Writer Who Wrote 500 Full Length Books
I have wondered who has the title to being the most prolific writer?
We all do a lot of writing here, and might appreciate having this little nugget of knowledge.
It seems like that honor would go to Isaac Asimov. Being a nerd growing up, I have read many of his works including novels, psychology, children's books, literature criticism, science books but especially science fiction. He wrote about 500 books, and was referred to as a "writing machine." He would always write everything out longhand, refusing to use a word processor (real "old school").
No one in history has written more book about more subjects than Isaac Asimov. He wrote what is considered by many to be the best science fiction series (Foundation) but also wrote books in science, Biblical studies (even though he was an atheist), and literary criticism.
Famous Novels
He wrote several novels which have become very popular recently, and turned into famous movies.
Fantastic Voyage - which was made into a very popular movie - who can forget this movie about a miniaturized spacecraft injected into a man's bloodstream and navigating through the body.
Compulsion to Write
Asimov had a "compulsion to write" in his own words. He went on to say,
"the only thing about myself I consider to be severe enough to warrant psychoanalytic treatment. That means that my idea of a pleasant time is to go up to my attic, sit at my electric typewriter (as I am doing right now), and bang away, watching the words take shape like magic before my eyes."
After his heart attack and bypass surgery, he was asked by a physician what he would do if he was told he had only six months to live. He said "write faster!"
How He Wrote So Much and So Well
So what is the secret to his productivity? Psychologists say he made lost of commitments to write which prevented him from just putting off writing to another day.
He had a steady routine which was to start typing at 7:30 AM and work until 10:pm each night.
And next is how he improved over time. He noted, "Writing is more fun than ever, and the longer I write, the easier it gets."
Summary
I admire Isaac Asimov in many ways; he was the most prolific writer known and had a tremendous effect on the entire science fiction genre. Several of his works achieved great fame.
I could argue that from what I can read about his life-style it may not be what I would choose - but he certainly had tremendous dedication.
What are your thoughts?
Dave.
Recent Comments
71
Amazing writer, I go for two hours and I am done. Thank you for sharing about this writer. Inspiring to know what dedication can do.
But imagine the stories in his mind he had which he needed to get out for him to feel so compelled to write 14+ hours per day.
I have read many of his books over the years starting when I was a young lad of about 10. We had a home library with lots of science fiction and my uncle was a published author, so reading and writing run deep in the family...
This is perhaps why I took to writing as a young adult and over the years it has remained the case. I do not have any books published yet but I may go in that direction one day. I do have some stories to tell!
Great write-up and an enjoyable read. Thanks for giving us all some inspiration, there is no doubt that there are more than a few books waiting to be written by members here...
We do have some published authors already BTW...I can't name all of them, but they are here...It would be interesting to know just how many and what the titles are so we can all check them out!
Cheers!
Dave : )
I agree with your comment. I too read several of his books during my high school days - I was even nerdier then than I am now!
Anyway, he is a model for productivity and keeping dedicated to writing.
Dave.
My first thought was WOW and then I thought when did he get time to do anything else.
I get the dedication and it is wonderful that he really enjoyed what he did but WOW.
The man in the attic. lol
Thank you for sharing much appreciated.
Jennifer
PS. I need to put in more hours this year
Thanks for the comment! He was impressive to write 500 books - that's about a book every month or two throughout his adult life.
Dave.
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I have written fewer than a dozen books, and some of them have taken me many months. Some make money, some don't, which is more a reflection on my procrastination around marketing than it is a statement about those books.
I too grew up reading Asimov, as well as my father's science fiction -- he wrote under the pen name of Cordwainer Smith. If my dad hadn't died young, he might have become much more well known himself. As for me, I don't write science fiction.
Wow - you are a published author! Congratulations!
I cannot imagine writing for that length of time over so many years. He was one of my favorite authors as well.
I see your Dad has a big article about him on Wikipedia! He looks like he was a wonderful man!
Dave.
He had an amazing imagination, and it turned up in his writings.