Daily Rituals

More about the book

This exploration delves into the daily rituals of artists, highlighting how they structure their lives with comforting, mundane details—routines, fears, dreams, and eating habits. These "subtle maneuvers" enable them to manage time, summon willpower, exercise discipline, and maintain optimism. Through letters, diaries, and interviews, the compilation offers portraits of various creators, from Beethoven and Kafka to Picasso and Agatha Christie, showcasing the blend of discipline and dissipation that fuels their artistic journeys. For instance, Charles Dickens was known for his methodical approach; he began his day at 7:00 AM, had breakfast by 8:00, and was in his study by 9:00, working until 2:00 PM with a brief lunch break. During this time, he could produce around two thousand words, sometimes doubling that during bursts of creativity. Maya Angelou shared her unique workspace, a modest hotel room where she kept essentials like a dictionary and a Bible, reflecting her own disciplined yet creative environment. The collection reveals how these artists navigate their creative processes, balancing routine with inspiration.