Altered States

[jesseszen]

Hello Fellow Writers-

Please forgive if this topic has been discussed recently or mods feel free to chasten if this subject is in poor taste or should be age restricted, but - my question is: Has anyone else noticed that a state of inebriation is conducive to better and more prolific fiction writing? Let me explain why I ask.

A couple of years back I experienced a sort of 'golden age' of personal writing. During that time I was drinking. This was not a fall down drunk type of thing but a bottle of champagne - which is roughly 2 large glasses - 2 or 3 times a week. My output was phenomenal and I was pleased with the quality of my efforts as well.

Fast forward to the present which is a time when I am more serious about my health and I no longer drink. Though I still have many ideas I feel are worthwhile and projects left to finish I can't seem to recreate that wonderful zone I'd gotten into when I was writing well and often. I really don't want to re-introduce less healthy habits so I'd appreciate if anyone else who may have experienced this would communicate their solutions.

Thanks so much for any information.

Ki

Comments

[serria]

I don't think it's anything new - artists, no matter the medium but especially music and writing, have notoriously done some of their best, or at least most proactive work while using substances. A musician friend of mine insists that she can't write music unless she's high on pot. I guess there might be some merit in "relaxing" that conscious part of your brain, and letting only the creative part of your mind work.

But I only drink socially and don't think I've ever written while drunk, and I don't use any other substances besides that. I can't say personally. But I am skeptical, and genuinely worried about people who feel they can't create unless they are stoned.

That being said, I write with the most dedication when I'm drinking coffee or tea, so there's that. :P

[inevitableentresol]

I do fear I've swapped my alochol for caffeine.