Henry Miller's Eleven Commandments of Writing

The lovely Violet Folklore sent me the link to this article on Henry Miller's writing philosophies, and it expresses so perfectly everything I haven't quite put into words about my own routine and process. It's always reassuring to know that you're not alone! I'm in a self-imposed hermit state this week as I finish revisions of the new book ready to deliver to my agent on Friday, and these words are hugely helpful.

Check out his daily routine, too:

MORNINGS:

If groggy, type notes and allocate, as stimulus.

If in fine fettle, write.

AFTERNOONS:

Work of section in hand, following plan of section scrupulously. No intrusions, no diversions. Write to finish one section at a time, for good and all.

EVENINGS:

See friends. Read in cafés.

Explore unfamiliar sections — on foot if wet, on bicycle if dry.

Write, if in mood, but only on Minor program.

Paint if empty or tired.

Make Notes. Make Charts, Plans. Make corrections of MS.

Note: Allow sufficient time during daylight to make an occasional visit to museums or an occasional sketch or an occasional bike ride. Sketch in cafés and trains and streets. Cut the movies! Library for references once a week.

I've ordered Henry Miller on Writing: I can't wait for it to arrive!