Ernest Hemingway was a prolific writer known for his minimalist approach to prose. He was also extremely disciplined when it came to his writing process. And many writers have been inspired to adopt similar habits as Hemingway’s in their creative processes. In today’s article, we’re exploring Hemingway’s daily writing routine and five ways you can apply his habits to your personal process.
Hemingway’s Daily Writing Routine
Starting as a journalist who wrote on tight deadlines, Hemingway knew to be dedicated to his writing craft. And his daily writing routine reflected his commitment to producing high-quality work. He saw the value of regular writing sessions and maintaining a structured schedule.
Hemingway typically rose before dawn—often between 5:30 and 6 a.m.— and took advantage of the quiet hours to write before anyone else was up. He would write for several hours, typically finishing his writing for the day around noon. Despite some sources claiming that Hemingway set a writing goal of 500 words a day, he was more focused on showing up to write every day.
Only after he’d finished writing for the day would Hemingway take a break and clear his mind. This helped recharge his creative energy.
5 Ways to Apply Hemingway’s Writing Routine to Your Process
Now, let’s look at a few ways you can incorporate Hemingway’s daily routine into your own.
1. Establish a Consistent Writing Schedule.
Like Hemingway, establish a dedicated time each day to write. Whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening, creating a consistent writing schedule helps condition your mind to be creative at specific times.
2. Set Clear Writing Goals.
Select a specific word count, writing duration, or task to accomplish during each writing session. Clear goals will help maintain your focus and provide a sense of accomplishment every time you complete your task.
3. Take Breaks and Engage in Physical Activities.
Don’t skip your regular breaks. You may think you’re being more productive when you put your head down for several hours without a break, but this will hurt your creative energy, and your health, in the long run. Take the time to be physically active because it rejuvenates your mind and body. Whether you go for a walk, practice yoga, or pursue another hobby, taking breaks can prevent burnout and stimulate creativity.
4. Create a Distraction-Free Writing Environment
Hemingway preferred a quiet and undisturbed setting for his writing. I recently visited his home in Key West and saw Hemingway’s writing studio. It was completely separate from the main house, and aside from a few pieces of furniture and some bookshelves, the room was entirely clutter and distraction free. While we can’t all have personal writing rooms detached from our homes, we can all find creative ways to set up a writing space that minimizes distractions. A peaceful workspace, free from interruptions, can help further immerse you into your writing process.
5. Embrace Editing and Revision.
Hemingway was a minimalist writer known for his meticulous approach to editing. I read that he rewrote the final words of A Farewell to Arms 39 times. So, it’s easy to understand that he would rewrite sentences multiple times to achieve the precision and clarity he expected from his work. Like Hemingway, view the revision and editing processes as integral parts of your writing routine. Refining your work only contributes to its overall quality.
Final Thoughts
Hemingway’s writing routine is a valuable example for writers who want to improve their productivity and hone their writing skill set. When you adopt a structured writing schedule, set clear goals, take breaks, create a distraction-free writing environment, and embrace the editing process, you’ll have applied several of Hemingway’s writing principles to your process.
Whether you’re a seasoned author or an aspiring writer setting out on your first writing journey, take time to incorporate these elements into your writing routine for a more disciplined and effective approach to achieving your writing goals.