“When I am working on a book or a story, I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you, and it is cool or cold, and you come to your work and warm as you write.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“When I am working on a book or a story, I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you, and it is cool or cold, and you come to your work and warm as you write.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway describes his writing routine, emphasizing the discipline and quietude required for deep creative work. Writing early in the morning, just after first light, allows him to begin his day uninterrupted and fully immersed in the task at hand. The cool or cold environment suggests a sense of clarity and focus, where the writer is not distracted by external comforts but instead has to work through the discomfort—both physically and mentally—before the warmth of the day begins to settle in. This reinforces the idea that creativity requires commitment and dedication, and Hemingway’s description of warming up as he writes can be seen as a metaphor for the gradual flow of ideas as the mind becomes more active and engaged with the work.
Hemingway was known for his rigorous writing habits, and his preference for early mornings reflects a broader philosophy of writing as a daily discipline. By starting early, he could get to work while the world was still quiet, allowing him to create without distractions and engage with the raw, fresh energy of the morning. This approach to writing—focused on the practicality of routine and the avoidance of distractions—is also seen in his commitment to writing as an intellectual and physical task, one that requires effort and persistence. For Hemingway, writing wasn’t a passive activity of waiting for inspiration but an active process that could be cultivated through consistent, focused work.
In the modern context, this quote speaks to the importance of establishing a routine and setting aside uninterrupted time for creative or focused work. Whether writing, studying, or pursuing any passion, the idea of working in the early morning, when there are fewer distractions and the mind is fresh, can be a powerful way to cultivate productivity and creativity. Hemingway’s approach also highlights the idea that creativity is a discipline, one that requires commitment and the willingness to put in the time, even when the work is difficult or slow to take form. His routine underscores the belief that, like any craft, writing (or any creative pursuit) can be honed through regular practice and dedicated effort.
