"I've never felt secure as a writer. I need to work really, really, really hard at it. I think if there's a reason my work speaks to people it's that. I have no sense of complacency."
Oh my goodness - DEAD EYE! Love, love, love this description of what can happen in both monogamous relationships and flings. Different types of dead eyes, yes...
I love this conversation so much, especially the parts about dreamscapes, sobriety, taking yourself seriously as an artist and altered psychic states... I've been told twice recently that I "see things that other people don't see", and both times I've been unsure that it was intended as a compliment... But this conversation makes me keener than ever to lean into the difference, to celebrate and document the things I see that other people might not. Thank you both for your openness and articulacy.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Michelle. Fascinating that two separate people have made the same observation. I remember the first time I read Alice Munro as a girl feeling that she was naming things I'd known about all my life by had no words for. Maybe this is what they meant? In any case, I think it's what writers do -- or aim to do. A great compliment.
Lovely interview Leah. You have a good interview style of conversation, and I really appreciate the direct questions that feel so targeted at 'the person who writes memoir' - love the questions on embodied writing and feeling deeply and how that then translates. Visual emotions... A perfect interview for anyone interested in writing and reading memoir. Love Clover's work.
Oh my goodness - DEAD EYE! Love, love, love this description of what can happen in both monogamous relationships and flings. Different types of dead eyes, yes...
oh yes, dead-eye sex comes in many different, dispiriting forms!
Dead eye…hmmm…good one
I love this conversation so much, especially the parts about dreamscapes, sobriety, taking yourself seriously as an artist and altered psychic states... I've been told twice recently that I "see things that other people don't see", and both times I've been unsure that it was intended as a compliment... But this conversation makes me keener than ever to lean into the difference, to celebrate and document the things I see that other people might not. Thank you both for your openness and articulacy.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Michelle. Fascinating that two separate people have made the same observation. I remember the first time I read Alice Munro as a girl feeling that she was naming things I'd known about all my life by had no words for. Maybe this is what they meant? In any case, I think it's what writers do -- or aim to do. A great compliment.
Lovely interview Leah. You have a good interview style of conversation, and I really appreciate the direct questions that feel so targeted at 'the person who writes memoir' - love the questions on embodied writing and feeling deeply and how that then translates. Visual emotions... A perfect interview for anyone interested in writing and reading memoir. Love Clover's work.
Thanks you Lily, such a thoughtful and generous comment. I can't wait to get you in the Zoom hot seat!