I just wanted to share this song from the musical Lempicka. It's got to be one of the greatest songs about the human at the heart of the creative process.
Naomi, so far I have enjoyed everything you’ve written that I’ve read since I discovered you a few weeks ago—all non-fiction. The question you pose, “Is this it?” is one that I’ve been thinking a lot about too—unsurprising really, because it’s one of the central questions of religion and philosophy—and I’m keen to hear your take on it. I can’t promise that I’ll get to it immediately, but I’m going to make an effort to read your novella when I can.
Wishing you success, somewhat selfishly, because as you pointed out in this piece, finding a place for your work is hard, and I’m hoping that Substack offers an alternative path to those few that we currently have.
Wow, I’m also reading The Last Samurai right now! I’m enjoying it immensely, finding it much more readable than expected for experimental fiction, and also finding the experience like a streamlined Infinite Jest. I look forward to hearing better analysis from someone who’s read these Greek classics and Njal’s Saga and so many of the other reference points in this book that I haven’t gotten to (yet!)
I loved description of feeling “safe” in the presence of that painting of the red dress woman. I feel this very strongly in the case of narrative fiction — there’s that feeling, usually within the first few pages (or minutes, with TV and films) of being “in safe hands”, when you just know that the author is taking care of business, is not going to mess you about, and you can relax and enjoy the ride. (And then there’s that opposite feeling…) I’d never considered my experience of paintings in this light, but now you mention it, I think something similar does happen for me with certain paintings. Perhaps it’s more apparent with narrative because of the temporal component, whereby it’s possible to invest in a work and get quite far along before being let down. And the risk of this only gets bigger in the case of something like a Netflix show where the writers, directors, etc can change completely from one season to another.
Apologies for being “that guy” but I’d recommend Wallace’s recently published novella “Something To Do With Paying Attention” if you haven’t read it already. It’s an excerpted 120 page chapter from The Pale King that’s extremely controlled and composed, and it does attempt to offer answers. Probably my favorite thing he ever wrote.
This is such a great post. I totally relate to it. I also think the more we find our own outlets outside of publishing, the better. Also, Helen DeWitt is a GENIUS.
I just wanted to share this song from the musical Lempicka. It's got to be one of the greatest songs about the human at the heart of the creative process.
https://open.spotify.com/track/3Nse8DZcXWKUo1sb6yjDlL?si=58e26a11608a4177
What are the chances? I walked into Pasticceria Piccioli in Florence today and saw two Lempickas on the wall.
Welcome to the Substack fiction club! Looking forward to it...
Lighting Rods is brilliant. I should read Last Samurai.
Naomi, so far I have enjoyed everything you’ve written that I’ve read since I discovered you a few weeks ago—all non-fiction. The question you pose, “Is this it?” is one that I’ve been thinking a lot about too—unsurprising really, because it’s one of the central questions of religion and philosophy—and I’m keen to hear your take on it. I can’t promise that I’ll get to it immediately, but I’m going to make an effort to read your novella when I can.
Wishing you success, somewhat selfishly, because as you pointed out in this piece, finding a place for your work is hard, and I’m hoping that Substack offers an alternative path to those few that we currently have.
I'm subscribed because I like the fiction you write :) This is my favorite page on Substack
Wow, I’m also reading The Last Samurai right now! I’m enjoying it immensely, finding it much more readable than expected for experimental fiction, and also finding the experience like a streamlined Infinite Jest. I look forward to hearing better analysis from someone who’s read these Greek classics and Njal’s Saga and so many of the other reference points in this book that I haven’t gotten to (yet!)
I loved description of feeling “safe” in the presence of that painting of the red dress woman. I feel this very strongly in the case of narrative fiction — there’s that feeling, usually within the first few pages (or minutes, with TV and films) of being “in safe hands”, when you just know that the author is taking care of business, is not going to mess you about, and you can relax and enjoy the ride. (And then there’s that opposite feeling…) I’d never considered my experience of paintings in this light, but now you mention it, I think something similar does happen for me with certain paintings. Perhaps it’s more apparent with narrative because of the temporal component, whereby it’s possible to invest in a work and get quite far along before being let down. And the risk of this only gets bigger in the case of something like a Netflix show where the writers, directors, etc can change completely from one season to another.
Apologies for being “that guy” but I’d recommend Wallace’s recently published novella “Something To Do With Paying Attention” if you haven’t read it already. It’s an excerpted 120 page chapter from The Pale King that’s extremely controlled and composed, and it does attempt to offer answers. Probably my favorite thing he ever wrote.
Ooh that is a great recommendation. I've read everything he's written, besides pale king
Delighted to see how much you are enjoying the unmatched genius of HdW. And she has a new novel coming in the new year!!
OMG wut!
I know right
This is such a great post. I totally relate to it. I also think the more we find our own outlets outside of publishing, the better. Also, Helen DeWitt is a GENIUS.