Finally . . . some Truth

Check it out . . .

Mother Jones

I love these articles when people tell the truth about the state of writing. It saddens me, too, because most young writers won't listen. We'll keep getting love of sentence over love of story. Love of style over love of story. Love of experimentation over love of story and character.

And, worse, love of make-believe over love of this friggin' world that we live in!

Writers feel this need to be loved ... and so are polite, kiss each others' undeserving asses, and avoid any topic that might offend someone.

I think that's why The Young Manhood of Studs Lonigan appeals to me. Farrell shows his Chicago world for the way it was. He doesn't apologize for his characters and their racism, womanizing, and violence. He doesn't condone it, either . . . but he certainly doesn't hide it.

I don't think Farrell could very easily publish today. And that's sad.

And the current state of fiction is sad, too.