Write Drunk, Edit Sober

Lighthouse in Egmond aan Zee, the Hague.

I’ve loved that quote since the first time I heard it. “Write drunk, edit sober.” I, along with almost everyone else, have misattributed it to Ernest Hemingway. I am saddened to learn Hemingway did not say that, and although he was known for his drinking, it is said he never wrote drunk.

The quote came to mind lately as I’ve been in a writing funk, or as most would say I have writer’s block. In sports it’s the ‘yips’.

I released my tenth book earlier this year, the second in the planned Ace Adler middle grade fiction trilogy. At that point I thought I’d have the final book written and ready to release by this Christmas. That is not going to happen. While I have many notes for it, a basic outline, and the plot mostly developed in my head, the writing is just not flowing.

In trying to break the funk I have started other writing projects, revisited books I started years ago and put aside for various reasons, as well has have totally turned my attention away from writing and over to photography. This last thing was easy to do with two great trips to Block Island and The Netherlands allowing me to stretch my visually creative side.

But it still means I’m not writing. And that sucks.

I love writing. I really do. I love the act of creating and putting something out into the world to be proud of, whether books or photography.

I don’t make money at either. Not much, at least. I’ve been point blank asked by friends how much I make off my books and I’m usually coy about it, not wanting to divulge my deep dark secret that I don’t make near enough to rationalize the time and effort spent on writing, designing, and producing the books. I believe last month I made $39 in total on all ten books combined. So, maybe two trips to Potbelly for lunch.

Often I feel it is the financial aspect (or lack thereof) of writing that causes my funk/slump/block. With a full time job and an active son to get to his soccer practices and games sometimes I feel guilty for squeezing out an hour here or there to write.

But I digress.

I love a good red wine and margaritas and my favorite cocktail the Brazilian caipiroska (a vodka variation of the caipirinha), I just don’t drink much anymore unless I’m on vacation, because we all know that vacation calories don’t count. Even still, I’m not sure if I’ve ever written drunk. I’m kind of nervous about what I’d write.

In an attempt to break my block, I’m pivoting once again to a book I’ve been writing for eight years. I talk about it often on my podcast I do with my dear friend Laura Buchwald, People Who Do Things, and my fears of messing it up because I love the story and characters I’ve created so much. I never know when a breakthrough on a particular story will come through and drive me through to the end, but I certainly hope that one comes soon. I need the writing. I need the outlet, the creativity. It makes me feel better. And with everything going on today, I can certainly use something to help me feel better.