Writers are often asked what helps them to write, or where they get ideas from. They answer with many things; people, places, events, divine sparks of inspiration. Once in a while, somebody will say that he's plastered off his tits.

We've all heard people grumble about looking over what they've written while drunk, seen it was terrible, and cringed a cringy cringe, but do any of you find that writing can use a little - ahh - lube?

Does anyone find writing easier, better, or even just plain more enjoyable when drunk, or stoned, or flying as high as a kite after snorting the powdered sugar from the tops of doughnuts?

 

Being drunk makes you unable to think consistently which makes you unable to formulate coherent phrases thus makes you unable to write. Of course, I suppose it depends of the level of drunkenness involved.

As for being stoned, I don't know. It works for artists, painters, musicians, but those are different fields which require different parts of the brain, that are either less affected, or enhanced through drugs. In this case, I'd guess it depends of the drugs - those that enhance the brain (that is, reduce inhibitions while leaving the neurons able to communicate between them) such as amphetamines and the likes.

 

These days I don't write without a bottle of scotch on hand, but there may be some underlying issues there regardless... Heh.

It does serve as a sort of lube for the whole process. Hell, in Wastelands and Heartlands scotch is a pretty heavy plot device for seeing Harry through the day. Again, underlying issues - nightmarish, horrifying issues - and I'm sipping two fingers of Glenmorangie as I write this. It does impact on the whole process, sure.

I think the problem is finding a balance between the amount of lube to use vs. effectiveness. (Lol that's never a sentence I'd thought I'd write)

What I mean is, a touch of alcohol in the blood can make you more confident. And doubt, that insidious enemy of all writers, must be faced with confidence - you write as fast as you can for as long as you can before that bastard catches up.

So yeah - drunk writing is not effective, not at all. But a few shots of something can get the words onto the page. Sure it can.

 

Nay for me. My writing's bullshit vague enough as it is without alcohol muddling it up further. Plus, I'm pretty sure my attention span to actually write while drunk would be very low - no doubt I'd be distracted by the tiniest things and unable to solve any problems brought on in the writing process.

 

It would never work for me, and I don't know how anyone can write coherently while drunk. But Stephen King has said there are entire books he doesn't even remember writing while he was in his alcoholic coke-fiend phase.

 

This, effectively. In small amounts, of course. Except it's either rye or bourbon for me instead of scotch.

 

Also with Joe, except I happen to be partial to any drink with Gin.

 

I keep meaning to experiment a touch more with Gin. Any recommendations?

Note: You better not suggest any flowery cocktails.

 

No flowery cocktails here. I usually stick to my Gin and Tonic with New Amsterdam gin (cheapish and incredibly good), of course a Gin and Cranberry Juice is also a solid typical choice as well. The only semi-flowery, I guess, is that you can use Gin instead of Rum to make a really interesting Mojito.

Of course, Gin martini's are also a good way to go. Find your favorite bartender and ask 'em to give ya his favorite. I prefer mine to be dry, but personal choice obviously.

EDIT: Forgot to mention something I tried recently - Gin, Green Tea, Seltzer and Lime juice. Very good.

 

Cool stuff, mate. I'll hit up the bottle-o later on today. But that edit sounds far too complex.

OT: A lot of great writers abused various substances to see them through the day. Tolkien liked a puff, that's obvious, and as Inverarity said, Stephen King was so blazed in his early life he was writing bestsellers whilst dancing on the moon.

Alcohol, and narcotics, can and do alter perception of reality. This can lead to some true inspiration, but for the most part, no. King and Tolkien had sheer raw talent to back them up, as well.

 

This thread is now about how to get drunk. O_O

 

You say that like it's a bad thing. O_O

 

A strong gin and tonic with a bit of lemon juice is golden.

 

You say that like it's a fucking mystery!

Drink until you can't feel feelings... Rinse and repeat.

 

Dunno, never tried. I might take a shot or two of tequila (straight) to bang out some plotting, but I don't think I'd write the actual story any better lightheaded.

 

Adderall definitely kills creatively, and makes it nearly impossible to write anything worth reading. Well, that's not a term paper anyways. So with that said, I don't think other amphetamines would enhance writing either.

 

I've recently replaced rampant alcoholism with a serious Ketadrone habit, as a result my grim world in the Skitterleap suffered horribly and my more fantastical, relaxed worlds in BtDL and CS began to work much better.

TLDR: I find it amazingly difficult to be sober and write.

EDIT: Joe; Glenmorangie is the drink of the Gods.

 

I haven't written any fiction, or non-fiction for that matter, before, but after churning out countless essays for my degree I can safely say some of my better work has come whilst under the influence. I have had five pints tonight and this post seems fairly coherent. I think it affects each person in different ways. Winston Churchill was essentially a functioning alcoholic but his speeches are regarded as some of the best of all time and yes, he did write them himself.

I find there is nothing better than a couple of fingers of Johnnie Walker Black or some G+T with a slice of lime (compliments the juniper berry rather than contrast) or even a few pints of your preferred ale. Here is a little extra reading for you I suppose:

http://www.drunkard.com/issues/03_03/03-03_zen_drinking_alone.htm