Robert Munsch, the author of Alligator Baby, Zoom, Makeup Mess, and MANY more has struggled with addiction. I know throughout my childhood I treasured those books. But this creative writer has unveiled his secret for his creativity.
He was addicted to cocaine and alcohol, and has a few mental illnesses - OCD and bipolar disorder. He has been sober since 2010 and he said that his friends and family helped him through his problems.
How can someone of sound mind conjure up a story about a family going to the zoo and end up bringing home the wrong baby? Or how about the girl who buys all colours of makeup and ends up looking like a clown? He had some help with the creativity - cocaine - which led to his success.
Regardless, mental illness and addictions are serious problems, and I for one am happy to know that he has reached out for help.
He has some philosophical words for parents, he hopes "everyone will talk to their kids honestly, listen to them, and help them do their best with their own challenges." So even though he has had a difficult time in his life he can still use his experiences as an example of what NOT to do for his audience.
Truthfully it kind of broke my heart to hear that he struggled with these addictions.The books my mom used to read to me at bedtime have been tainted with this unforgettable story. From Fame to Shame, Robert Munsch, our beloved children's book writer has used and abused drugs.
Will you ever pick up another Robert Munsch book again or read it the same way?
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| Robert Munsch |
http://www.littleacornbooks.com.au/Paper-Bag-Princess-Robert-Munsch_p_36.html
Wow, most people grew up reading his books, and now that i'm older and hearing this, it's quite shocking, he is basically using drugs to come up with inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree with Austin. I didn't necessarily grow up with Munsch, but I did occasionally read his books, and enjoy them. But knowing that he was on crack when he was writing them just changes it completely.
ReplyDeleteJust like Jenny, I did not grow up reading Munch's novels and stories, but having children as his audience when it came to his readings really could have placed them in harm if his ideas developed from "Crazy-crack and Sippin' Whiskey" > could have went far enough to change their minds. Though that is a what - if, I personally would not be able to pick up one of his books if I had the chance because addictions and drugs should not be , in my opinion , a gateway to inspiration, especially when reaching out to young ones in which could then or in later years affect their minds and how it works where they themselves could induce themselves with different types of drugs to even , "think."
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