Peace In The Margins

“You must stay drunk on writings reality cannot destroy you.” – Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury is one of my all-time favorite authors, and his quote speaks so deeply to where I am at this moment in my writing life. For you see, at this moment Progress eludes me. I have several bits and pieces of a variety of random thoughts, yet no singular progress gained.

Staying drunk on writing means to totally immerse yourself in the written word, write till your fingers bleed, write until you are dizzy with a gluttonous drinking of the English language. When someone is drunk, reality is hazy and has no hold on you. Your perception is only what your drunken brain allows. 

Sometimes, reality can press in and stifle creativity. Only when I am in my true creative state can my muse show up. I’m not there. I’m not drunk. I’m being destroyed by reality. 

So, what do I do? When I need to get out of my creative slump, I write. I know, that sounds like a complete contradiction. Louis L’Amour said, “The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” Therefore, just write. Pen to paper – fingers to typewriter. Whatever it takes; just write. 

Everyone is different. Some need silence, some want soft music, some need a beautiful landscape. Regardless, we all must write. Find a writing prompt to help. Have a conversation with your main character, and write it down. (I know some of you out there carry on conversations with your antagonists…just saying.)

The point is – WRITE. You’ve got to turn on that faucet before the water can pour out. Once you get going, you might be surprised. Some of my best writing has occurred during these dry spells. 

Don’t give up – turn on your faucet and get drunk on your writing.

Until Next Time,

Alicia