art V. capitalism

At worst this worldview can lead to the esoteric, or the novel for novelty’s sake. But at its best it can feel liberating—permission to “disregard the words” and just build what feels exciting. Trusting that the words will follow.

it is useful to remember that art and literature—and especially good art and good literature—have more or less always been of marginal interest to the general population.

The writers I know who have been driven mad by the industry are those whose expectations were untethered to reality. Secondly, it is useful to separate the business side of publishing from the artistic side. I mean that both in actual practice—e.g., do your business work at different hours than you create—and in your mentality. Sales aren’t art.... See more

I think a lot of people are dismissive of their best thoughts. They can’t put their observations on paper because they’ve already censored them in their mind.