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Monday, July 30, 2007

Is writing an inherently deviant act?

4. Several of the writers discuss the act of writing as their “bad” behavior. Is writing inherently a deviant act?

"Interestingly, both Joyce Maynard and Erica Jong talk about breaking silences as a way of being bad. So yes, they write to be heard in a world that wants to keep them quiet."

Amen to that, sister!

From Jewess interview with Ellen Sussman, author of "Bad Girls: 26 Writers Misbehave."

Hat tip to Jill, who always seems to know what I need when I need it. A thousand thank yous!

7 comments:

Jill said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jill said...

I made a goof there - but what I wrote was that I think it is just ILL that an act - writing - of expression, that relieves no one but the writer of the feelings and often is seen by no one but the writer, could, all by itself as this act, be portrayed as bad. That's just sick.

Wendy A. Hoke said...

Agreed!

RHF said...

Indeed. The number of people who are threatened by the mere expression of ideas is staggering. And they all love to leave anonymous comments on blog posts ;-)
Thanks for the link to Jewess.

Michelle O'Neil said...

Now that sounds like a fun read!

Jill said...

Rebecca- thanks for checking in on this link locale. Wendy is a super special friend of mine, basically my mentor of all things lit and writing oriented, and then there's the complete commiseration arounds kids and parenting. Love what you say about the anon. comments - how true when you think about it (and I'm usually very snarky to anons. but you have a point).

Wendy A. Hoke said...

Hi Michelle --
Ellen Sussman's book is definitely on my "to read" list. And I've been meaning to tell you that you've got to meet with Jill. She's another terrific writing pal and a dear friend.

Hello, RHF -- Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. How right you are fear of expressing ideas.

And to Jill, you have been a wonderful, never-ending source of courage on all matters literary, parental and female. I treasure your friendship and the sense of empowerment you instill in me. :)