Writing

Sex, Drugs, and Writing

The most common stereotype of an artist, writer, or other professional creative person is mainly related to some form of substance abuse.  The poets, writers, and journalists of the generation that came before me were likely the prime example of such, at least the few famous poets and writers I’ve met personally, frequently smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol on a regular basis.

Most of today’s most prolific writers rely on stimulants to get the creativity going; I prefer large amounts of dark roast coffee and chocolate.  I never saw any interest or necessity for alcohol or illegal drugs like a few other very famous writers that come to mind.

By the way, Gold Dust woman by Stevie Nicks was written about cocaine, and so was Master Of puppets by Metallica.  Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin wasn’t written about anything.

24 Comments

  • AMAN

    Yeah, the three things are petty common in today’s fictional stories. The writers try to put extra taste into their work through these stuffs.

  • Wilson Jake

    Well said, some people even the musicians always stay high to get inspiration. I don’t think is the drug that gives them the right words, they already got the words but they didn’t know .

  • Danielle M

    I prefer when artist don’t use drugs or substances to stimulate creativity, going in that direction eventually may turn their lives into a dark nightmare

  • Maury Cheskes

    It’s true that drugs and alcohol do get associated with many artists. Even in these cases however, most prolific writers or musicians relied more on hard work and commitment to reach heights of fame and the vices followed afterwards. The Beatles became big way before they did drugs and Kurt Cobain only became a heroin addict after his music went off the charts.

  • maria

    Same here I don’t take any alcoholic drinks to enhance or improve my writings. I just think deep to come up with my thoughts.

  • Rae

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I agree that these stereotypes are usually associated with artist/writers alike and I have to disagree with the people stereotyping people. Not all artistic or writers do that.

  • Glad

    I wonder why some writers and artist make use of drugs to have the inspiration to write. Taking coffee is not a bad idea at least that keeps one awake and alert. It is better to be clean so one won’t get ruined by drugs.

  • Alex

    I am fine with it as long as something comes off it. WE already have plenty of these in media. Stay and be positive at least. SEX sells but for how long.?

  • Prince

    That’s what most people do man, just the three things, sex, drugs and writing either novel or songs. And believe me this kind of life is killing them faster.

  • gaurav

    These are really the topics over which nice frictional stories are written and they become the best seller also.

  • Roy

    I guess some creative minds work better under the influence of drugs. This is a very interesting observation.

  • Shantel

    Sometimes writers experience writer’s block. I guess that’s when they usually need some ‘inspiration.’

  • Anderson

    I agree with you on this. Most creative minds I know usually use some form of drug although that has been changing in recent times.

  • Storm

    What matters the most is the end result. I don’t mind if the writer uses drugs as long as they produce quality work.

  • esgyll

    Yes, it is a stereotype regarding a lot of people involved in the creative arts. I do understand why they would want to do it, for the sake of getting inspiration. Setting one’s mind free is the best high one could ever get to create the most wonderful of works.

  • Wv2s

    It is true what this text says, there is no artist who has no relationship with some type of drug, there are few people in the artistic environment who stay out of these vices, I really congratulate those who do not allow themselves to be contaminated and it saddens me a lot for which yes.

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