Bars have a perfectly inspiring mix: wacky characters, music, dark atmosphere and plenty of crazy dialogue. I've written a few pieces in saloons, and I constantly copy down funny things I overhear in bars.
While not everyone enjoys drinking, it's a worthwhile exercise for those who do. But don't take my word for it:
"I spent five years writing only in bars in New York City. From the West Village up to Columbus Circle and beyond, I had a long list of bars which provided a perfect balance of accompanying distraction and solitude. A quick look at the score of the game, or a 15-minute listen to Coltrane or Jay-Z, or even just a convenient walk outside, can be just what you need for mild writer's block. The key is to accept that distractions can help, and prepare accordingly."
Coincidentally, tonight is National Drunken Writing Night, a celebration of inebriated composition. If you drink, why not give it a shot? Send us a dispatch, and we'll publish the results...
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