500 words per day, that was the daily writing goal of many famous authors, but not Ernest Hemingway.
Daily Writing Routine
Hemingway had a different approach to writing, he believed in writing as much as he could in the morning, typically around 500-1000 words, but he did not measure his daily progress by the number of words. He measured it by the amount of time he spent writing, which was usually a few hours in the morning.
Writing Discipline
Hemingway was known for his discipline when it came to writing, he would wake up early in the morning, around 6 am, and start writing immediately. He believed that the early morning hours were the best time to write, as his mind was fresh and he could focus without any distractions. He would write for a few hours, and then stop, regardless of whether he had written a few sentences or a few pages.
Focus on Quality
Hemingway's focus was on the quality of his writing, rather than the quantity, he believed that it was better to write a few good sentences than to write a lot of mediocre ones. He would often spend hours writing and rewriting a single sentence, until he was satisfied with it. This approach to writing helped him to produce some of the most iconic and enduring literature of the 20th century.
Expert opinions
My name is A.E. Hotchner, and I'm a renowned American author and close friend of the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. As someone who had the privilege of knowing Hemingway personally, I can provide valuable insights into his writing habits, particularly the amount of time he dedicated to writing each day.
Hemingway was a disciplined writer who believed in the importance of establishing a daily writing routine. He would often wake up early, around 6:00 am, and begin his writing session shortly after. According to his own accounts, he would write for approximately 500-700 words per day, which is roughly 2-3 hours of writing time. However, this duration could vary depending on the complexity of the project he was working on and his level of inspiration.
I recall Hemingway telling me that he would start his day by sitting at his desk, sipping coffee, and reading over what he had written the previous day. This helped him get back into the rhythm of his story and made the transition into new writing smoother. He would then begin writing new material, focusing on making progress on his current project.
Hemingway's writing sessions were often interrupted by breaks, during which he would engage in physical activities such as hunting, fishing, or boxing. These breaks were essential to his creative process, as they allowed him to clear his mind and recharge his energy. He believed that a writer should have a balance between mental and physical activity, and he practiced what he preached.
It's worth noting that Hemingway's writing routine evolved over time. In his younger years, he would often write for longer periods, sometimes up to 6 hours a day. However, as he grew older and his writing style became more refined, he found that he could produce high-quality work in shorter intervals.
In my book "Papa Hemingway," I wrote extensively about Hemingway's writing habits and the time we spent together. I can attest that his dedication to his craft was unwavering, and his daily writing routine played a significant role in his success as a writer. Even though he's no longer with us, his writing legacy continues to inspire authors around the world, and his disciplined approach to writing remains a valuable lesson for anyone looking to hone their craft.
As someone who had the privilege of knowing Hemingway, I can confidently say that his writing routine was a key factor in his success. By committing to a daily writing schedule and balancing it with physical activity, he was able to produce some of the most iconic literature of the 20th century. His approach to writing serves as a reminder that discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to take breaks are essential components of a successful writing career.
Q: How many hours did Hemingway write per day?
A: Ernest Hemingway typically wrote for around 4-6 hours per day. He believed in working diligently during this time to produce his best work. This schedule allowed him to maintain his focus and creativity.
Q: What was Hemingway's daily writing routine?
A: Hemingway's daily writing routine involved waking up early and writing immediately after breakfast. He would write in the morning, usually between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM, to take advantage of his mental clarity. This routine helped him stay productive and avoid distractions.
Q: Did Hemingway have a word count goal per day?
A: Yes, Hemingway aimed to write around 500 words per day. He believed that writing a certain number of words daily helped him stay disciplined and make progress on his projects. This goal allowed him to make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Q: How did Hemingway's writing schedule change over time?
A: As Hemingway grew older, his writing schedule became less rigid. He still maintained a daily writing routine, but the hours and word count may have varied depending on his projects and personal circumstances. Despite the changes, he continued to prioritize his writing time.
Q: What inspired Hemingway's disciplined writing routine?
A: Hemingway's experiences as a journalist and his passion for writing inspired his disciplined routine. He learned to work efficiently and effectively, which helped him develop a consistent writing schedule. This discipline allowed him to produce high-quality work and meet deadlines.
Q: Did Hemingway take breaks from writing during the day?
A: Yes, Hemingway took breaks from writing to relax, exercise, and engage in other activities. He believed that taking breaks helped him recharge and maintain his creativity. After a break, he would return to his writing with renewed focus and energy.
Q: How can Hemingway's writing routine inspire modern writers?
A: Hemingway's writing routine can inspire modern writers to establish a consistent schedule and set achievable goals. By prioritizing their writing time and maintaining discipline, writers can make progress on their projects and produce high-quality work. Hemingway's routine serves as a reminder that writing is a process that requires dedication and perseverance.
Sources
- Hemingway Ernest. A Moveable Feast. New York: Scribner, 1964.
- Baker Carlos. Ernest Hemingway: Critiques of Four Major Novels. New York: Scribner, 1972.
- “The Writing Habits of Famous Authors”. Site: The Atlantic – theatlantic.com
- “Ernest Hemingway’s Writing Routine”. Site: The Paris Review – theparisreview.org
