W. H. Auden
Poet • 1907-1973
Anglo-American poet, regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.
Daily Schedule
What to Learn from W.'s Routine
Auden's routine was rigidly structured around his belief that inspiration is for amateurs—professionals work on schedule. His morning writing session (7-11:30 AM) was when he composed poetry, regardless of whether he felt inspired. The crossword puzzle (6-6:30 AM) was mental warm-up, getting his brain working before creative work. His teaching and editing work (1-5 PM) provided income and intellectual engagement beyond his poetry. The cocktail hour (6:30-7:30 PM) was sacred—he believed in the civilizing power of alcohol and conversation. His early bedtime (10 PM) ensured adequate sleep for his early rising. The routine reveals Auden's belief that creativity is a job requiring discipline, not a mystical process requiring inspiration. His productivity was remarkable—he published over 400 poems and numerous essays and reviews. The routine shows that treating creative work as professional work, with regular hours and consistent output, can be more productive than waiting for inspiration. Auden's approach influenced generations of writers who learned that discipline beats inspiration.
Key Takeaways
- •Treat creative work as professional work
- •Regular hours produce more than inspiration
- •Mental warm-ups prepare for creative work
- •Social rituals (cocktail hour) support creative life
Sources
- • W. H. Auden by Richard Davenport-Hines
- • Daily Rituals by Mason Currey
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