Daily rituals of artists at work
As a novice writer, I enjoy reading about the routines of other, much more experienced authors. As I strive to come up with a writing routine that works for me, I turned to a classic: Mason Currey's Daily Rituals: How Artists Work. There is no need to introduce this book. However, the second book in the series was released more recently, providing valuable insights into the work habits of female creators.
Both books feature an impressive number of accomplished creatives and their routines, creative practices, and day-to-day activities: together 304 profiles. Given the large number of featured profiles, there’s a good chance you’ll come across some of your favorite artists too.
I enjoyed a lot peeking into the lives of popular writers and creators. Finding time for creative work has always seemed to me so much harder when there is no one but yourself to hold accountable. The books have shown me that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all creative routine or schedule that works for everybody. There are as many routines as there are individuals, each one adapted to different life circumstances. Some artists made their living through creative work, inherited wealth, or worked full-time and created in their spare moments, like Franz Kafka. Some dedicated themselves to a creative journey choosing a solo life, while others, especially female artists, including Jane Austen, had to take care of large families first. There were as many artists that created on a regular basis as those who, like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, only did so under the influence of inspiration. Some creators get up long before dawn to compose (Haruki Murakami), while others composed only at night hours. For many, creative work happened in meticulously organized studios (Charles Dickens) or the comfort of their own homes (or even beds as in the case of Marcel Proust). Still, some creators preferred working in changing settings, such as the well-known example of Maya Angelou writing in hotel rooms or did not have a dedicated workspace at all, like Agata Christie. Finally, many recognized the importance of taking good care of their health in bringing their work into existence. Still, plenty of artists created relying on various stimulants, caffeine or alcohol being among the weaker ones. For some, creating comes effortlessly, while for others’ creations are born in agony. And the list goes on…
There is no single routine that guarantees success in creative endeavors, and it changes frequently during one’s life. I realized that you don't have to create for hours every single day to produce something interesting and fulfilling. Personally, I’m drawn to the mode of writing exercised by Martin Amis: “I think most writers would be very happy with two hours of concentrated work”, or the attitude of Joseph Heller: “I write very slowly, though if I write a page or two a day five days a week, that’s 300 pages a year and it does add up.” As I'm still working on perfecting my routines, it's all really comforting and encourages me to experiment with new habits. I do creative work first thing in the morning before other work obligations, otherwise, it would never get done. These days, I usually begin my days with an hour of reading, followed by an hour of writing, all while sipping tea. After breakfast, I work for an additional hour writing and editing in my quiet home office, as well as for an hour at the end of my workday if time allows. On the days when this routine gets disrupted, I don’t feel grounded. At this point, rather than thinking too much about the outcome, I now look forward to my daily routine. And that is the best indication that it works for me, in my opinion.
