The past couple of weeks I’ve been thinking about writing, and why I don’t do much of it. There’s the “I’ve developed A.D.D.” theory—more on that later, when I can focus and explain—and the excuse that my editing and research at work (always due asap) doesn’t leave me with enough intellectual energy to spit anything else out at the end of the day. These two excuses are linked, of course.
A recent New York Times article explored why good writers often aren’t good conversationalists or speakers. Arthur Krystal recounts watching an interview on TV with Vladimir Nabokov:
"But wait! What’s that Nabokov’s doing with his hands? He’s turning over index cards. He’s glancing at notes. He’s reading. Fluent in three languages, he relies on prefabricated responses to talk about his work. Am I disappointed? I am at first, but then I think: writers don’t have to be brilliant conversationalists; it’s not their job to be smart except, of course, when they write."
I’m a big conversationalist, so I wonder if the flip side might also be true—do extroverts who love to talk have a harder time writing well? Writing requires discipline, regardless of your temperament, but perhaps those in “blah blah blah” mode need an extra nudge.
I hear you loud and clear. For me the struggle is reading for pleasure. Do you think writing could be a therapeutic way of slowing down your hectic pace and distilling from the whirlwind some precious essence of interior life? Your little way of rebelling against the rat race... if ADD can be acquired, perhaps a regular antidote should be taken daily, like a vitamin. Conversation with yourself, if you will. (Then again, yoga might be more satisfying) I sure enjoyed our conversation yesterday.
ReplyDeleteYou ARE a great conversationalist, Anna!
ReplyDelete