Chapter 1: The Rituals of Writers

The daily habits and practices of renowned writers have always piqued my curiosity. Perhaps it’s because, much like everyone else, they have only 24 hours in a day to dedicate to their craft. Yet, the ways in which they choose to fill their time with writing, and other activities, can vary significantly.

Among the elements that have captured many writers' attention are caffeine and alcohol. This became especially apparent as I delved into Mason Currey’s compelling book, Daily Rituals: How Artists Work. Through his exploration of historical accounts, it became evident that both coffee and alcohol frequently appear in the lives of various creatives.

Reflecting on my own writing routine—particularly during 2020—it’s clear to me that it could be summed up with two main beverages: a few cups of coffee in the morning and a drink (or two) in the evening, complemented by water throughout the day. I suspect that countless other writers share this beverage routine.

It wasn’t entirely surprising to learn that many distinguished writers turned to coffee and alcohol as stimulants for their creativity. What did catch me off guard was the unique ways in which they chose to consume these substances and the reasons behind their choices.

“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”

— T.S. Eliot

6. Scott Fitzgerald, for example, was notorious for his heavy drinking. Currey notes that Fitzgerald favored straight gin, believing it to be quick-acting and less detectable on his breath. However, his excessive drinking took a toll on his health, leading to struggles with writing sober. By the late 1930s, he was both financially and creatively depleted, ultimately passing away at 44. While he felt that drinking fueled his short stories, he later confided to his editor that the same could not be said for longer works:

“It has become increasingly plain to me that the very excellent organization of a long book or the finest perceptions and judgment in time of revision do not go well with liquor.”

Conversely, coffee, particularly in excessive amounts, also played a crucial role in many writers’ lives. Few authors have expressed a love for coffee quite like French writer Honoré de Balzac. He would consume finely ground roasted coffee beans—sometimes mixed with water—before eating anything else, repeating this ritual approximately 50 times daily. Balzac vividly described the rush of caffeine as a catalyst for creativity:

“Everything becomes agitated. Ideas quick march into motion like battalions of a grand army to its legendary fighting ground, and the battle rages…”

23. 8. Auden referred to this combination of caffeine and alcohol as “the chemical life,” which both stimulated and at times impeded his writing. This leads me to ponder the influence these substances have on writers' daily lives, especially regarding sleep, particularly after reading Matthew Walker's enlightening book, Why We Sleep.

Take, for example, the Irish-English artist Francis Bacon, who battled insomnia throughout his life. He often relied on alcohol to aid his sleep and even claimed that a hangover spurred his creativity:

“I often like working with a hangover, because my mind is crackling with energy and I can think very clearly.” – Francis Bacon

However, Walker challenges the notion that alcohol serves as an effective sleep aid, debunking the common belief that a nightcap can promote restful sleep. While alcohol may initially sedate, it does not support the natural deep sleep necessary for recovery and cognitive function. Instead, it can lead to sleep fragmentation, causing frequent awakenings throughout the night.

“Work is the curse of the drinking class.”

— Oscar Wilde

Now, let’s discuss coffee. We know from his writing that Honoré de Balzac consumed vast quantities of coffee throughout the day. But what impact does coffee, scientifically known as 1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine, have on sleep? Walker explains that caffeine blocks the neuromodulator adenosine, which is responsible for sleepiness. As sleep pressure builds, caffeine interferes with adenosine's ability to induce sleep, keeping us awake.

Walker also highlights that caffeine has a half-life of 5–6 hours. Consuming coffee in the morning means you'll still have a significant amount of caffeine in your system five hours later. As a result, drinking coffee later in the day could severely disrupt your sleep quality.

“I just want a hot cup of coffee, black, and I don’t want to hear about your troubles.”

— Charles Bukowski

Given Walker's research findings, he offers alternative suggestions for managing caffeine and alcohol consumption to minimize their negative impacts on sleep and overall health. He advises against consuming caffeine after noon, as it can linger in the body for up to 12 hours, potentially disrupting your sleep. Additionally, he cautions against the common practice of having nightcaps, as they hinder REM sleep, which is crucial for mental and physical restoration. Ideally, he recommends avoiding alcohol altogether or at least limiting its intake a few hours before bedtime.

To delve deeper into Matthew Walker's insights, feel free to check out my detailed review of his book, Why We Sleep, where I share 12 tips for achieving a healthier, more productive life through better sleep practices.

Leslie Jamison explores the relationship between care and creativity, shedding light on how these elements intertwine in the writing process.

Chapter 2: The Life Story of Writers

This short video showcases the life story of Charles Bukowski, focusing on his experiences with drinking, writing, and living.