Do you work better during the morning or the evening? With a shot of espresso or a mug of green tea?

An intriguing little Slate series documents the work habits of writers and other creative people, from Ernest Hemingway to David Lynch.

The latest missive is about amphetamines, but if you prefer your stimulants a little tamer, there’s also one about coffee—though, honestly, we’re not sure Balzac’s 50-cup-a-day habit was any less extreme than Ayn Rand’s propensity for Benzedrine.