Been thinking about the same things lately (particularly about Kafka’s ‘failure’ because his notebooks are out now) as the novel has gotten rejection after rejection and I’m at the point where it doesn’t bother me much anymore. At the end of the day, it seems the writing is the only part that’s rewarding and if I get to keep my writing all to myself, so much the better.
That’s a good place to be, enjoying the process (if you can), letting go of expectations. A hard place to stay, though. I find that the better your process is going, the more positive you’re feeling about your work, the more it makes you want people to read it (and, like, love it).
Curious about this novel, though. I really like the prose style in your newsletter. The kind of casual-but-smart tone I’m never quite able to hit. Reminds me of all that great literary brat-pack stuff: McInerney, Janowitz, etc.
Gotta say, the only one of those that blew me away was Less Than Zero (for some reason, I don’t count Secret History as among that crowd). Bright Lights felt a little...unfulfilled? But I’d say it’s about letting go of external expectations. I suspect all dedicated writers have extraordinary expectations for their own work.
Please add 'literary craft and flow of writing' as an option in the poll!
Your essays are always such a pleasure to read.
You're terribly kind. I will file this under "success"...
Your voice is so good it pretty much doesn't matter what it's supposed to be about.
Aw you!
So glad you reached out -- and allowed me to find your newsletter!
Been thinking about the same things lately (particularly about Kafka’s ‘failure’ because his notebooks are out now) as the novel has gotten rejection after rejection and I’m at the point where it doesn’t bother me much anymore. At the end of the day, it seems the writing is the only part that’s rewarding and if I get to keep my writing all to myself, so much the better.
That’s a good place to be, enjoying the process (if you can), letting go of expectations. A hard place to stay, though. I find that the better your process is going, the more positive you’re feeling about your work, the more it makes you want people to read it (and, like, love it).
Curious about this novel, though. I really like the prose style in your newsletter. The kind of casual-but-smart tone I’m never quite able to hit. Reminds me of all that great literary brat-pack stuff: McInerney, Janowitz, etc.
Gotta say, the only one of those that blew me away was Less Than Zero (for some reason, I don’t count Secret History as among that crowd). Bright Lights felt a little...unfulfilled? But I’d say it’s about letting go of external expectations. I suspect all dedicated writers have extraordinary expectations for their own work.
"I suspect all dedicated writers have extraordinary expectations for their own work."
Christ, if people only knew...
I envy them that they don’t