One of the things I have learned about myself is that I work best, live best, if I follow a routine. Odd as it sounds, having a daily schedule offers me freedom. I don't have to think so much. My mind can wander a bit - while fixing the coffee, brushing my teeth, opening the blinds to let the morning light come in - because I don't have to try and figure out what I am going to do next.
That's why the new book by Mason Currey with the extremely long title Daily Rituals: How Great Minds Make Time, Find Inspiration, and Get to Work: How Artists Work looks to be a fascinating glimpse in how creative folks that we know and love Get Things Done.
From the reviews I have read (here) and (here), the successful authors/artists/composers/film makers favor early rising, long walks, and setting a work schedule and sticking to it.
Of course there are the quirky rituals - Benjamin Franklin liked to sit about naked for a while in the mornings and Patricia Highsmith ate bacon and eggs for every meal to avoid the 'What's for dinner?' conundrum. Who doesn't enjoy reading about the eccentricities of the rich and famous.
It might be amusing to try out a few of these routines and see what happens. I am definitely adding this book to my wish list.
This book intrigues me, too, as I am fascinated by how and where writers and artists work, what inspires them, etc. Maybe I think I'll find some inspiration myself! Or maybe I'm just incurably nosy...
ReplyDeleteKathy, I like to think I am curious...but nosy may be a better fit! In any event, I like reading how creative people live their creative lives.
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