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pompous pricks (and so on)

by bogdantiganov 

Posted: 07 July 2004
Word Count: 307


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Ok, I admit it, I categorise writers. Maybe I'm a bitter bitch. But that's ok too because I don't mind. But whatever book I pick up, whatever writer I pick up is sliced into the following:

"pompous pricks" - I won't mention any names (Franzen) but these type of writers are so full of themselves and their opinions about the world that no matter how hard they try to be intellectual and writer-like they fail miserably because they have no guts - most literary critics fall under this category - this type of writer (Self) would prefer it if you have a dictionary next to their book

"nice try" - again, no names given (Palahniuk) as this type of writer gives you a good read but no depth because they're too busy showing off - this type of writer is usually well off (Houellebecq) and as a writer I learn from their whoring techniques, add loads of smut, make it 'controversial', cash in on the latest fad or political angst

"good stuff" - Richard Yates, John Fante, Knut Hamsun, there's a lot of good stuff that's been written and I find that nobody's reading it because most of these writers aren't taught in schools or marketed to the lemmings.

It takes me a while to find a book worth reading all the way through. I usually manage to find one. And if I'm satisfied the day after I finish reading then the text was noteworthy. A good read can come out of the blue. Your favourite writers can disappoint you. It is difficult to stay honest these days. There is bullshit worth reading. I try very hard to keep an open mind. I like recommendations. I like bitter people, hard-up people, depressed people, poor people, because when these people smile you know it's something worth smiling for.







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Comments by other Members



scottwil at 06:01 on 08 July 2004  Report this post
I read this for the title. And I'm glad I did. It's concise, witty, a little bit quirky and the last line is especially good.
Best
Sion

Nell at 10:26 on 08 July 2004  Report this post
Hi bogdan,

Sharp, neat, confident writing here. Just a few points I noticed.

I wondered at the lack of capital letters at the beginning of the middle three paras, also "pompous pricks" - I won't mention any names (Franzen) but these type of writers are so full of themselves and their opinions about the world that no matter how hard they try to be intellectual and writer-like they fail miserably because they have no guts - most literary critics fall under this category - this type of writer (Self) would prefer it if you have a dictionary next to their book... is a heck of a long sentence - how about a comma after the brackets, full stop after 'guts'? The section beginning 'This type of writer... might be better served with had rather than 'have', or alternatively 'prefer you to have...' Be careful about singular and plural - '...these type of writers...' ('this type of writer' or 'these types of writers'). Easy to do I know.

Good stuff, write on, Nell.




Bee at 12:08 on 08 July 2004  Report this post
Hello Bogdan
There is bullshit worth reading. I try very hard to keep an open mind. I like recommendations. I like bitter people, hard-up people, depressed people, poor people, because when these people smile you know it's something worth smiling for.


<Added>

sorry - was trying to italic the above. Anyway, having a bad day - but i love that last line. It's very true. Your honesty is refreshing and some of it oh so true.

bee

miffle at 12:33 on 08 July 2004  Report this post
Bog, a 'noteworthy text'... A few thoughts:

* found this fresh, clear-cut, stimulating, sculpted - probably in ice

* 'bitch' I always find it interesting when men turn this word around to refer to them, especially straight men - seems a gender meltdown is taking place sometimes...

* linking to 'bitch' comment and ideas of gender I notice too that none of the authors cited here are female... I think perhaps that the 21 century brain in general is still programmed to think 'writer/ author/ poet = male'. This equation interests/ disturbs me.

* following on from thoughts on gender: I wonder would any female writers come under the category of 'pompous pricks'! Hmm... now that perhaps would be quite a feat ;-)

Hmmm... thinking about this piece in general partly I think that this male centric compartmentalising of the literary world alienates me as a woman reader: an observation.

* looked up Franzen - billed as 'one of America's hunkiest authors'... ! Now 'hunky' and 'author' are not two words that I woud usually put together. Interesting.

* love the idea of a 'lemming loop-hole'. Though, assuming that you are not including yourself in the 'lemming class' (?) you do in fact sound yourself rather 'pompous' at this point!

* re. the people you like - actually i read 'people' in this context as 'writers' (?) Perhaps that is just me reading my own personal preoccupations into your work i.e. I am from upper middle class background (weird to say that) and self-conscious of it in a literary world where it doesn't seem 'fashionable' to have had a happy childhood, no major traumas, safe upbringing etc... (?)

* now 'sliced' is a perfect word... Seems a kind of 'butchery' at work here... And well, I would not want to be under your meat cleaver!

So, yes your piece has a very immediate feel and I think it's boldness invites bold comments (probably such as these ;-) )

As I said, thought provoking stuff - hence details! Nikki

miffle at 12:41 on 08 July 2004  Report this post
NB 'There is bullshit worth reading' Ok so perhaps that's a self-reflexive comment... i.e. clever... Good question: 'How do we know when an author is bullshiting?'

bogdantiganov at 13:11 on 08 July 2004  Report this post
Thank you for your comments. I especially like the ones that dig into me. It's a joy to find people who don't just agree with everything I write.

I really should consider journalism...underground journalism? just thinking to myself, anyway, and let the rain fall into your brains but not into your hearts

Tuppence at 23:03 on 04 February 2005  Report this post
just going back reading
"bullshit"? isn't that we see,hear,read every day? i am just interested in enjoying what i read & write
there is enough critism in this world so i will give praise where i can & this is what i send 2 u because i connected with it
thank you

Cholero at 22:30 on 15 December 2005  Report this post
I like your style. Agree about Franzen and would add Boyd amongst others. But Self has got a bit more going for him don't you think? The short stories anyway. You made me think about these guys. Houellebecq I kind of had on my 'ok' list until you went and stuck a sharp pin right through my good opinion of him... thanks for that.


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