I Vomit Ice Cubes

i think this is fun and interesting

Over the summer someone at Poets and Writers asked me to submit to their Writers Recommend online feature.

Dear Shane,

I’m writing to invite you to contribute to Poets & Writers Magazine’s online feature Writers Recommend, in which authors who have been featured in our pages share art, music, writing prompts, films—anything and everything—that has inspired them in their writing. It’s a place our readers turn to for ideas that will help feed their creative process.

We also see it as a way for our readers to engage with the authors whose work they read and admire. And we hope you see it as an opportunity to connect with readers of your book.

I’d be thrilled if you would send us a suggestion (fifty to a hundred words) for something specific (the more specific the better) that has inspired you in your writing—a song or album you listen to; a painting or play worthy of experiencing; a favorite exercise, routine, or activity you rely on to stay productive; or anything you think other writers should investigate.

Here’s what I submitted:

“While writing my new novel I pushed myself into a stressed and rushed mental state by drinking tons of water and not peeing for hours while I wrote. My mind had to reach a certain peaceful and meditative state to overcome the physical need to urinate, which over the course of a typical writing session, became painful. The effect produced a novel that is lightning fast, organic, and has a very raw feeling. At least I hope so.”

What followed was a few emails asking if what I did was real (yes) and a bit of banter. But, the words would be up in a few weeks and I was excited to submit “something different.”

Earlier this month I received the following email from Poets and Writers:

“I’ve been sitting on this one for a while now because (a) I wanted to think about it some more and (b) deadlines kept getting in the way of my responding. While I get what you’re saying here, I think the recommendation you’re making needs to be more direct to stay true to the feature as it’s been set up. Your process (particularly because it’s odd and physically harmful) needs to be brought into a more universal light in which the general reader can see it for what it is.

You’re welcome to take another stab at it, though I understand if you decide to pass.”

My response:

“I completely understand. I was spontaneous and honest, but perhaps didn’t really respond in an appropriate manner given the guidelines. If it’s okay with you, below is another shot:

Listen to rap music. There’s a certain level of surprise, bright color, loudness, and just plain fun in artists like DOOM (who I mostly listen to, and used to get me going on my last book) that can bleed into your writing in interesting and creative ways. If you really want to get into it, write the word DOLLAS on a pink piece of paper and stick it above your writing desk.”

Poets and Writers:

Hi Shane,

Yes, this is more in line with what we’re trying to do. Thanks. Can you add a sentence to explain what you mean by “If you really want to get into it, write the word DOLLAS on a pink piece of paper and stick it above your writing desk.” Something like I did this when I was writing X and it did this for me.…

My response:

Revised:

Listen to rap music. There’s a certain level of surprise, bright color, loudness, and just plain fun in artists like DOOM (who I mostly listen to, and used to get me going on my last book) that can bleed into your writing in interesting and creative ways. I also think rap culture can be inspiring. I have the word DOLLAS written on a pink piece of paper above my desk to remind me to keep working.

Poets and Writers:

Perfect. Thanks! I’ll let you know when it’s up on the site.

…

I’m not sure if they are really going to post about me talking about rap music. It hasn’t gone up yet. I was just messing around. Talking about inspiration should just be talking about messing around.