Hi, My name is Merilyn and I’m an alcoholic, at least by the standards of Ray Bradbury. For all my fellow alcoholics out there at rundown pubs and AA meetings, just know that Bradbury is on your side. As long as your choice of alcohol is writing. “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you,” says a good humored Ray Bradbury. Good advice. Reality can destroy you; 9 to 5 workdays and parent teacher conferences with obnoxious teachers—babies that won’t stop crying (despite your unconditional love for those little brats), or your dog’s unreliable bladder. These only scratch the surface (excuse the cliché terminology) of what can be regarded as bleak reality. Obligations are a bummer, reality is a bummer, so avoid it. Let’s drink some Goddamn champagne! Keep drinking, keep writing.