There's a reason why a book like Kaliane Bradley's is a break-out novel. Obsession with something unexpected is a way for writers to get away from themselves for a while--away from the tedium of books that rehash family life or college days or broken hearts. To every teacher who says 'Write what you know', I would say 'Write what you don't know for a while' just to see what that's like. It may be a stretch, and more difficult, but it is definitely beneficial to the craft.
Every single time I read, write what you know and one of my books are one of my classes I think the exact same thing what you just said! So many ways it’s the slack of obsession and this kind of personal neurotic loop in writing that gives American fiction a cookie cutter feeling!
Right up my alley! Obsessive habits, too, with writing. I've gone through phases where I listen to the same piece of music over and over and over while writing or reviewing my work. (I can never hear Philip Glass's Liquid Days again! Lol!). Obsession with objects, points of view, or "whatever" -- yeah, I'm there. Fun piece to read, Leanne!
I can’t wait to hear how you like it! I’m also finishing creation lake right now by Rachel Kushner, it was one of the long listed books and I wonder if you would like that as well!
Obsession, yes! It's perfectly logical, don't you have to be at least a little obsessed with something to go so far as to write about it? While reading about Captain Gore & your bronze guy, I immediately thought of my slight obsession with the Shinsengumi. Not much mystery but oh, what a handsome devil Hijikata was. (I think he was even compared to kabuki actors...) Maybe I'll write about him too.
There's a reason why a book like Kaliane Bradley's is a break-out novel. Obsession with something unexpected is a way for writers to get away from themselves for a while--away from the tedium of books that rehash family life or college days or broken hearts. To every teacher who says 'Write what you know', I would say 'Write what you don't know for a while' just to see what that's like. It may be a stretch, and more difficult, but it is definitely beneficial to the craft.
Every single time I read, write what you know and one of my books are one of my classes I think the exact same thing what you just said! So many ways it’s the slack of obsession and this kind of personal neurotic loop in writing that gives American fiction a cookie cutter feeling!
Right up my alley! Obsessive habits, too, with writing. I've gone through phases where I listen to the same piece of music over and over and over while writing or reviewing my work. (I can never hear Philip Glass's Liquid Days again! Lol!). Obsession with objects, points of view, or "whatever" -- yeah, I'm there. Fun piece to read, Leanne!
I think for poetry, especially that sound quality and those earworms can really drive the work! In the best way!
I've been thinking about reading this. Now I will!
I can’t wait to hear how you like it! I’m also finishing creation lake right now by Rachel Kushner, it was one of the long listed books and I wonder if you would like that as well!
Obsession, yes! It's perfectly logical, don't you have to be at least a little obsessed with something to go so far as to write about it? While reading about Captain Gore & your bronze guy, I immediately thought of my slight obsession with the Shinsengumi. Not much mystery but oh, what a handsome devil Hijikata was. (I think he was even compared to kabuki actors...) Maybe I'll write about him too.
That is so awesome!!!! Hoping you write about him!! xoxox