.
Sometimes the tapping of the keys on my laptop can get annoying, so I know that a typewriter would be complete chaos.
But if you don’t mind the clackity-clacking of the keys, go for it!
10. Joan Didion’s Notebook Necessity
An American writer and journalist, Joan Didion’s reliance on keeping a notebook with her at all times demonstrates the importance of capturing fleeting thoughts.
I used to do this more before smartphones, but now I just write whatever ideas come to me in my notes.
Sometimes, I’ll have a notebook nearby and I write in there. And I took Stephen King’s idea of keeping an idea notebook, so now I have an entire pink leather-bound journal just for my ideas.
What ideas have you taken from your favorite authors? Will you be trying any of these quirky ideas to get your creative juices flowing?
Let me know in the comments. And feel free to share this if you liked it.
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