Thank you for exploring this! I got an MFA in creative writing between 2010-2013 and I thought hard drinking was part of the package.
It’s funny you mention Hemingway (who killed himself) and Kerouac and Fitzgerald- I had such a romanticized idea of those men, who drank themselves to death.
And as you say, the true key for so much of my writing was to get honest and clear-eyed, and that meant putting down the bottle. And then the floodgates opened.
So many writers I deeply admire are actually in recovery.
Thank you Kristen! Yes it's so interesting how our culture romanticises people who were great artists but were also in great pain. What could they have created if they hadn't been drinking? And if there lives had been so much longer?
What a banger of a read, and thanks so much for the hat tip! Wonderful that you included your own experience and process throughout ... also got me thinking about how many sensitive creative souls we haven't heard from because it's hard to speak clearly from inside a bottle, even if it is quieter and less scary in there.
Yes Skye you're so right. How many incredible voices are quietened or silenced, and how many incredible lights in the world are lost far too soon... Thank you for your kind words on this piece.
Omg I love this so much and how you incorporate Christopher’s artwork too. Shame is a powerful emotion to be with. It’s why we turn away so quickly from it.
Thank you Josh! Absolutely, shame is perhaps the hardest emotion to be with. And yes it's been wonderful to collaborate with Christopher, another person who found their creativity was truly unleashed when he got sober.
Both my parents were budding writers when in college, my mother in journalism, my father a poet.
Life got in the way and they drank heavily as alcoholics. My father died at 50. My mother wrote for a jazz newsletter, but was not committed.
I grew up with panic disorder and began self-medicating with wine, which, indeed, made my condition worse.
I sought help through therapy and eventually started a lose dose medication to control the panic attacks. I've been sober for eight years. (I did publish 3 books for kids while drinking, including my bestseller, 1, 2, 3 By the Sea which has sold over 115,000 copies to date). Still, the best outcome has been my increased self-worth and self-expression in social situations. I now feel free to be the real me. Thanks for your beautiful thoughts. Never give up your passion. I won't.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Dianne. How wonderful that you feel free to be the real you now you're sober. I feel the same. Yes to passion!
Such an interesting question, and reflection! Personally, my writing and career took off when I got sober four years ago. Recovery has taught me how to do hard things, move through the discomfort, keep going when it doesn't go according to plan. It's the secret ingredient to my creativity and success.
Thank you for this. Yes, I'm a songwriter and this deeply resonated with me. I noted your podcast session with Julie and found you through that. Just wondering why you're not posting much here, looks like the last one is at least ten months old!
PS I supported your work so it would be great if you could also support this new writer and perhaps restack some of my authentic writing, if it resonates…
Thank you for exploring this! I got an MFA in creative writing between 2010-2013 and I thought hard drinking was part of the package.
It’s funny you mention Hemingway (who killed himself) and Kerouac and Fitzgerald- I had such a romanticized idea of those men, who drank themselves to death.
And as you say, the true key for so much of my writing was to get honest and clear-eyed, and that meant putting down the bottle. And then the floodgates opened.
So many writers I deeply admire are actually in recovery.
Great read, thank you 🙏
Thank you Kristen! Yes it's so interesting how our culture romanticises people who were great artists but were also in great pain. What could they have created if they hadn't been drinking? And if there lives had been so much longer?
I highly recommend Raymond carver — he did most of his writing while in recovery, about alcoholics (in the 80s). Short stories. They’re so good!
Yes, I, too, greatly admired those writers.
What a banger of a read, and thanks so much for the hat tip! Wonderful that you included your own experience and process throughout ... also got me thinking about how many sensitive creative souls we haven't heard from because it's hard to speak clearly from inside a bottle, even if it is quieter and less scary in there.
Yes Skye you're so right. How many incredible voices are quietened or silenced, and how many incredible lights in the world are lost far too soon... Thank you for your kind words on this piece.
Omg I love this so much and how you incorporate Christopher’s artwork too. Shame is a powerful emotion to be with. It’s why we turn away so quickly from it.
Thank you Josh! Absolutely, shame is perhaps the hardest emotion to be with. And yes it's been wonderful to collaborate with Christopher, another person who found their creativity was truly unleashed when he got sober.
Such an amazing post Ellie - thankyou for sharing!
Ah thanks Paul! Glad you enjoyed it
Loved this. Thanks for including my essay!
You’re welcome Lane, I loved reading your words.
Both my parents were budding writers when in college, my mother in journalism, my father a poet.
Life got in the way and they drank heavily as alcoholics. My father died at 50. My mother wrote for a jazz newsletter, but was not committed.
I grew up with panic disorder and began self-medicating with wine, which, indeed, made my condition worse.
I sought help through therapy and eventually started a lose dose medication to control the panic attacks. I've been sober for eight years. (I did publish 3 books for kids while drinking, including my bestseller, 1, 2, 3 By the Sea which has sold over 115,000 copies to date). Still, the best outcome has been my increased self-worth and self-expression in social situations. I now feel free to be the real me. Thanks for your beautiful thoughts. Never give up your passion. I won't.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Dianne. How wonderful that you feel free to be the real you now you're sober. I feel the same. Yes to passion!
Such an interesting question, and reflection! Personally, my writing and career took off when I got sober four years ago. Recovery has taught me how to do hard things, move through the discomfort, keep going when it doesn't go according to plan. It's the secret ingredient to my creativity and success.
Ah I couldn't agree more Olivia!
Thank you for this. Yes, I'm a songwriter and this deeply resonated with me. I noted your podcast session with Julie and found you through that. Just wondering why you're not posting much here, looks like the last one is at least ten months old!
PS I supported your work so it would be great if you could also support this new writer and perhaps restack some of my authentic writing, if it resonates…
Maybe we can then link up?
(my substack is also free)