Does smoking affect creativity? Can you be a great writer and a non-smoker?

Question

I have always written with a cigarette in one hand. Since quitting, I've found that everything in my life has improved, except that I seem to be unable to put pen to paper. Every time I even think about writing, the craving for nicotine is almost overwhelming. Any suggestions, advice or inspiration gratefully received (please no lectures about the evils of smoking, thank you)

Answer 1

I understand exactly what you are going through. I gave up smoking a while back and I like to paint(watercolour) and I always did this with my brush in one hand and a cigarette in the other. What I did was to buy a plastic cigarette from the local joke shop and used that instead of a real one. And if by habit I put it to my mouth to take a puff, it wouldn't matter because it was plastic. Good luck though because it is a hard habit to break, even after the nicotine craving has gone.
Keep trying though and well done for getting this far. xx

Answer 2

I'll be honest. I am a smoker. A very courteous smoker but a smoker non the less. I smoke about a pack of cigarettes a week. Usually do to anxiety, stress or too many drinks. I do not smoke indoors, I do not sit in the smoking section at restaurants and I do not smoke around non smokers. I can NOT stand the smell of smoke on my hands, hair, clothes or on other people. And No I don't think I would EVER date a smoker. My husband might have been my exception (had he been a smoker :) I agree that it is disgusting. So I admit...........I'm disgusting :)

Answer 3

I'm a smoker, so no lectures ok? I can only think that the problem is one of habit. When you are writing you have long spells of having to wait for inspiration and smoking is a way of doing something rather than nothing. So how do you solve that. Youre making me think now, what would I do? It's time to dabble. How about trying with the tv or radio on in the background or chewing gum ( favourite of mine ) along with nicotine patches to reduce the cravings. You still need something to fiddle with, so chew on a lead free pencil or pen or doodle. I guess in time you will become a faster writer without the dependancy of fags ie no running out of them, dirty ashtrays in the way etc.

Answer 4

I guess it is what you think a smoke does for you. A smoke is a stimulant so I suppose that it might be able to help motivate you.

Now personally I think you should be able to write without having a smoke hanging out of your mouth, you just need to realise that the smoke is not the one that is doing the writing it is you and what you have inside that enables you to write.

I don't know how good you are at writing but I am sure that you can do better without having to smoke and it is just a matter of you being confident enough to do it, look I don't even know you but I believe you can do it and once you do you will feel much better within yourself for it.

Answer 5

I think that quitting will ultimately make you more creative. Try a substitute activity for smoking...ie, eat popcorn....when writing. Do you write on pen and paper still? I do all my writing on the computer, and I'd have a hard time typing with a cig in my hand. Good luck. I personally don't think quitting smoking and the writers block are related...the timing is just coincidental.

Answer 6

All creative people have something that affects their creativity! Smoking is certainly not a universal requirement for creativity. For some, they might need certain music, or lighting, or a location, or a special kind of notebook--if it's a cigarette for you, I guess that's just how it is. Though it might be more a result of addiction and may pass eventually.

Answer 7

I believe that Shakespeare did not smoke!! Nuff said!
As for why you can't "put pen to paper" since quitting, Well, you've conditioned yourself by always having a cigarette in your hand when writing, so now it doesn't feel normal to write without one. Try for a while to record your "writing" to tape. When you've done this for a while, try writing again. I think it will take the edge off it and make it easier to go on writing. (Or maybe you could use your computer keyboard and type your ideas out) It's just a habit to replace with another habit. (Don't take up eating though, or you may end up in worse trouble!)

Answer 8

There have been many great artists who were very heavy smokers, and a lot of them smoked when working. I remember in HS, we watched a movie about a lot of older artists working, and their habits and techniques. At least four of them had a pipe, or ciggarette in their hands while working.
Maybe you're just used to having a ciggarette in your hand while writing. Maybe you could try something else, like chewing a piece of gum.

Answer 9

Well! This fact differs from person 2 person. Some r really affected while some find smoking a medicine that can give them more ideas..............but is smoking a medicine for present or a poison 4 future!!!

Answer 10

Just an excuse. You are letting the craving get in the way. Once you get over that probably will get back to normal. AT least since you stopped smoking you'll be able to write longer because hopefully you will be able to live longer now.