Insight into Writing from Hunter S. Thompson’s Widow

Thompson in May 1989. Photography by Rs79 courtesy of Wiki

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation recently announced that it is conducting a case review of the suicide of Hunter S. Thompson at the request of his widow, Anita. In 2005, the legendary Gonzo journalist died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound while on the phone with her.

A few years later, I went to see Anita speak on behalf of the book she co-wrote with Douglas Brinkley, The Gonzo Way: A Celebration of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. She said that she wrote the book to pay tribute and to “make it clear to young men that doing a lot of cocaine and drinking a bunch of Wild Turkey is not going to suddenly make you write like Hunter Thompson.”

To be clear, that was not a revelation for me. But it did make me think about how so many of us consider trying to jumpstart that novel, essay, or memoir by doing something out of character, thinking it will bring a renewed vigor to our writing. For me, a move like this (not cocaine and whiskey) may bring insight, but it did not suddenly lead to a creative burst. Those really only come through writing every day.

By no means am I advocating against challenging yourself. Learn that new instrument. Try that tricky recipe. Visit that place you have always wanted to see. Just know that the only cure for any writer’s block you may be experiencing is to keep writing.

If you enjoyed this piece, you might also like my earlier blog on Understanding Both sides for your writing.

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