News

08.19

3 Comments

1. ce. says:

   August 19, 2010 at 4:46 pm

   I just read and blogged this myself. Great essay. There need to be more high-profile examples of tearing down the “depressed writer” motif. I imagine that motif will get torn down around the same time the “only writers read” refrain gets abolished, but *shrug*.

   Of course it’s because a lot of celebrated writers have committed suicide, and of course ever more celebrated writers died a late and happy death. But, people like the dramatic narrative of the tortured artist. I did at one point, too. I’m not above it. It is nice, though, to be past that mentality.

2. heavener says:

   August 19, 2010 at 5:28 pm

   I agree. Too many people hating on themselves. Does not speak well of our fame-obsessed society. Young writers hold themselves to these impossible standards. Taken at a healthy level, it’s good motivation to get to your best work, but to make yourself feel like shit just because you’re not publishing critical acclaimed novels in your 20’s is just stupid. Young writers don’t realize the incredibly rare circumstances, advantages and disadvantages that young published novelists are subjected to. Raymond Chandler didn’t publish a novel till he was 55. People need to regain some perspective.

   People like to sensationalize and romanticize writers lives. Nothing you can do about that. Sometimes there are writers who live these amazing lives. Sometimes there’s writers whose lives are boring as shit.

3. heavener says:

   August 19, 2010 at 5:29 pm

   thanks for the repost on Vouched btw!