Writing while high/stoned/drunk

**Abbie** · September 25th, 2009

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

**Moderator** · September 25th, 2009

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

**aptpupil** · September 25th, 2009

I never write while I'm on drugs.

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

**It'sNineInTheAfternoon** · September 25th, 2009

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** · October 7th, 2009

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** · October 9th, 2009

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** · October 12th, 2009

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

**Smikes** · October 13th, 2009

Originally Posted by dejolane

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** · October 15th, 2009

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** · October 15th, 2009

Originally Posted by Smikes

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.