Writing is a solitary and fascinating craft, often accompanied by peculiar habits, superstitions, and eccentric routines. Many famous authors have developed unusual ways to spark creativity or overcome writer’s block. Here are some real and surprising anecdotes about celebrated writers that might inspire—or amuse—you.
Victor Hugo and Writing... in the Nude
Victor Hugo, the mastermind behind Les Misérables, had an extreme method to avoid distractions: he would have his servant take away all his clothes and lock himself inside with nothing but a blanket. This way, he couldn’t leave the house and had no choice but to write. To further eliminate temptations, he instructed his staff to hide his clothes until he had completed his work.
Agatha Christie and the Bathtub Method
The queen of crime, Agatha Christie, often plotted her intricate murder mysteries while soaking in a warm bath, munching on apples. She also disliked writing at a traditional desk and preferred to work wherever she felt comfortable. Despite her unconventional approach, she created some of the most enduring characters in literature, like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
Truman Capote: Superstitions and Horizontal Writing
Truman Capote, author of In Cold Blood, was highly superstitious. He never started or finished a piece of writing on a Friday and refused to have more than three cigarette butts in his ashtray at any time. Moreover, he never wrote at a desk—he preferred lying on a bed or a couch, usually with a drink within reach.
James Joyce and Colored Ink
James Joyce, known for Ulysses, had an unusual approach to revising his work: he used different colored pencils and inks to mark various stages of his drafts. Suffering from vision problems, he sometimes wrote lying down, using large pencils on blue-colored paper to ease the strain on his eyes.
Dan Brown’s Acrobatic Breaks
Dan Brown, the bestselling author of The Da Vinci Code, has a rather unusual way of staying focused: every hour, he stops writing and hangs from an overhead bar to do pull-ups. He believes these physical breaks help stimulate creativity and keep his energy levels high.
Friedrich Schiller and the Smell of Rotten Apples
The German poet and playwright Friedrich Schiller, author of The Robbers, claimed that the scent of rotting apples helped him think. He kept decaying fruit in his desk drawer, convinced that the pungent smell enhanced his concentration. His wife, unable to understand his logic, found the habit utterly disgusting.
Ernest Hemingway’s Standing Desk
Hemingway always wrote standing up, with his typewriter placed on a high shelf. He believed this posture kept his mind sharper and his body more active. Today, his habit seems quite modern—many writers now use adjustable desks for similar reasons!
Honoré de Balzac and His Extreme Coffee Addiction
Balzac was a true caffeine addict—reportedly drinking up to 50 cups of coffee a day to stay awake and write continuously. Some say he even chewed on coffee beans for an extra energy boost. With such an intense routine, it’s no surprise that he was one of the most prolific writers of his time!
Conclusion
These anecdotes show that writing is a deeply personal process, shaped by unique rituals and creative quirks. Each author found their own way to navigate the creative journey, from bizarre routines to outright eccentric habits. Who knows—maybe one of these stories will inspire you to develop your own perfect writing ritual!
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