Let me be honest with you.
I’ve never read Harry Potter (Don’t judge me!)
I’m a non-fiction person, and what excited me more was not Harry Potter, but the super-interesting brain behind the amazing creation.
I’ve read about J.K. Rowling’s rejection story before she made the series happen. Every detail of it inspires me.
So, I quickly went to steal her routine, and here’s a quick glimpse of it:
“My feeling is, if you really want to do it, you will do it. You will find the time. And it might not be much time, but you’ll make it.”
Daily Schedule
“I try to start work before 9am. If I’ve started around nine, I can usually work through to about 3pm before I need more than a short break.”
J.K. Rowling writes in the mornings, often starting early in the day. She dedicates several hours to writing before moving on to other tasks.
Her routine includes writing for a few hours every day, even when she is not actively working on a specific project.
Writing Environment
“The radio is usually tuned to classical music, because I find human voices the most distracting when I’m working, although a background buzz, as in a café, is always comforting.”
Rowling prefers to write in a quiet, private space (sometimes with music) where she can concentrate without distractions.
She has written in various locations, including cafes and home offices, but always ensures the environment is conducive to focused work.
Writing Process
“I still like writing by hand. Normally I do a first draft using pen and paper, and then do my first edit when I type it onto my computer. For some reason, I much prefer writing with a black pen than a blue one”
Rowling’s writing process involves detailed planning and drafting.
She is known for creating extensive outlines and notes before starting to write.
Her process includes revising and editing her drafts to refine her work thoroughly.
Breaks and Rest
“I generally manage to drink eight or nine mugs of tea. Being incredibly clumsy, prefer eating things that won’t ruin the keyboard when dropped. Popcorn’s ideal.”
Rowling takes regular breaks to rest and recharge. She values the importance of stepping away from her writing to maintain her creativity and avoid burnout.
Challenges and Solutions
Rowling has faced challenges such as writer’s block and the pressure of meeting deadlines.
She overcomes these challenges by sticking to her routine and making time for writing every day, which helps her push through difficult periods.
References
- J.K. Rowling Answers To Questions 2, J.K. Rowling Official Website
- J.K. Rowling Answers To Questions, J.K. Rowling Official Website
- J.K. Rowling at the 2000 Vancouver International Writers’ Festival
- 1999 online interview for Amazon.co.uk
- J.K. Rowling on writing, J.K. Rowling Official Website
- J.K. Rowling’s Harvard 2008 Commencement address, Harvard Magazine
