Drinking for inspiration doesn't work…

I know. I've tried.

Now, before everyone starts thinking I'm an alcoholic, let me make this very clear. I'm not. This just came to mind while reading yet another article about how many authors are heavy drinkers and the typical response of how the stereotype is untrue…

Well, I happen to agree.

Anyway, that's besides the point. Really, the point is, sometimes, when you're writing (in my case anyway) a bottle of beer might ease out a scene that you're too emotionally involved in to get out stone cold sober. A shot might work wonders for a bloodthirsty fight scene. A bit of wine might help with a love scene.

But getting drunk will never, ever call the muse.

You might think she's there. You might even think, since you've eliminated the weight of life's many stressful blocks, that what you write will be pure. In the moment it looks like gold.

The next day it looks like what it is. Drunken ramblings.

I don't remember who said it, or what writer they were referring to, but I came across a critique once that said they could tell when the author had imbibed a bit too much. The beautiful prose faltered, the plot wavered like–well, like a drunk trying to pass a sobriety test. Not pretty.

Some writers get away with it. But then again, some writers get away with a lot of things. And people read their writing and praise it.

Good for them. Personally, I take pride in my work. I will not taint my babies with substandard writing. Sober or not.

But to get back to the initial aim of this post, I've realized one very important fact. A couple more doesn't make the words flow easier. If I don't know where I'm going, the muse will laugh at me if I try to seduce her with liquor. I tried it after watching the game the other night (the habs–hockey–we lost). The beer was great for the game, but while trying to unravel a complicated plot…well, in my babies best interest, I logged of and used my spare time reading.

Just to give you a quick update, my second book is on hold for a little bit, but should be coming soon. I think most of you will like the story–it's gritty and naughty and full of all the rawest stuff I could dream up.

But I've got to admit. Rum got me through the torture scenes.

Severe editing had it making sense.