You all know I love literary fiction, so naturally this article in the Guardian caught my eye: “Nobel judge fears for the future of western literature.”
Engdahl said that the “professionalisation” of the job of the writer, via grants and financial support, was having a negative effect on literature. “Even though I understand the temptation, I think it cuts writers off from society, and creates an unhealthy link with institutions,” he told La Croix. “Previously, writers would work as taxi drivers, clerks, secretaries and waiters to make a living. Samuel Beckett and many others lived like this. It was hard—but they fed themselves, from a literary perspective.”
It’s an interesting idea, don’t you think? I absolutely agree that a deep and broad life experience feeds writing. On the other hand, the comments also seem to reflect a sort of literary ivory tower attitude. So have a look. Tell us what you think in the comments.
Tweet: In the past, great authors worked as ‘taxi drivers and waiters’ to feed their imaginations.
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