Writing and Inebriation

~AnotherHappyCamper Dec 24, 2012

I'm really curious. Writers being alcoholics is a common stereotype. Do you find yourselves relying on substances to be creative? Would anyone ever admit to that on a forum? or even to themselves? Does a glass of wine just help you get going?
This discussion is not a new one, I was mostly curious about people's experiences.

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Devious Comments

`saintartaud Dec 27, 2012 Professional General Artist

Baudelaire wrote a book on the subject called Artificial Paradises. Haven't read it in a while, but I seem to recall that wine got a glowing review, while he didn't think much of hashish. So it goes.

I myself like coffee or other caffeinated beverages for writing, and I do find that a bit of wine of alcohol loosens me up. Not drunk, though, just mildly tipsy. My experience with other drugs is rather limited, but I can't say anything else I've done helped much on the production end. Source material, though, it is very good for.

*DamonWakes Dec 27, 2012 Writer

I rarely drink while writing. If I do, it's generally because I had a glass of wine with dinner and haven't finished it yet. Or I just fancied having a little whisky. It's sometimes a mistake, actually: I find it difficult to write while tired, and alcohol can have much the same effect. But on the other hand, it's good to relax after a long day, so maybe it helps indirectly?

I did used to get up and make a cup of coffee before I sat down to write (and frequently later on if I hit a bit of a slump), but I stopped drinking it altogether a few weeks ago. I was a little concerned that might affect my writing ability, but as far as I can tell it hasn't made a difference.

For the record, I wasn't really aware of alcoholic writers being a stereotype at all, let alone a common one.

=star-blazer Dec 25, 2012 Professional Writer

I have the occasional drink here and there, never been to the point where I've been drunk, however. I've never actually written while having a drink, either. However, from what it seems, it doesn't sound like it would help very much with me personally. Everyone I know that ends up drunk can hardly write or type or anything, so I honestly don't know how well I'd be articulating myself under the influence of such things.

~ClayCowboys Dec 25, 2012 Professional Writer

I can't write when inebriated and/or stoned. The only thing I really want to do under those circumstances is sleep and/or watch trash TV.

~witwitch Dec 25, 2012 Student Writer

I'm not sure alcohol is really a good idea while writing. I rarely ever drink, and I've never tried to write while drunk. Alcohol makes me feel hazy; it doesn't really seem like it's the type of thing that can help me think more efficiently or creatively. I think those write while drunk are the exception, not the rule.

I do find that going out to smoke a cigarette can help me refocus myself while I'm writing.

Marijuana is good for brain storming sessions, but that's about it, and I don't rely on it. It just happens that, sometimes, when I'm lighting up, I'm struck with a brilliant idea for a story or a poem. What ever I come up with will require heavy, heavy editing while sober.

~MidNightMagnificent Dec 25, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Personally, getting drunk is good for my comedic material, but all other aspects of writing? Nah, it just goes down the drain. I find it hard to grab the pen when I have to make the choice between the whiskey bottle and the pen.

I need stone cold soberity for serious writing. Maybe the occasional gem of an idea can happen, but it's far and few in between.

~Balaria Dec 25, 2012 Hobbyist Writer

If I'm drunk I prefer to put on a crappy 80s horror movie and throw my brains in the corner instead of trying to write. Writing just goes better when I'm sober.

~Lytrigian Dec 25, 2012 Hobbyist Writer

Oh, so it's now OK to think of entire groups according to some obsolete stereotype? Cool.

~AnotherHappyCamper Dec 25, 2012

I said it was a stereotype immediately. Don't turn this into something controversial, I'm not fighting anyone on anything.

~Lytrigian Dec 25, 2012 Hobbyist Writer

It's a bit like asking a black man about fried chicken and watermelon...

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