Writers love to cite Ernest Hemingway’s famous advice, “write drunk, edit sober.” Trouble is, Hemingway never actually said that.
Of course, many people already knew the quote was apocryphal—there’s no source attributing the quote to him at all.
But as we learned today, it wasn’t just that Hemingway didn’t speak those precise words—he actually advised sobriety in the writing process.
Writer’s Digest Books editor Amy Jones was hunting through our archives today and ran into a 1964 article about Hemingway, based on an interview conducted by Edward Stafford before Hemingway’s death in 1961. Check out this passage:
My wife needled him. “Is it true,” she asked, “that you take a pitcher of martinis up into the tower every morning when you go up to write?”
“Jeezus Christ!” Papa was incredulous. “Have you ever heard of anyone who drank while he worked? You’re thinking of Faulkner. He does sometimes—and I can tell right in the middle of a page when he’s had his first one. Besides,” he added, “who in hell would mix more than one martini at a time, anyway?”
Having been guilty of that heresy any number of times, but recognizng his mastery in this field also, I let the question remain rhetorical.
I guess the idea of writing when you’re inebriated is that ideas seem to come more fluidly when you’re not as hard (self-critical) on yourself. The only problem is what you thought was a great idea, upon sober reflection, may not be so. That and ruining your health.
sbenton7684 3 months ago
Another coffee meme in today’s cartoon strips…
sandpiper 3 months ago
Experience becomes one’s ‘comfort zone.’ Especially as the years add up. Nothing wrong with doing what works.
Doug K 3 months ago
If you’re set in your ways, you don’t have to think.
Bilan 3 months ago
She only drinks after she had to deal with Caulfield.
Rhetorical_Question 3 months ago
One step of ahead of Caulfield?
BJDucer 3 months ago
A bit bold for Caulfield to assume/accuse any of his teachers of being drunk while working.
The Orange Mailman 3 months ago
I just read this article
Writers love to cite Ernest Hemingway’s famous advice, “write drunk, edit sober.” Trouble is, Hemingway never actually said that.
Of course, many people already knew the quote was apocryphal—there’s no source attributing the quote to him at all.
But as we learned today, it wasn’t just that Hemingway didn’t speak those precise words—he actually advised sobriety in the writing process.
Writer’s Digest Books editor Amy Jones was hunting through our archives today and ran into a 1964 article about Hemingway, based on an interview conducted by Edward Stafford before Hemingway’s death in 1961. Check out this passage:
My wife needled him. “Is it true,” she asked, “that you take a pitcher of martinis up into the tower every morning when you go up to write?”
“Jeezus Christ!” Papa was incredulous. “Have you ever heard of anyone who drank while he worked? You’re thinking of Faulkner. He does sometimes—and I can tell right in the middle of a page when he’s had his first one. Besides,” he added, “who in hell would mix more than one martini at a time, anyway?”
Having been guilty of that heresy any number of times, but recognizng his mastery in this field also, I let the question remain rhetorical.
Ignatz Premium Member 3 months ago
Oh my God, I’ve become Mrs. Olsen.
Ignatz Premium Member 3 months ago
Heningway was wrong. It should have been "Write stoned.
Jhony-Yermo 3 months ago
Maybe that is why Heminway shot himself?
Kroykali 3 months ago
It must be challenging for Jef M. to keep bringing these characters together through the summer. Just sayin’.
oish 3 months ago
Booze GLORIOUS Booze!
What’s drinking without it?
(From Olive or Twist)
Mike Baldwin creator 3 months ago
I guess the idea of writing when you’re inebriated is that ideas seem to come more fluidly when you’re not as hard (self-critical) on yourself. The only problem is what you thought was a great idea, upon sober reflection, may not be so. That and ruining your health.
LJZ Premium Member 3 months ago
“I drink to make other people more interesting.”― Hemingway, Ernest
dogday Premium Member 3 months ago
And, on another note, “set in your ways” is the OLD thinking on your feet as well.
soaringblocks 3 months ago
Coffee. Definitely coffee.