I think "the muse" is good old fashioned imagination--nothing more, nothing less. And imaginations can create great stories all by themselves, or be inspired by some form of external stimulation. A talk show topic, news story, conversation, painting or photograph can easily get those creative juices flowing. And just asking the question "what if?" in any situation can open the door to a fascinating narrative.
Not only do I think of imagination as "the muse," I see it as "the safest muse." Finding this elusive creature in a bottle or a pill (or a combination of the two) can lead to devastating circumstances.
Unfortunately, many of the greatest American writers were alcoholics. Several died young from complications due to their addictions, while others committed suicide, or attempted it, often more than once.
Did their addictions enhance their artistic abilities, or was alcohol just used as way to self-medicate from the other problems in their lives?
Here's Listverse.com's Top 15 Alcoholic Writers:
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| Jack Keroac |
14. Raymond Chandler
13. John Cheever
12. O. Henry
11. Tennessee Williams
10. Dylan Thomas
9. Dorothy Parker
8. Edgar Allan Poe
7. Truman Capote
6. Jack Keroac
5. William Faulkner
4. Charles Bukowski
3. F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. James Joyce
1. Ernest Hemingway
I don't know about you, but based on the lives of some of the aforementioned writers, I think playing it safe with "the muse" can lead to a longer, healthier, happier life!
What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
4 comments:
There are psychiatric studies that claim there's a higher incidence of bipolar disorder (manic-depression)among writers than in the rest of the population. I don't think it's the reason for creativity. I suspect it's an occupational hazard.
I have to agree with Norma. Some names on that list I knew quite well that they were drinkers, or users of other intoxicants. The others? Well, it's hardly surprising.
Anything more than a beer or hard cider with dinner usually puts me to sleep! So no alcohol for me if I want to get any writing done. I don't see how those guys did it!
I just don't drink. I'm such a bore. But I so eat chocolate and plenty of it!
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