It may seem easy to write one or two books at the outset. Such achievements may be accidental or inspirational. First of all, why do people write books? Because they have something to say or share with the world. The writing journey is not only long; it is also arduous and requires endurance, consistency, and focus in pursuing the dream. Writing books is indeed a significant dream. Yet, it is not something that anyone can simply dream about and live. We don’t know when this dream is born. To enter the realm of writing books, one must dream throughout their life.
The dream can begin at any point in our lives. We may start dreaming in childhood, during adolescence, or in our youth. Arthur Rimbaud could not have written his best poetry by the age of nineteen had he not been dreaming during his childhood. Joseph Conrad could not have written his first novel at the age of forty in a language different from his native one had he not spent half of his life dreaming.
Many writers produce one book after dreaming all their lives. Others dream for a shorter time and prove to be prolific. Some writers devote their entire lives to writing or die while completing their last book. That is love at its best. Dying while doing something we love is also the greatest sacrifice. Writing is a calling as mysterious as life and writing itself. All writing is therefore born of life. It is impossible to write anything separate from or outside of life. Art reflects reality as it is lived.
It does not matter whether we are engaged in creative or non-creative writing; the question remains: where do we find the inspiration to write? Some writers claim that the idea of writing a book comes “just like that” or naturally. Others tell us that they were “born writers” or that they began writing in childhood. While this may be true, it could also be a slight exaggeration. We know that the best writers are often good at exaggerating, and writing itself is the art of exaggeration. Art does not mimic life; instead, it provides us with an imaginatively exaggerated photocopy of life.
The question of inspiration remains one of the most hotly debated subjects in literary circles. What is inspiration? Where does it come from? “Inspiration is more than just a sudden burst of ideas. It is a state of mind where ideas and possibilities flow easily, and you feel unafraid to try something new. It is the ideal headspace that writers love to inhabit. However, getting into that headspace often requires time and effort.” According to this definition, inspiration for writing is an ideal state of mind shaped by both internal and external events in the writer’s life.
Some critics suggest essential elements of creative non-fiction writing, which they call the “Five Rs”: real life, reflection, research, reading, and writing. Various writers offer tips for finding inspiration to write. Listening to music is sometimes considered a method to trigger the will to write. Taking a walk is also found helpful among other writers, who say that a change of scenery can provide the impetus to start a new writing project or boost their creativity. Engaging in art and media, observing the world around them, or drawings from experience are also believed to be effective triggers for writing.
The trouble is that writers cannot rely solely on inspiration to write their books. Inspiration is essential, but it is not the only requirement. There is also what they call hard work. Some writers may possess the genius to create the best works; however, if they do not put their talents into practice or fail to translate their abilities into reality, they remain mere potentials or unrealized dreams. Another important factor that writers often cite as indispensable for a successful writing career is the ability to work hard every day.
According to some opinions, writing is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Writers may not be born with the capacity to sit at their desks for twelve or even eight hours a day. Yet, the most successful writers are workhorses who can spend seventeen hours a day at their desks writing. Average writers may only manage three to four hours of writing, not because they lack the desire to work longer, but because they cannot bear the pressure or stress beyond that. Perhaps that explains why many successful writers are also heavy drinkers. Drinking is popularly believed to be a means of recreation, providing a break from the mental pressure of writing every day.
Many famous writers have been associated with drinking, with some even known for specific beverages or for experiencing the effects of alcohol on their writing. While the idea of “writing drunk, editing sober” is a popular notion, there is no strong evidence that alcohol enhances writing. Instead, writers often drink for various reasons, sometimes as a way to cope with the pressures of their profession or to fuel their creativity.
The relationship between writing and drinking may be a myth or a reality. However, numerous journalists and authors have been known to indulge in drinking, either for pleasure or to alleviate the pressures of their profession. Many have lost their lives due to excessive drinking and smoking, while others drink simply for enjoyment. For journalists, drinking was often seen as a moment to socialize, relax, and engage in discussions about the day’s events and gossip about politics and society.
Alcohol may fuel creativity for some writers and lead to addiction for others. It may inspire some while confusing others. There is no consensus on this issue. The relationship between drinking and writing lacks scientific backing, and the evidence is therefore inconclusive. It may ignite inspiration in some writers and trigger revulsion or mental fog in others. However, the negative consequences of excessive drinking or addiction are evident. Like non-writers, writers are also vulnerable to the excesses of alcohol.
“The relationship between writers and alcohol is complex and multifaceted. While some writers may find inspiration or a creative spark through drinking, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential dangers of alcohol and the importance of responsible drinking habits.”
Whether a writer drinks or not, they cannot escape the dilemma inherent in their creativity: the dilemma of inspiration versus hard work. When examining this dilemma from the perspective of drinking, we may conclude that alcohol can serve as fuel for the writer, although it may also make their writing sloppy and difficult to understand. Some suggest that drinking can help writers think outside the box and try new techniques, even though the quality of their writing primarily results from hard work over many years. Writing, whether books or articles for newspapers, obviously requires discipline, punctuality, and consistency.
One of the negative effects of alcohol is that it can make us careless or a victim of procrastination by convincing us that there will always be enough time to start or finish our work. In extreme cases, alcohol has cut short the careers of many promising writers and journalists who indulged in this vice for years. The safest bet for both journalists and writers would be to abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation.
The best drink for writers is believed to be water, followed by coffee and tea. Many younger writers may scoff at this suggestion. When we are young, we often believe we are immortal, but that is self-deception. What may be immortal is the work we do while we live longer, and one of the best ways to live longer is to avoid excessive drinking. We cannot serve two masters at the same time; we cannot love both our profession and our vice equally.
BY MULUGETA GUDETA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 2 JULY 2025
