Monday, February 18, 2008

Notes on how professionals write

  • most (90%) writers write during the morning; some (40%) in the afternoon also. 30% during the night; 10% worked during all three times. Afternoons are known as "dead time".
  • 50% have a specific start time; usually before 8:30. Most do not work in the afternoon/evening. Several mentioned that they were productive during the late night hrs and sleep during the day, but this wasn't condusive to normal society.
  • 60% described a quiet environment as their choice. Magazine writers can write in any environment.
  • 50% have a ritual before writing
  • most drink lots of coffee
  • most write in isolation; many with no phone/internet

Writer's advice to students:

  • Spread out your work over several days. This will increase the chances of your work being fresh.
  • Get up early
  • Start the day with a mini-ritual- coffee, breakfast, etc. make it short
  • Go to an isolated place
  • Read over what you have written
  • Work for 2-3 hrs
  • Don't write during other times

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