Now that marijuana is legal in a number of states and, I believe, destined to become legal in many more, I hereby foresee a new fiction genre arising in our writerly futures.
Stoner Fiction
To illustrate:
A creative use of marijuana for writers
Okay, I don’t really see a new dope genre coming, but I do know of a use for marijuana in writing. I hope you’ll comment on this notion: getting a little bit stoned can be helpful in reading through and polishing your work.
I’ve read that George Carlin, that amazing comedian and writer whose stoner predilections were well known, never smoked dope when he wrote his material. However, once that was done, he did smoke grass and go through it again.
I live in one of those states that has progressed to embrace grass as a part of life, Oregon, and I’ve done what George did. My experience has been that the use of a little marijuana creates a sense of distance, or separation, from the work, enough to enable a set of “fresh eyes” in my mind.
While within the influence, I have made notes and edits on a narrative. Upon reviewing them a day or so later when completely sober, most of the time I find that the changes improved the language and sense of the narrative. Writing became crisper, word choices more interesting and evocative of what needed to be evoked.
What about you? Do you have any experience with this? Share your experience in comments.
For what it’s worth.
Ray
© 2017 Ray Rhamey
My books. You can read sample chapters and learn more about the books here.
Writing Craft Mastering the Craft of Compelling Storytelling
Fantasy (satire) The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles
Mystery (coming of age) The Summer Boy
Science Fiction Hiding Magic
Science Fiction Gundown Free ebooks.