Washington University's Goodwin proposed a genetic relationship between writing skill and drinking, with manic-depression as the common thread. Fitzgerald, the poster child for the image of the inebriated author (he referred to alcohol as the "writer's sin" and was known to introduce himself as "F. Scott Fitzgerald," not "Frank" or "Francis" or "Fred" or any other name except that which he invented for himself), had a difficult childhood followed by a period of mental stability during which he wrote "The Great Gatsby." However, like many authors who drink too much, he then suffered from severe depression which sometimes required hospitalization.
Great writers can also be found among alcoholics. Hemingway is one example of a famous writer who killed himself at an early age. Jack London also died at a young age, but he did so because of tuberculosis, not booze. However, both men were passionate drinkers who could never quite handle their liquor.
Many scientists believe that creativity comes from chaos, and that chaos can come only from order. In other words, randomness requires a force to create order out of nothingness. Some researchers think that this force is madness, while others argue that danger can be another source for creativity. Drinking can be dangerous to your health if you do it too much or in bad ways, but it can also be very rewarding. Drinking can make you feel happy or sad, calm or excited.
"Goodwin proposes that an alcoholic, like as Hemingway, who succumbs to litost will concede defeat and turn to destructive drinking." According to Goodwin, writers are more likely to become alcoholics for a variety of reasons, but correlation does not imply causality. Today's writers are far less alcoholic than previous generations.
The connection between alcoholism and writing has been noted by many critics. In 1960, John Brooks published A Literary Mercenary: Richard Harding Davis, and in it he notes that many famous authors were also notable drinkers. In 1985, Irving Howe wrote That Warm Breath Before Me: "To write a good novel you need more than talent.
It's a common misconception that great writers wrote when inebriated. You may be a drunk or a functional alcoholic, and many people are, but not while writing. Alcohol affects us all differently, and some people can drink heavily and still function properly.
The only real effect of alcohol on the brain is to slow it down. Too much alcohol over too long a period will cause brain damage. But even then, you can still think clearly enough to write about your experiences and what you've learned from them.
Drunk driving is dangerous for other people as well as drunk people. Drinking too much can affect how you drive a car. If you're drinking and don't feel safe driving, don't do so. Call a taxi or use another form of transportation to get home safely.
Writing is not mentally exhausting like running or cycling. It's a product of thought and analysis, which can be done sober. While some people with anxiety or depression need something to calm them before they can write, others find that focus and intensity bring out the best in their creativity.
If you have problems with anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor about what options are right for you. There are many different ways to manage these conditions including medication, therapy, exercise, and self-care.
Writers frequently use Ernest Hemingway's adage, "write drunk, edit sober." The problem is, Hemingway never stated that. Of fact, many people were already aware that the phrase was fictitious—there is no source attributing it to him at all.
However, there are times when writing late into the night and then editing back in the morning works well. It all depends on your process. If you're looking for a quick fix or an easy out, going with the first thing that comes into your head isn't the best way to write good fiction. But if you want to grow as a writer by taking risks and being honest with yourself, then going with your instincts even when they're not perfect is essential.
The most important part of writing drunk/editing sober is that you follow through. You must keep writing and editing until you are happy with what you've done. Otherwise, you're just wasting your time.
Writing drunk/editing sober can be useful for short stories, novels, and screenplays. However, please be careful not to let this method become an excuse to avoid editing your work obsessively.
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