On my various travels through the learning process of writing, I read about a novel way to ignite the muse and fire -up the vocabulary and imagination juices.

I like many others, enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time. iI have found that when i do have a drink , it allows my inner critic to shut up and let me write as I wish without constantly pulling me up on my literary faults. There’s plenty of time during the re-writes and editing for my inner critic to launch into its vitriolic spew onto my page.

When iIam writing an aggressive scene, iI close my eyes and imagine being punched or I twist my wrist to see which way hurts the most. I do this in the name of art – not because I am a self-harmer. I hope this gives my work a gritty aspect for the reader.

Stephen King mentions in his book On Writing that when he wrote Cujo was hitting alcohol and cocaine hard. His book sold millions. now I’m not saying that this is the right thing to do, but alcohol can allow the mind to race, twist and turn to unleash unexpected words and scenarios.

So please don’t pickle your liver to achieve literary acclaim, but perhaps experiment once to see where it leads you – as long as it’s not into rehab.

Happy Word Flow One & All