Writing while high/stoned/drunk

[Abbie]

In his autobio "On writing" SK tells us he doesn't even remember writing Cujo but had fun with it. He also warns us that the image of artists always using drugs/booze to get inspired isn't the rule of thumb and it's not the drug/booze that does the inspiration.. just boosts it. I think once he went to rehab that's when he wrote the Dark Tower series.. Not sure but IIRC..

I saw parts of that movie. Didn't want to get scared of big dogs though so didn't watch all of it....

--abbie:cool2:

[Moderator]

Some of it was written before and some after he went through rehab.

[aptpupil]

I never write while I'm on drugs.

But I never post on the SKMB unless I'm on drugs! :eyebrow:

[It'sNineInTheAfternoon]

how can you not remember writing an entire book? That's kind of insane.

i really do need to finish listening to this "on writing" thing. Having the book on tape is such a hassle, but i have no money to buy the actual book. Ah, what a pickle. I am quite eager to learn all of these things people have gleaned from this book. Ah, to be sixteen and without a job is a sad thing.

Don't do drugs! [and thus i make my inspirational speech of the day.]

[Er0tic NeUr0t1c]

I love getting high and reading his books because it just makes it that much more intense. I read the last 100 pages of salems lot in a drunken/stoned stupor and remember being completely immersed. I normally do other things though because i can read anytime and a buzz costs money.

However, Writing while ****ed up is a different story... I feel like everything im writing sounds bad so i end up doing something else.

I also do think substance use can enhance your creativity. Many authors, musicians, and artists have agreed on that notion. Drugs are good for your soul and healthy for the mind. It's like fruit... keeps body clean.... hehehe.

[Smikes]

I only enjoy writing poetry when I'm tipsy (but the editing/workshopping process requires stone cold sobriety). There was a surreal quality to Cujo that I never could quite put my finger on. I guess his condition at the time of writing might explain some of that.

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

[dejolane]

Don't take drugs at all. But I don't think you should brag about it.

[Smikes]

Don't take drugs at all. But I don't think you should brag about it.


Dejolane,

Who was bragging? I think Stephen looks back at that period with a little shame, and as for me, "tipsy" means "mildly under the influence of alcohol"- i.e. enough alcohol (a quite legal "drug") to take off the edge. Were you replying to someone else, or is there a misunderstanding?

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

[HayleyDiva]

Cujo was the first SK book I read. It was also the first big fat novel I tried to read. I was about 9. I had no idea why I didn't like it until I read On Writing. Now it all makes sense. I'm very sorry for his.. unpleasantness. I'm glad he's returned to normal. Drugs are whack, pot is hot, hehe. Oops, I'm new so I hope I'm allowed to say that.

[HayleyDiva]

Dejolane,

Who was bragging? I think Stephen looks back at that period with a little shame, and as for me, "tipsy" means "mildly under the influence of alcohol"- i.e. enough alcohol (a quite legal "drug") to take off the edge. Were you replying to someone else, or is there a misunderstanding?

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

I think Dejolane may have meant the people in the thread that seemed to be bragging about the drugs they use to write. I think if you have to use drugs to write, then you might want to try something that you can do sober. Also, saying drugs make you better at doing something is usually just an excuse to rationalize the fact that you're killing yourself in front of everyone, and keep using more drugs.

[Smikes]

Ah, then she was replying to someone else (generally). My bad. (I'm not an egomaniac, I swear!) I agree that drugs are a bad idea in general. It has been my experience that most things done creatively during a "high" seem great at the time, but when they're looked at later with a sober eye, they usually beg the question, "What was I thinking?"

- S

[PatInTheHat]

I think Dejolane may have meant the people in the thread that seemed to be bragging about the drugs they use to write. I think if you have to use drugs to write, then you might want to try something that you can do sober. Also, saying drugs make you better at doing something is usually just an excuse to rationalize the fact that you're killing yourself in front of everyone, and keep using more drugs.

Whew:oops:!
That sure is a spliff load of assumptions packed in that little post, not to mention being twisted and rolled up in a rather judgmental rationalzation generalzation.
I'll make it easy for ya, I :love: to write while stoned to the bone (a recent developement..the writing that is)...and cook, work on my vehicles, pet the cats (& they just looovves that nip...nine live'ed suicidal bastids), cuttin' the grass too.
Laundry is practically unfathomable with out weed indeed...and by the way, this here post really is about weed, though I'm not one to judge anyones choices in life..or death for that matter.

Now, do I cut the grass any better?..hmm, probably not.
Cooking...maybe.
Mechanics...well, while it may take a tad longer, I don't seem to smash my fingers & knuckles as much, so that's a win.
The cats seem to enjoy being belly rubbed and ear scratched sooo much better though, most likely 'cause I get into it more and must do a better job of it...I admit I've not asked them, but they seem to like it a lot...awww shucks, see, now I'm braggin':blush:!
It's all really for the sake of the feline's is what I'm sayin' (hey "the children" already have plenty of advocacy groups..hmm, Kush For Kitty's, yeah, that's the ticket)...now I will be the first to admit, them little fuzzy freaks can't write worth a damn after some high quality nip..damn fur ball chunkin' junkies:glare:!

Oh and by the by, I'm not smokin' at his time (though I fully expect to again sometime in the future...if I'm not already dead that is), and ya know something, and this might come as a shock, but right now, at this very moment, anyone who is watching me (& how weird is that?) is watching me kill myself...as involuntary as that may be.
Should I suppose you aren't?
If not, then you must take careful stock in what you put into your body voluntarily...nothing chemically or hormonally enhanced, preserved, dyed, no high frutose corn syrup (oh no, surely not that)...nothing but pure home grown organically delicious yummy nutrition, with your total quality controlled control I suppose ('cause you do you know..have that control that is).
Well if that's the case good for you, giant kudos & I applaud you...seriously!

I'm sorry, but you seem to pass snappy broad stroked judgments rather quickly, and well, of course that's only my judgment...did I happen to mention how much more pleasant I am commiting suicide with a bit 'o that deviously deadly killer cannabis:rolleyes:?

[Velswab]

Different Strokes for Different Folks.

[HayleyDiva]

PatInTheHat,

I actually agree with you. (Except the part about me making snappy, broadstroke judgements, of course. Though I will admit a little fault in that area, I try not to be that way.)

I should have clarified that I don't consider pot to be any more of a drug than basil or parsley. I consider it to be an herb. An herb that I love.

I was referring to drugs that actually can kill you, such as alcohol, coke, or opiates. I consider tobacco to be a drug but that's only because it's infused with so many different drugs and chemicals in the production process.

Also, I didn't mean my statement to sound judgmental. I was stating that rationalizing is what drug addicts do and this seemed to be an example of it. I don't think drug addicts are bad people. It's a problem that can affect and really hurt anyone - Even our beloved SK.

Herbs=Good
Drugs=Bad
:wink2:

P.S. I smoke cigarettes & drink a little.. but I'm not happy about it. I could elaborate on my eating habits, which many purists would easily consider sub-par, but I don't want to be long-winded. Truce?

[JohnDalglish]

Ah, then she was replying to someone else (generally). My bad. (I'm not an egomaniac, I swear!) I agree that drugs are a bad idea in general. It has been my experience that most things done creatively during a "high" seem great at the time, but when they're looked at later with a sober eye, they usually beg the question, "What was I thinking?"

- S

Hi,

'Sergeant Pepper', 'Revolver', 'Blonde on Blonde', 'Tommy','Hotel California', etc ad nauseum?

Long days and pleasant nights

[PatInTheHat]

PatInTheHat,

I actually agree with you. (Except the part about me making snappy, broadstroke judgements, of course. Though I will admit a little fault in that area, I try not to be that way.)

I should have clarified that I don't consider pot to be any more of a drug than basil or parsley. I consider it to be an herb. An herb that I love.

I was referring to drugs that actually can kill you, such as alcohol, coke, or opiates. I consider tobacco to be a drug but that's only because it's infused with so many different drugs and chemicals in the production process.

Also, I didn't mean my statement to sound judgmental. I was stating that rationalizing is what drug addicts do and this seemed to be an example of it. I don't think drug addicts are bad people. It's a problem that can affect and really hurt anyone - Even our beloved SK.

Herbs=Good
Drugs=Bad


P.S. I smoke cigarettes & drink a little.. but I'm not happy about it. I could elaborate on my eating habits, which many purists would easily consider sub-par, but I don't want to be long-winded. Truce?

Long winded, why why I wouldn't know anything about such a thing:rolleyes:!

Dealaroni!
Besides, ain't no truce needed as I too am a defender (da dada da) of herbs & other living things, well most of 'em...not too mention an amateur bloviator (okay okay, yeah got me, I may know something 'bout long windyness, but hey, breaking into the bloviating big leagues ain't as easy at it sounds:down:).

I certainly hope I didn't offend you (maybe a 'lil squirm:biggrin2:) as that's never my intent when posting (:oo:well, okay, hardly never), because I am a professional chain puller from waaayy back.
I've said it on here before, but it's always worth repeating.
Never take what I have to say too serious (even when I am...hmm, maybe especially then)...that would be your first mistake:laugh:.

[Smikes]

Hi,

'Sergeant Pepper', 'Revolver', 'Blonde on Blonde', 'Tommy','Hotel California', etc ad nauseum?

Yeah, I'm afraid you won't gain much ground with me on the assertion that works of art (including music, writing, dancing, performing, etc.) that happened to be made "interesting" or "entertaining" because their creator used drugs make the use of drugs a good idea.

The fact is, we don't know what The Beatles and similar acts would have accomplished had they NOT used mind altering substances. Maybe they wouldn't have broken up. Maybe they would have written even better music. We simply don't know.

In any event, the desirability of the outcome of drug-addled arts is a relative thing depending on the audience's/reader's/consumer's tastes.

But we are talking about "writing" while stoned/drunk...I would agree that when it comes to finding "oddball pathways" in one's mind that seem eclectic and interesting, the genres of horror (Poe's absinthe intake, for example), Fantasy (opium addiction, anyone?), and even certain forms of poetry owe something to illegal drug use.

Does that make it a good idea?

I would also argue that if you have to rely on controlled substances to FIND those pathways, then it's not actually YOUR mind that's coming up with them but a drug-altered version thereof.

The paintings of madmen are always interesting.

But to use your logic, let me respond with a direct comparison: For every rock 'n roll success story like The Beatles, there are untold thousands of drug-addled garage bands who never make it past their first practice, let alone their first gig.

Live, love, laugh & be happy,
Smikes

[~Ally~]

Drugs are good for your soul and healthy for the mind. It's like fruit... keeps body clean.... hehehe.

For once I am going to be extremely rude and state that is possibly one of the most pathetic statements I've ever had the displeasure of reading on the SKMB.
However, feel free to attempt to persuade me otherwise with any factual evidence to support such a ludicrous claim.

[gunslingerdude]

Cujo wasn't one of my favorites, But I liked it. I kept thinking of ways to escape or fight back, though it was a scenario that would probably be more likely to happen in the real world, more so than most of Stephen Kings other tales, it still wasn't so scary to me.
But If I had been on drugs, who knows may of scared the hell outta me lol!

[M-O-O-N that spells Nikki]

He probably was on drugs because in the book the 4 year old named Tad talks, rationalises and understands emotions and etc like he is over 18...it's kinda disturbing.

[aeroplane]

how can you not remember writing an entire book? That's kind of insane.

When you have a writer as prolific as King, it isn't that surprising that he really doesn't remember writing certain books. Talk to any writer who releases one or more books a year and I'm sure you'll hear the same thing. Actor Eric Roberts had drug problems and ended up in rehab somewhere along the line. He has been in dozens of movies and has said numerous times that he doesn't even remember making a few of them.

It happens.

[Ebony]

For me, reading and writing is some kind of drug.

[larstriplj]

Not to disagree, but I did just finish reading On Writing two days ago (Sunday). I just pulled the book out to check behind myself (I had dogeared the page for some reason, maybe sheer disbelief...?), and SK does straight-up say that he barely remembers writing Cujo at all!

[GNTLGNT]

Yeah? Shock and amazement-the guy's subject to human frailty and foibles...he's moved on, as has the world-Holy Crap, I'm lucky I remember where I put my keyb

oard-oh, there it is...don't give two hoots if he had a lampshade on his head when he wrote anything-most of it's better than anything WE could have done sober...

[CarlyJasmine]

thanks for sharing..

[A Plymouth's Fury]

I don't want to get too sappy or anything but I would like to say that Mr. King may not remember "Cujo" but I will never forget it.

[Lass Chance]

Alcoholic writers writing while drunk is a long standing tradition! LOL...From Poe to Hemmingway. Lewis Carrol liked opium. I dunno....CUJO was one of my faves and I found it terrifying. If he was drunk when he wrote it, it certainly didnt hurt it. I dont think he quit drinking and drugging because it affected his writing adversely. I think it was when Tabby said, "Either you or the drinking has GOT to go." Being a great writer while drunk is evidently quite possible. Being a great husband, father, friend....not gonna happen.

Lass

[blunthead]

I volunteer at a 12-Step recovery program for people with all kinds of behavioral issues, including, of course, alcohol and drug abuse. I admire more than any other sort of character a person who overcomes an addiction. It takes more courage to admit one's problem(s) than it takes to do anything else I know of (though, I've never been in combat--I can't imagine the kind of courage that must take).

When it comes to my own issues, giving up certain things is still simply inconceivable to me. Yet, sK has given up a number of substances, including tobacco; this is remarkable. sK's honest. He just doesn't want to hurt himself, I think. He wants to live as long as possible because he digs life and his family.

Not to get off topic, sorry. I think that alcohol can be helpful, but that the line beyond which it becomes a hindrance is closer than people who drink it tend to realize. Personally, I find it harder to write when I've had the amount of alcohol I end up having before it's over; but this depends also on the subject of the writing.

I think that sK could write Cujo under the influence--and so much so not to remember writing it--is a testament to perseverance, but mostly to talent. Maybe anybody can write, and maybe anybody can write high, but only talent allows a person's writing to stay interesting.

[aKINGreader4ever]

Hey All,

I don't know about the book; but I hated the movie I thought it was so boring:glare:. I mean most of the movie took place inside of a car with the dog trying to get to the mother and the boy:barf:. It was just such a sleeper, some parts would wake u up but if some1 asked me what I thought I would tell them save Ur money. After i saw the movie I said there was no way I could get through the book. To those of U that read the book was it confusing, boring or what?
-Kris-

[DebA913]

Hey All,

I don't know about the book; but I hated the movie I thought it was so boring:glare:. I mean most of the movie took place inside of a car with the dog trying to get to the mother and the boy:barf:. It was just such a sleeper, some parts would wake u up but if some1 asked me what I thought I would tell them save Ur money. After i saw the movie I said there was no way I could get through the book. To those of U that read the book was it confusing, boring or what?
-Kris-

Every book is better than the movie version in my opinion. I don't think Cujo was boring or confusing. I say give it a try.
Give them all a read. I personally enjoyed this book. (As did many, many others)

[Schmidty]

What made Stephen take drugs anyway?

[aKINGreader4ever]

Hey Every1,

I saw the movie with my friend and was just very disappointed, and after I saw it I kinda said hell no to the book. It's one of the few times I have watched a stephen King film before reading the book, bad move. In the future I probably will read Cujo, it has 2 be better than the movie:biggrin2:.
-K-

[Gabriel J.M.]

I once tried to write while I was high on marijuana, and didn't go anywhere. I kept going around in circles and not getting anythying done. The same goes with alcohol. I just lag around and not get anything done. So I do it sober now. :)

[friend of Oye]

Reading while high/ stoned/ or drunck don't work so good neither. There is a lesson here kids.

[PatInTheHat]

What made Stephen take drugs anyway?

Same thing that "makes" anybody eat a greasy double bacon cheeseburger & biggie fries with a half barrel sized container of artificially colored & flavored high fructose corn syrup, they all simply exist.

[muskrat]

I nver righyte wehn I'm am drunked. Nope, its justs neber evre works for me (hic!)...

[Schmidty]

Same thing that "makes" anybody eat a greasy double bacon cheeseburger & biggie fries with a half barrel sized container of artificially colored & flavored high fructose corn syrup, they all simply exist.

When you go past a fast food place the colors on their signs make you hungry( schientifically proven: Bright colors make you hungry) But the only reason as to why a person would take drugs is becasue they are avoiding a problem or too stressed to face the problem. Personally I think it is a BS excuse.