Page Fright

Foibles and Fetishes of Famous Writers

A witty round-up of writers' habits that includes all the big names, such as Dickens, Flaubert, Tolstoy, Hemingway
At public events readers always ask writers how they write. The process fascinates them. Now they have a very witty book that ranges around the world and throughout history to answer their questions. All the great writers are here — Dickens, dashing off his work; Henry James dictating it; Flaubert shouting each word aloud in the garden; Hemingway at work in cafés with his pencil. But pencil or pen, trusty typewriter or computer, they all have their advocates. Not to mention the writers who can only keep the words flowing by writing naked, or while walking or listening to music — and generally obeying the most bizarre superstitions.

On Shakespeare’s works: “Fantastic. And it was all done with a feather!” — Sam Goldwyn

“I write nude, seated on a thick towel, and perhaps with a second towel around me.” — Paul West

“I’ve never heard of anyone getting plumber’s block, or traffic cop’s block.” — Allan Gurganus

“I’m a drinker with a writing problem.” — Brendan Behan