Get High to Write Without Illegal Drugs

Photo Credit - http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

I write some of my most difficult scenes by getting high. I do not need marijuana, opium, meth—whatever the names are. I play a song. The song must do three things: (1) reflect the emotion I want; (2) stimulate the emotion I want; and (3) dig into the core of my being.

When I want to write sad, happy or crying scenes in a project I care about, I receive emotional triggers from songs. I do this for poetry and other forms of writing, too. I even do it to build courage. Last Sunday, for example, I told my partner I wanted to take my one-woman play across the country, starting with a performance in my home and have my neighbors as my audience. The problem was, my partner had never heard or seen me perform a play on stage. He had doubts. I had to show him my acting prowess.

I selected a song I knew would trigger the emotion I wanted. The music played. I sang and swayed while the song’s hallucinogenic effect penetrated me. After, I ambled on the imaginary stage in my living room. I performed my monologue as my partner watched with eyes fixed on me. At the end of my performance, I said, "I know you didn't know, but in high school, I received an A in drama."

The song spurred courage and confidence. While some people have used other methods (meditation, emulation, drugs), this is one of my methods. (I hope the songs I listen to were not inspired by drug users). Tap into your emotions. Test this drug-free method. See if it works for you. You won't look silly if you are alone. What are your triggers?

Good News

I won Dianne K. Salerni's The Inquisitor's Mark (the Eight Day). Click here. A friend had mentioned Dianne's book, The Eight Day. I haven't read it yet, but from the advance she received and the reviews on Amazon, it must be an excellent read. I can't wait to read both books. 

(I'm trying to keep all my posts under 300 words).