Interesting question regarding why we choose one genre or art form, or whether we mix it up. I feel my choice to write mostly in the essay form suits my interests, voice, and skills, but I actually did start out publishing very short fiction and creative non-fiction. I don't do this much anymore, I think because I find that for me, writing fiction feels too vulnerable somehow. I always say that I am not at all creative or artistic, because I have no talent in any other creative areas, yet I seem to discount my writing in this statement!
This is so interesting. I agree, my fiction (perhaps paradoxically) feels the most vulnerable. (I would vehemently disagree about your claim for lack of creativity!) It is definitely the hardest to share with others.
Sometimes different genres/text types for me are also about reaching an audience. What style do I think will reach the most people, not necessarily for any form of payment? I guess academic publishing felt to me very isolating at times. Even if I had feedback or delivered the paper at a conference (which is a great experience because of this engagement), it seemed like a closed circuit and too esoteric for many to access. But then, I think also esoteric work can often go deeper because of certain shared knowledge bases and so it is also extremely important. For some people it works.
Wow! I never knew Auster was involved in film projects. My biggest exposure to him was via the excellent Mazzuchelli/Karasik graphic novel 'City of Glass,' which inspired me to get some of his books including The NY Trilogy from Strand. Sadly, I never found the time to actually read them. Feeling inspired now to finally give em a whirl plus to check out some of the movies mentioned here, esp. 'Smoke.'
I really enjoyed "Smoke" and "Blue in the Face". I remember the menace in "The Music of Chance" with Mandy Patinkin and Joel Grey, and it was unsettling. Thank you for expanding on the meaning of Auster's films, it's interesting. As to your final question I write in an attempt to express an idea as well as I can, or convey my joy in something that has interested me. I write in the hope of making a connection with someone, or even to draw to their attention something they haven't yet come across but might enjoy. I "open myself to a variety" as you say because there are so many things to be interested in. This is also why I read. It's a two-way thing.
Indeed. I have a book of paradoxes here somewhere that features a painting inside a painting inside... And when growing up I used to like positioning mirrors to get an infinite reflection. How did you guess?! 😂
So cool that you’ve seen all these films! Thanks for sharing your fantastic reasons for writing. It’s always good to seek more inspiration through other writers. Thank you
Yes - working alone has a down side as well as the positives.
Interesting question regarding why we choose one genre or art form, or whether we mix it up. I feel my choice to write mostly in the essay form suits my interests, voice, and skills, but I actually did start out publishing very short fiction and creative non-fiction. I don't do this much anymore, I think because I find that for me, writing fiction feels too vulnerable somehow. I always say that I am not at all creative or artistic, because I have no talent in any other creative areas, yet I seem to discount my writing in this statement!
This is so interesting. I agree, my fiction (perhaps paradoxically) feels the most vulnerable. (I would vehemently disagree about your claim for lack of creativity!) It is definitely the hardest to share with others.
Sometimes different genres/text types for me are also about reaching an audience. What style do I think will reach the most people, not necessarily for any form of payment? I guess academic publishing felt to me very isolating at times. Even if I had feedback or delivered the paper at a conference (which is a great experience because of this engagement), it seemed like a closed circuit and too esoteric for many to access. But then, I think also esoteric work can often go deeper because of certain shared knowledge bases and so it is also extremely important. For some people it works.
Hence, I do not like to stick to one thing! :)
Wow! I never knew Auster was involved in film projects. My biggest exposure to him was via the excellent Mazzuchelli/Karasik graphic novel 'City of Glass,' which inspired me to get some of his books including The NY Trilogy from Strand. Sadly, I never found the time to actually read them. Feeling inspired now to finally give em a whirl plus to check out some of the movies mentioned here, esp. 'Smoke.'
Great! Hope you'll like it. The graphic novel is fantastic. You can see Auster and the adapters talking about it here -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM9S9cU_xkY
Enjoy :)
Ooh, thanks! I'm surprised 'City of Glass' still hasn't been made into a movie.
I really enjoyed "Smoke" and "Blue in the Face". I remember the menace in "The Music of Chance" with Mandy Patinkin and Joel Grey, and it was unsettling. Thank you for expanding on the meaning of Auster's films, it's interesting. As to your final question I write in an attempt to express an idea as well as I can, or convey my joy in something that has interested me. I write in the hope of making a connection with someone, or even to draw to their attention something they haven't yet come across but might enjoy. I "open myself to a variety" as you say because there are so many things to be interested in. This is also why I read. It's a two-way thing.
I hadn't heard the term mise-en-abyme before, though I have always found the phenomenon itself fascinating.
I think it would be right up your alley, Terry!
Indeed. I have a book of paradoxes here somewhere that features a painting inside a painting inside... And when growing up I used to like positioning mirrors to get an infinite reflection. How did you guess?! 😂
I knew it!!
😂
So cool that you’ve seen all these films! Thanks for sharing your fantastic reasons for writing. It’s always good to seek more inspiration through other writers. Thank you