The creative ‘spirit’

According to psychiatrist Dr Iain Smith, in a recent article in the Independent, the brilliant, drunken writer is an absolute myth – well, at least if s/he’s drinking while writing. Smith reckons alcohol makes the imagination more flaccid than fiery, but admits artists in general are ‘more emotional people’ so use substances to cope. He says: ‘The idea that drugs and alcohol give artists unique insights and powerful experiences is an illusion,’ and: ‘When you try and capture the experiences [triggered by drugs or alcohol] they are often nonsense.’

Well, I think it’s all a matter of perception. If you’re also reading this ‘nonsense’ produced by a stinky wine-breath author while off-your-face, you might be moved to tears or action. And didn’t Joyce sip white wine in bed while writing Ulysses? I’d hardly call that nonsense.

But I have to admit, none of the stories I’ve had published were written under the influence. I have had some enjoyable nights in my life where I’ve sat up late with a bottle of Ricca Donna or three, watching a music DVD (Bowie, or, embarrassingly Billy Joel – love that song ‘Honesty‘) and scribbling lines, poems, flash fiction. I’ve probably sent a few text messages and floated out a few tweets, too. And then the next day I look at it all and wonder how such a rubbish, lame, emo person like me gets to publish anything at all.

But then I see the slurred tweets of prolific and popular author John Birmingham – smashing down a few, submitting an article – he’s definitely written while drunk, or at least tipsy. So some can do it.

I think, though, alcohol in the life of some writers, or creatives in general, is not so much a lubricator of brilliant ideas, but assists the mental down-time of a head too full. I think a few drinks take the edge off the constant observing, analysing, plotting, working it out. And all the feeling that goes with those things. A straight whiskey is like a little switch – from mind, to body – to spreading warmth and allowing things to be simpler for a little while. To let a song wash over you, or someone’s smile. It sounds like I’m saying it’s a necessity – not at all. But for many creative people, I think this is one reason a drinky-poo might have appeal. Not as an idea-stimulator, but as the opposite, as a tool for winding down and coaxing the hard-at-work part of the brain into the back room for a little while. What do you think?

And this might be one reason I’ve had so many good drinking experiences at writers’ festivals. The writers have been switched-on all day and they’re ready to let loose.

So I guess I’ll see you in the MWF Festival Club!

She bangs.

Jessica Au

The Whole Shebang is only for the hardcore. A 6-hour seminar clocking up seventeen writing and publishing experts who just want to help, it’s one of MWF’s flagship events.

I slipped in just as Meanjin‘s Jessica Au was discussing publishing internships and how they can assist you with writing. Jessica started out as an intern at Sleepers Publishing, then moved on to an internship at Meanjin, where she is now employed as an editorial assistant. Her tips? The task of going through the slush pile, also known as the unsoliciteds, can help you find out what publishers are looking for. She also found internships good for building up a basic industry knowledge. Networking? Check. They’re a good way of getting a foot in the door, and help open up opportunities organically: Jessica found out about the Meanjin internship through contacts she made at Sleepers. But above all, she urged, make sure you still have time for writing.

The audience was curious to know what else she had learned, particularly in regard to submissions. More wisdom: cover letters shouldn’t just be like a blurb. Don’t feel like you have to sell your writing too hard; publishers love reading good stuff. Put as much care into the cover letter as you do into the story itself.