After I simmered down I began to value Chute's honesty, realising that it's a frank and courageous (although still disappointing) confession for any writer to make.
Never heard of this author, but I don't think it's possible to be a good writer without being a great reader. It's possible that some people have been voracious readers in the past and have stopped now for whatever reason. I know a Perth writer who claims not to have read anything for a couple of years, which I personally find hard to comprehend.
From what I recall, Carolyn Chute is both a full time activist and a slow reader. I haven't read her work but she appears to be a controversial figure (not necessarily a bad thing). I think you may be right, Guy. She may have read more earlier in her life.
Jeremy, being so active may mean that her own writing suffices as you say.
It's an almost indigestible statement for a writer to make. Anyway, kudos to Chute on both her courage and honesty.
I saw an interview with a well-known writer who said he doesn't read at all when in the last stages of submitting a manuscript. He said he was afraid it would be too much of an influence on his own work...which I can understand. I couldn't imagine not reading for that long though :)
It is honest - I don't think I could live without reading. Maybe she gets by with reading her own work?
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this author, but I don't think it's possible to be a good writer without being a great reader. It's possible that some people have been voracious readers in the past and have stopped now for whatever reason. I know a Perth writer who claims not to have read anything for a couple of years, which I personally find hard to comprehend.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I recall, Carolyn Chute is both a full time activist and a slow reader. I haven't read her work but she appears to be a controversial figure (not necessarily a bad thing).
ReplyDeleteI think you may be right, Guy. She may have read more earlier in her life.
Jeremy, being so active may mean that her own writing suffices as you say.
It's an almost indigestible statement for a writer to make. Anyway, kudos to Chute on both her courage and honesty.
I saw an interview with a well-known writer who said he doesn't read at all when in the last stages of submitting a manuscript. He said he was afraid it would be too much of an influence on his own work...which I can understand.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't imagine not reading for that long though :)