Writing for me is processing ideas, structuring them, organising my thoughts, working out what I actually think. I sift through moral positions to get to a distilled version.
This really spoke to me: 'Essentially, both Auster’s memoir and Ahn’s film show the way we confront ourselves through the emptiness and abstract memories death leaves behind. The gaps and puzzles seem to lead us to changes in our relationship with others and the world we inhabit.' I feel this very strongly with my mother following my father's death. I've put Driveways on my list to watch.
Thanks Kate, another thought-provoking post. Lots of things to think about.
I love this. Auster has a place in my heart as my husband introduced me to his work when we were young. Siri Hustvedt, Auster's wife also writes wonderfully. In answer your final observations about sometimes feeling depleted by writing, I suppose "moderation in all things" is the key, although hard to apply to the creative process: inspiration comes when it comes, and when it comes you have to grapple with it! I could waffle on about the many things in this article that resonate, some powerfully, but I'll spare you that. Thank you. What a lovely piece to wake up to.
I've only read one book by Hustvedt, but it made an impression: "What I Loved". It's a long time ago now but I remember being moved by it. I won't tell you why as that would be a spoiler!
Writing for me is processing ideas, structuring them, organising my thoughts, working out what I actually think. I sift through moral positions to get to a distilled version.
This really spoke to me: 'Essentially, both Auster’s memoir and Ahn’s film show the way we confront ourselves through the emptiness and abstract memories death leaves behind. The gaps and puzzles seem to lead us to changes in our relationship with others and the world we inhabit.' I feel this very strongly with my mother following my father's death. I've put Driveways on my list to watch.
Thanks Kate, another thought-provoking post. Lots of things to think about.
You "sift through moral positions"...wow. It's so great to hear about the ways other writers' minds function.
I hope you like film. It's one of those subtle ones where not very much happens, but a lot happens in your head while you watch.
Sounds right up my street
Your Substack sounds interesting, Victoria. I just subscribed. Look forward to reading your posts.
Thanks Mike
I love this. Auster has a place in my heart as my husband introduced me to his work when we were young. Siri Hustvedt, Auster's wife also writes wonderfully. In answer your final observations about sometimes feeling depleted by writing, I suppose "moderation in all things" is the key, although hard to apply to the creative process: inspiration comes when it comes, and when it comes you have to grapple with it! I could waffle on about the many things in this article that resonate, some powerfully, but I'll spare you that. Thank you. What a lovely piece to wake up to.
Thank you, Jules! I have yet to read anything from Hustvedt. What would you recommend?
I've only read one book by Hustvedt, but it made an impression: "What I Loved". It's a long time ago now but I remember being moved by it. I won't tell you why as that would be a spoiler!