3 Writer’s Habits We Should All Be Stealing From Neil Gaiman
What a man with over 100+ published and released work has to teach all creators
With bestselling books that have sold over 40 million copies, a Masterclass on writing, and dozens of podcast episodes and articles on his craft, Gaiman is certainly someone to learn from.
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” ― Neil Gaiman
This December I’m trying to finally finish the second draft of my novel — here are a few takeaways I’ve gained from scouring through the content on his daily practices, life rules, and general approach to writing.
#1: Writing vs. nothing
This is probably the most popular of Gaiman’s writing habits that has been frequently discussed throughout the internet.
This habit is simple. He takes himself to his garden office, sits down to write, and tells himself that he doesn’t have to write.
The catch is, he can’t do anything else — he doesn’t allow himself.
“You don’t have to write. You have permission to not write, but you don’t have permission to do anything else.”
This creates an interesting environment of making writing seem appealing rather than work that must be survived or mustered through. It’s a situation where the writer finally says:
“Hmm, I guess I’ll do some writing…”
In the absence of writing and the presence of boredom, a true writer will realize how much they enjoy creating and how much they miss their characters.
In that moment, they’ll consciously choose writing over something else, as opposed to pushing through.
#2: Find inspiration everyone and in everything
According to his MasterClass, Gaiman found the inspiration for Coraline in a swarm of bees that stung him. He often uses questions like “what if” and “what’s next” to day dream about where his story could go.
“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 6: Fables & Reflections
I think it’s incredibly crucial for a writer to understand that the story could always change and nothing is set in stone. Another idea can always be concocted, and a new ending written.
Good writers, like Gaiman, keep their eyes and mind open for an inspiration to send the story in a new, better direction.
#3: Handwrite your first draft
In an interview with Tim Ferris, Gaiman explains how he handwrites the first draft of his books.
(This is incredibly impressive to me…I don’t think I could do that with my novel project that’s almost at 300 pages — but it obviously works for him.)
“Life is a disease: sexually transmitted, and invariably fatal.”
― Neil Gaiman
He explains how this is a particularly helpful habit because of how rewriting the second draft goes. Once he writes the second draft, he doesn’t feel bad that he’s not typing up certain sections. It’s easier to leave behind handwritten words than to delete words in a Word document.
He states that it’s easier to cut the poorer written portions or unnecessary sections because in reality, he’s saving himself work by not typing it up.
Neil Gaiman knows what he’s doing. He’s an extraordinary writer who’s had much success across all the world.
While each writer should utilize his or her own habits, methods, and tactics to writing amazing stories, it can’t hurt to learn a thing or two from the people who have figured a few things out.
I hope these habits have been helpful, and that you’re able to incorporate them in some way into your own practice. As always, best of luck!
