I want work that, possessing as thin a membrane as possible between life and art, foregrounds the question of how the writer solves being alive.
Interpretation
This quote expresses the desire for art that closely reflects the complexities of real life, emphasizing the writer's struggle with existence.
David Shields highlights the intricate relationship between art and life, suggesting that true artistic expression should minimize barriers between the two. The quote reflects a philosophical inquiry into how writers navigate their experiences of being alive, prompting deeper reflections on the nature of creativity and existence.
In practice
In a panel discussion on contemporary literature, one might quote this to highlight the importance of authenticity in writing.
I'm interested in non-fiction, but a form of it which is very badly behaved, which doesn't define itself as straight-ahead journalism or memoir. It blurs boundaries, plays fast and loose with the truth - not to be silly, whimsical or lazy, but to get greater purchase on what it feels like to be alive.
The best thing about acting is that I get to lose myself in another character and actually get paid for it. As for myself, I'm not really sure who I am. I change every day.
I'll get cast occasionally as sort of the jerk version of myself, and I have fun doing that. But it's really better for everyone if I stay behind the camera.
You will have to write and put away or burn a lot of material before you are comfortable in this medium. You might as well start now and get the work done. For I believe that eventually quantity will make for quality.
The most important thing is you can't write what you wouldn't read for pleasure. It's a mistake to analyze the market thinking you can write whatever is hot. You can't say you're going to write romance when you don't even like it. You need to write what you would read if you expect anybody else to read it.
A woman artist could be one of those intuitive geniuses [who] have kept their childlike spirit and have added to it breadth of vision and experience.
It is almost impossible to reconcile self expression with the creative act.
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