Lists of Note collects and publishes interesting lists, letters, and memos from history, such as Einstein's marriage conditions and Henry Miller's work commandments.
Commenters call it a treasure trove of interesting historical lists, and share individual lists on writing, work habits, and life advice.
Henry Miller wrote a great list of commandments for his working day back in the 30s: http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/01/henry-millers-11-commandments.html
I've always found his structure far more useful than the usual 'list of maxims to follow every day' style most self-guides become.
His just seems more reflexive to his emotions. Like every day is a struggle against his natural state of being and this is how he keeps the scales in balance.
He talks more about his working day here too: http://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/4597/the-art-of-fiction-no-28-henry-miller
Related:
http://gioclairval.blogspot.it/2010/02/umberto-ecos-rules-for-writing-well.html
The original Italian by Umberto Eco:
http://www.webnauta.it/wordpress/40-regole-per-scrivere-bene/
which was in itself inspired by William Safire:
http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/01/fumblerules-of-grammar.html
http://www.maximumawesome.com/reference/g-safire.htm
I don't think it was ever common that a husband would write to his wife a letter clearly laying out rules like in this letter:
http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/04/einsteins-demands.html
No trying to demonize him but this definitely a little unusual.
The entire site is, unfortunately for productivity, a treasure trove of interesting historical lists. For instance: http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/04/simple-rules-for-life-in-london.html
I would look at Henry Miller's 11 commandments of writing. Online here http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/01/henry-millers-11-commandments.html
I try to refer to Ogilvy on writing, even when not writing copy:
http://www.listsofnote.com/2012/02/how-to-write.html