Evelyn Waugh was born today in writing history, October 28. Celebrate the writer’s birthday by learning more about his life and contributions to the literary world. Aspiring writers should also use this opportunity as a writing exercise. Look for inspiration today in writing history.

Writing Prompts for Today In Writing: October 28

Please take this opportunity to learn more about Evelyn Waugh and his contributions to 20th-century literature. The author’s prolific writing output is a model for all aspiring writers to strive for. A writer all his life, Waugh’s ability to create is an admirable trait that should be lauded. 

What led Evelyn Waugh to write? Where did the inspiration for his ideas come from? And what helped the writer create his style of prose? Find inspiration about Waugh, learn more details about his life, and write!

Evelyn Waugh Biography

Arthur Evelyn St. John Waugh was born in London, England, on October 28, 1903. His parents, Arthur Waugh and Catherine Charlotte Raban, had an extensive family history from around the British Isles and included several notable figures. Arthur was a well-regarded English author and publisher. 

From a young age, the literary influence in the Waugh household was strong- Evelyn and his older brother, Alec, would become authors. In school, Evelyn was exceptionally bright and showed a writing talent. In his school days, he wrote his first story, The Curse of the Horse Race, and was encouraged by his schoolmasters. Outside school, the author wrote plays for his childhood friends to perform. However, his father’s attention was on his older brother Alec, and the younger Waugh often felt excluded.

Evelyn Waugh’s Writing Career

Waugh’s early career began as a teacher in 1925. It was a job he found tedious and dull, but he did his best to fulfill the duties. In his free time, Evelyn Waugh wrote. He would leave his teaching position and work several jobs, always writing on the side. 

In September 1928, Evelyn Waugh published his first book, Decline and Fall. It received praise from critics and launched the author’s writing career. In addition to writing novels, Waugh also spent his time composing non-fictional texts. As a reporter, Waugh spent time in Abyssima and other parts of Africa while he continued to write novels.

At the onset of World War II, Evelyn Waugh was commissioned into the Royal Marines. The global conflict halted the author’s writing, as his daily training left him so exhausted that he was unable to write at the end of the day. Although he received command as a Captain, Waugh was disliked by his men. Although ready and willing to fight, the author did not have the discipline of a soldier.

Following the war, the author’s writing ability returned, and he resumed his literary work. Waugh’s writing would bring him fame and success in the 1940s. Despite his inability to succeed as a soldier, he used his experiences to author a semi-autobiographical World War II Sword of Honor trilogy, which began in 1952.

Later Life and Death

Described as “fat” and “deaf,” the author’s health declined as he reached his sixties. Following Easter Mass on April 10, 1963, with his family, Evelyn Waugh died of heart failure. He was 62. Following his death, Graham Green wrote an article for The Times, calling Waugh the greatest author of his generation.

10 Evelyn Waugh Quotes

1. One forgets words as one forgets names. One’s vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die.

2. Professional reviewers read so many bad books in the course of duty that they get an unhealthy craving for arresting phrases.

3. He was gifted with the sly, sharp instinct for self-preservation that passes for wisdom among the rich.

4. Art is the symbol of the two noblest human efforts: to construct and to refrain from destruction.

5. In the dying world I come from, quotation is a national vice.

6. We schoolmasters must temper discretion with deceit.

7. Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.

8. Not everyone grows to be old, but everyone has been younger than he is now.

9. News is what a chap who doesn’t care much about anything wants to read. And it’s only news until he’s read it. After that it’s dead.

10. If we can’t stamp out literature in the country, we can at least stop its being brought in from outside.

Notable Evelyn Waugh Books

1928 Decline and Fall

1930 Vile Bodies

1932 Black Mischief

1934 A Handful of Dust

1938 Scoop

1939 My Father’s House (first section of Work Suspended)

1939 Work Suspended

1942 Put Out More Flags

1945 Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder

1948 The Loved One

1950 Helena

1952 Men at Arms

1953 Love Among the Ruins

1955 Officers and Gentlemen

1957 The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold

1961 Unconditional Surrender

1965 Sword of Honour trilogy

Today in Writing: October 28 – Daily Writing Exercise

Now that you have done some reading, it is time to write. Aspiring writers should look to the stories from Today in Writing: October 28 and Evelyn Waugh’s life for inspiration. Read his quotes and study his plays to understand the author’s writing style. 

Find a topic and freewrite for 10 minutes. Evelyn Waugh’s prolific output is a model for all aspiring writers to follow. Writing, in whatever format, is critical as long as writing is happening. Waugh was no stranger to the craft and offered novels, short stories, articles, and travel guides. Aspiring writers should pay homage to his writing and adaptability and start writing.

Don’t let any opportunity to write go to waste. Aspiring writers: Practice your writing today. Celebrate Today in Writing History October 28.