Mainlining Chocolate Fudge at the Writer’s Immunization Clinic

Modern medicine for writers

Recently the ever-inspirational Charlotte Rains Dixon (@Wordstrumpet) wrote a very helpful
post on her blog called How Do You Beat the Writer’s Blues? Well worth bookmarking for
those moments when you’re floundering and your brain ab-so-lute-ly refuses to remember any
strategies that ever worked for you in the past.

In the comments section, I was replying to Charlotte’s questions (“What do you do when the
writer’s blues hit? How do you pull yourself out of them?”) when suddenly I found myself ad-
libbing about hot fudge sundaes.

Now, I’ve never used a hot fudge sundae as medication for the writer’s blues. It doesn’t sound
like such a bad idea, actually. But I had something way more evolved in mind.

That’s right. Immunizing myself against my next bout of writer’s blues.

Today I drove to a wonderful place a few miles from my house called J.R. Grinder & Malts. This
50’s-style ice cream joint makes their sundaes, shakes and old-fashioned malts using home-
made ice cream from Katie’s Korner. Yum.

They also serve grinders made with various delicious-sounding ingredients. Having spent my
formative years in Australia, I have no idea what a grinder is. But it comes with their signature
spread and the promise of being toasted to perfection. I’ll be going back to try one.

But I digress. My mission was a serious one: immunization. I promptly ordered the hot fudge sundae and was amazed that the girl asked whether I wanted that with everything (whipped

Do you think I liked it?

cream, nuts and a cherry). Is there any other way to have it?

So . . . everything tasted yummalicious. I went from feeling overworked to relaxed, happy and
smiling a lot. I loved the nostalgic music and 50’s-style decor. The people were friendly. I was
out of the office on a Thursday afternoon. Righteous stuff.

Will this avert my next creeping outbreak of writer’s blues? Who can prove that it won’t?

I like this kinda therapy.


Do you have an immunization clinic for writers in your local area? What kind of “shots” do they administer there?

6 Responses to Mainlining Chocolate Fudge at the Writer’s Immunization Clinic
  1. Valeka
    Twitter: runningonheavy
    September 14, 2012 | 9:26 AM

    What a fun post, Milli!! I usually run out for a cup of my favorite Persian tea when I’m chasing away the writer’s blues but your hot fudge sundae is giving me new inspiration!

    It looks like you had a great time doing your research for this blog! All research should be this yummy!

  2. Teresa Davis
    Twitter: iluvmnts4x4
    September 14, 2012 | 11:59 AM

    Milli,
    Actually I don’t have a place I’ve gone to as of yet, but now that you mentioned such a yummy idea, I will be looking for my new place now..lol.

    Thanks for all the inspiration you’ve given me πŸ™‚

  3. Annie Neugebauer
    Twitter: AnnieNeugebauer
    September 14, 2012 | 1:09 PM

    This is a hoot, Milli. I give myself a daily “dose” of Dr. Pepper, but I guess that doesn’t count since it’s become routine instead of special. I like the idea of a sort of preemptive strike. Maybe the next time I’m fearfully expecting a rejection I’ll just cheer myself up with cookies while I’m waiting. =)

  4. Julia Munroe Martin
    Twitter: wordsxo
    September 14, 2012 | 2:21 PM

    I didn’t have an immunization clinic until now — clearly from this day forward it will be my local ice cream parlor — the sooner the better!

  5. Melissa Crytzer Fry
    September 19, 2012 | 1:10 PM

    Oh MY… You had me at hot fudge sundae – my favorite ice cream concoction in all the world (next to DQ’s Oreo Brownie Earthquake Sundae, of course). And Katie’s Corner … and all this talk of grinders (when I lived a skip and jump away from you in Alliance, my favorite restaurant was called Grinders & Such. I think they still exist). Yum-o-licious.

    And yes, this is MY kind of therapy! Have you been back to beat the blues?

  6. Estrella Azul
    September 20, 2012 | 5:46 AM

    How fun to read! The sundae looks delicious, too.
    Funny to read, but I’ve been writing blog posts for later publishing and been craving chocolate all the while πŸ™‚ I think a Sugar rush is perfect for getting back into the hang of things and finishing what you started.

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