I put this in inspiration and ideas because as way to increase my writing output (and lose a few pounds, save a few quid) I've decided to cut out the booze. Not easy when you consider that I can't remember the last time I had a night without a drink.

To help me along, I'm keeping a journal of my progress by way of a blog.

Here's the address if anyone's interested: http://colinmulhern1.blogspot.com/

Now that I've gone public, I'm going to have to see it through.

yikes.

Colin M

That's brilliant Colin and a fantastic idea for a blog.

But I find that the words flow so much easier after a large G & T or two. It sort of makes the inner editor too pissed to speak up and I can do a lot better without her.

This past week though we have been remodelling the house - kind of like 60 second makeover - for a party we're having on Saturday and I haven't been drinking. I can't believe how much better I feel in the morning without a mouth like a badgers arse and a thumping head. It may be time to knock the during the week boozing on the head and stick to weekends.

I shall be very interested as to how you get on - my husband has to go to bed at 8:30pm if there are no beers in the house because he thinks there's no point in staying up!

Really best of luck with it


Eve.

P.S.
You do have a typo -

Waking up in the middle of the desperate

Colin,

I used to be a raging pisshead. I'm now teetotal. I'm arguably less fun than I used to be cos I don't do outrageous things that amuse everyone else (but embarrass me), but I love being a non-drinker. I feel really good for it.

Good luck. Don't be surprised if you find yourself addicted to your new healthy life! I am. I haven't had a drink for six months. It's all part of my plan to live forever.

Hi

Best of luck with this Colin. I've had a somewhat sozzled week. My three housemates all had birthdays within a week of each other, culminating in a big party tomorrow. Today, I'm hiding. I need some recovery!

Funnily enough, I can't write a damn thing when I'm drinking - at least, nothing that's any cop. I can manage on a hangover, though it tends to be pretty sloppy, so I much prefer a clear head.

So now you know.

JB

<Added>

Stephen King claims he wrote his second, third and fourth novel completely under the influence of cocaine, and doesn't recall the experience. Considering these books made him richer than God, that's something not to be sniffed at. Figuratively speaking.

Good luck Colin.

I'm teetotal (these days), but I do have my chocolate binges, which provoke several days of migraine followed by a week of floating on air (from the endorphines).
I know I shouldn't but it's cheaper than class A drugs. A bit like having the withdrawel symptoms first and then the high.

Thanks all, and thanks for pointing out the typo Eve. I laughed outloud at your hubby going to bed at 8:30.

JB - yeah, I heard that Stephen King story. Wasn't Cuju one of then. And the Tommy Knockers, when he was trying to kick the booze, was just shit.

Colin, I'm in awe of anyone who can do this. I know I drink far too much, but I also know that if I have a few days off, I feel so much better. So I'm psyching myself up to go teetotal… could be a slow process!

Go for it, and best wishes.

Dee

Colin, I typed a huge response on your blog but coudn't be bothered to set up a google account!.. Just to say that Tesco Tonic with lime is good. I gave up my bottle of white most nights for a month and didn't miss it. Back to normal now with a smug satisfaction that I can do it if I want!!

joanie

Joanie, I'm really sorry about that. The comments are set so that anyone can comment. I didn't realise you have to have a google account. I wonder if I should shift it to Myspace.

There the ones Colin - and The Dead Zone, where the main character Jonny keeps asking his girlfriend 'still sniffing that wicked cocaine?' about ten-fifteen times through the novel. Very telling. Good story though.

Thought Tommyknockers started well, then it just got silly.

JB

<Added>

*They're. Not been up long.

Colin and Joanie, you don’t need an account to leave a comment. I don’t have one, and I've just posted a comment on there.

Where it says ‘choose an identity’, click on ‘other’. You have to copy the funny letters above it, and you’re away.

Dee