Writing Tips From Balzac

Today's writers can learn a lot from Balzac. His fame as a writer is due to the many novels, stories, and commentary he produced during his short lifetime. His "Human Comedy" is breathtaking in scope, even though unfinished. One wonders how the final product would have looked if he had lived long enough to complete his masterpiece. The great care he took in gathering all the information available on a topic and then digesting it to produce his great social commentaries in fiction cannot be easily repeated. Here are a few writing tips that are based on the life and activities of this literary genius.

1. Choose a Good Writing Environment

Balzac's writing habits can only be described as extreme. He used to start his working day at around midnight. Clad in a long white gown, similar to that of a monk, and wearing a long gold chain around his neck, he would begin his daily writing. He would continue to write for the next twelve hours, pausing only to drink cups of black coffee, the same beverage that would ultimately lead to his early death. He probably chose the dark hours of the night because of the quiet and the freedom from interruptions at that hour. At around noon on the following day, he would finally call it a day. Many writers would benefit from writing under such conditions.

2. Rest Is Important

His ability to work for such a long period of time was probably because of the regularity of his habits. He took great care to go to sleep at the same hour each day. Even when he was entertaining his friends, or taking part in social engagements, he would return to his home whenever his bedtime approached. At six o'clock he would go to bed and wake up six hours later to begin his working day. He knew that a writer needed mental and physical rest even more than a worker whose job did not entail such hard mental labor. All writers should ensure that they get the amount of sleep that their constitution requires.

3. Think Big

Balzac is remembered for, among other things, the sweeping panorama of French society that is the "Human Comedy." His intention was to draw a word picture of all aspects of France and its inhabitants. He would draw his characters from the high and the low, the strong and the weak, the good and the bad. Unfortunately, he was only able to complete a few of the books planned, before his untimely end. A writer should be able to make plans just as the one envisioned by
Balzac. He should be able to go beyond the novel he is writing and think of it as a part of something greater, something that would live long after he has ceased to exist.

4. Networking

Even though Balzac concentrated almost exclusively on his writing, he did not ignore the social interaction that is needed for good mental health. When his working day was over, he would join his friends and participate actively in the social life of his peers. His quick wit and power of repartee were greatly appreciated by the salons that he frequented. A writer should be a part of society as well, observing and making note of anything that could serve as grist for his mill. Only after long hours of studying life would it be possible to make a concrete observation that has a solid basis of fact.

Balzac can be described as one of the masters of French literature. His contributions were many, and his place in the literary pantheon is assured. His dedication to his craft and his ability to conceive great projects can teach writers to love their profession and to go beyond their comfort zones.