February 24, 2010
On Writing, Publishing, and Living
In an age with an unprecedented amount of published material, both printed and electronic, these words ring even truer.
“We need more true mystery in our lives. Hem. The completely un-ambitious writer and the really good unpublished poem are the things we lack most at this time. There is, of course, the problem of sustenance.” – Evan Shipman to Hemingway (in A Moveable Feast)
Lately, I’ve been wondering if sitting quietly in a café, pretending to read a newspaper, and not writing is the most earnest expression in our age: no echoes of language, nothing to reblog, just pure unmitigated self sitting with self. I might, after a time of blank staring, find myself constructing sentences in my head, maybe a paragraph, simply letting the words roll around in my mind. I will not. I repeat. I will not write them down. They are my secret sentences, not yours.
I try to do this at least once a week.
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I was tempted not to respond, but ultimately couldn’t resist.
What is the value of a book or even a poem in this era? Not because nobody reads or because technology is encroaching, but because more material exists every day. Is that accumulation healthy? Necessary?
When I self-published a chapbook last year, the excitement of the effort lasted maybe a day. Then I saw my stockpile of just 100 copies as a stupid, somewhat irresponsible burden.
Personal and artistic expression can take many forms. I’ve taken up performance, but the value of quiet reflection should never be underestimated. It broke my dependency on prescription meds.
I think lots of people should be quiet. Of course the right answer to this is–You start. But then that would be using words, wouldn’t it.
It took me 28 years to learn to shut up and one to be comfortable with it.
Didn’t want you to shut up, Andrew. Cindy pointed out to me that you might take the “You start” as being directed toward you–but I meant it to be self-directed, as in–any time I voice a desire for people to be quiet, I have instantly opened myself up to being the target of the same request. You are a splendid young man and I will always be very happy to hear your thoughts.
Nah, didn’t think you did, Daryl. I was just riffing off what you your thinking. I do suspect, however, if you had known me years ago, you would have.
Andrew could wear a jacket and we could print “…a splendid young man” – Daryl Scroggins on the back.
[...] On Writing, Publishing, and Living : clusterflock "Lately, I’ve been wondering if sitting quietly in a café, pretending to read a newspaper, and not writing is the most earnest expression in our age: no echoes of language, nothing to reblog, just pure unmitigated self sitting with self. I might, after a time of blank staring, find myself constructing sentences in my head, maybe a paragraph, simply letting the words roll around in my mind. I will not. I repeat. I will not write them down. They are my secret sentences, not yours." (tags: self-reference) [...]
I would wear that jacket.
[...] —Andrew Simone (via Amanda Mooney) [...]
[...] companion to this Radiolab episode, the quiet of this video reminds me of my secret sentences. posted by Andrew Simone in language | * | [...]