You’ve seen those articles. You’ve probably read them. The ones detailing the writing routines of famous authors. Click into any handful of them and you’ll see the same names over and over: Jack Kerouak, Joan Didion, Ursula Le Guin, etc. It always astounds me the great lengths these writers have gone to to protect their practices. Apparently, Maya Angelou would rent hotel rooms and begin writing at 6:15 am with a glass of sherry close at hand.

Much respect to Angelou and Didion, but I’m more curious about how today’s writers do it. The ones juggling social media, day jobs, kids, all while somehow managing to write and publish. Sometimes, after finishing a good book, I’ll find myself stalking the author’s Instagram, hoping that their posts leading up to publication will give me some insight into their creative process.

But here’s the thing: contemporary author or not, these voyeuristic exercises are ultimately a distraction. There’s no universal formula or perfect routine. Honestly, I’m still trying to uncover my own. Writing is something I return to, but it hasn’t yet arranged itself into a clear pattern. It sort of chaotically happens when it happens, often aided by a deadline. Maybe that is the routine, and that’s okay too.

P.S. — Readers, having received these newsletters for a while, how would you describe my writing voice in three words? Please reply & let me know as I’d like to refine and bring more intention to my style. Thanks!

Jamie

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