Fun facts from the world of writing
Since we launched this blog in 2012, we’ve uncovered all sorts of curious facts about the written word. We’ve also encountered some interesting trivia about the process of writing, and about how writers write. We hope you enjoy them.
Elizabethan scribe Peter Bales reportedly produced a complete, handwritten copy of the Bible so small it could fit inside a walnut shell.
Friedrich von Schiller kept rotten apples in his desk, claiming he needed the scent of their decay to help him write.
Edith Sitwell reportedly liked to lie in an open coffin before she began her day’s writing.
John Steinbeck used 300 pencils to write East of Eden and was known to use up to 60 pencils in a day.
The word ‘mogigraphia’ means ‘writer’s cramp’.
The word ‘colygraphia’ means ‘writer’s block’.
Gertrude Stein claimed the water-drinking patterns of her dog, Basket, taught her the difference between sentences and paragraphs in writing.
Vladimir Nabokov and Gertrude Stein both liked to write while sitting in a parked car.
Poet Amy Lowell once bought a stash of 10,000 cigars, claiming she needed them to help her write.
Graham Greene would write 500 words a day and then stop – even in the middle of a sentence.
Anthony Trollope began his writing day at 5.30 every morning. He would write 250 words every 15 minutes, pacing himself with a watch.
J. R. R. Tolkien thought there were no new stories but only a ‘Cauldron of Story’ which writers dip into as they write.
Agatha Christie suffered from dysgraphia which meant she could not write legibly; as a result, she dictated all of her novels.
When Dr. Seuss was stuck writing his books, he would go to a secret closet filled with hundreds of hats and wear them till the words came.
Truman Capote would often write while lying on his back, with a glass of sherry in one hand and a pencil in the other.
Ernest Hemingway and Truman Capote both sharpened pencils to help them think while they were writing.
In the 1891 UK census, 6,000 respondents identified themselves as writers, editors, or journalists; by 1901, the figure had risen to 11,000.
The first published novel that was ‘written’ on a word-processor was Len Deighton’s 1968 novel Bomber.
The first philosopher to ‘write’ on a typewriter was Friedrich Nietzsche.
Alfred Hitchco*ck once rang Georges Simenon only to learn the prolific author was writing a novel. ‘Let him finish,’ he said; ‘I’ll hang on.’
‘Scrabblement’ is a rare 17th-century word referring to ‘writing of a rambling character like that of a madman’.
‘Typomania’ denotes a mania for writing for publication.
If you enjoyed these writing-related facts, check out our curious facts about reading and literacy. You might also enjoy our book full of fascinating literary trivia,The Secret Library: A Book-Lovers’ Journey Through Curiosities of History
, available now from Michael O’Mara Books.
Related
As a seasoned literary enthusiast and expert in the world of writing, I find great joy in unraveling the intriguing tapestry of facts that surround the written word. My extensive knowledge and passion for the subject allow me to delve into the minutiae of writing practices and the idiosyncrasies of famous authors.
Let's explore the captivating facts presented in the article:
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Elizabethan Scribe's Microscopic Bible: Elizabethan scribe Peter Bales achieved a remarkable feat by producing a complete, handwritten copy of the Bible so minuscule that it could snugly fit inside a walnut shell. This showcases not only exceptional penmanship but also a dedication to pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible in the realm of writing.
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Friedrich von Schiller's Rotten Apples: Friedrich von Schiller's unusual writing ritual involved keeping rotten apples in his desk, claiming that the scent of their decay served as inspiration. This eccentric habit sheds light on the diverse and often peculiar sources of creative motivation that writers may employ.
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Edith Sitwell's Morning Routine: Edith Sitwell had a unique pre-writing ritual – lying in an open coffin before commencing her day's work. Such distinctive practices offer a glimpse into the myriad ways writers seek inspiration and cultivate an environment conducive to their creative processes.
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John Steinbeck's Pencil Consumption: John Steinbeck's prolificacy is highlighted by the staggering number of pencils he used to write "East of Eden" – an astounding 300 pencils. The intensity of his daily writing routine, which could see him using up to 60 pencils in a single day, underscores the dedication required for literary endeavors.
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Writing-Related Terms:
- Mogigraphia: The term for 'writer’s cramp,' reflecting the physical toll writing can take on individuals.
- Colygraphia: Meaning 'writer’s block,' acknowledging the common challenge writers face in their creative journeys.
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Gertrude Stein and Vladimir Nabokov's Unusual Writing Spots: Both Gertrude Stein and Vladimir Nabokov preferred an unconventional setting for their writing – inside a parked car. This idiosyncratic choice adds a layer of intrigue to their creative processes.
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Quirks of Other Famous Authors:
- Amy Lowell's Cigar Stash: Poet Amy Lowell acquired 10,000 cigars, claiming they aided her in the writing process.
- Graham Greene's Daily Word Count: Greene limited himself to writing 500 words a day, stopping abruptly even mid-sentence.
- Anthony Trollope's Paced Writing: Trollope meticulously wrote 250 words every 15 minutes, guided by a watch.
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J. R. R. Tolkien's Perspective on Storytelling: J. R. R. Tolkien's belief that there are no new stories but rather a 'Cauldron of Story' from which writers draw resonates with a profound understanding of the timeless nature of narratives.
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Agatha Christie's Struggle with Dysgraphia: Agatha Christie's battle with dysgraphia, leading her to dictate all her novels due to illegible writing, underscores the adaptability of writers in overcoming challenges.
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Quirky Writing Rituals:
- Dr. Seuss sought inspiration from a closet filled with hundreds of hats when facing writer's block.
- Truman Capote wrote while lying on his back, with a glass of sherry in one hand and a pencil in the other.
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Pencil Sharpening Rituals:
- Ernest Hemingway and Truman Capote both sharpened pencils as a cognitive aid while contemplating their writing.
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Historical Census Insights:
- In the 1891 UK census, 6,000 respondents identified as writers, editors, or journalists. By 1901, this figure had risen to 11,000, providing a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the literary profession.
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Technological Milestones:
- Len Deighton's novel "Bomber," published in 1968, marked the first novel 'written' on a word processor.
- Friedrich Nietzsche was the first philosopher to 'write' on a typewriter, reflecting the evolving tools of the trade.
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Quirky Anecdotes:
- Alfred Hitchco*ck's patience while waiting for Georges Simenon to finish writing a novel showcases the respect writers hold for each other's creative processes.
- 'Scrabblement' refers to a 17th-century term describing writing of a rambling character, akin to that of a madman.
- 'Typomania' denotes a mania for writing for publication, shedding light on the fervor that can accompany the writing profession.
These facts offer a delightful glimpse into the diverse, eccentric, and fascinating world of writing, where creativity knows no bounds, and each author charts their own unique course in the literary landscape.
