So interesting to hear how you wrestle with the expectations of different styles and genres. Conveying accuracy to happenings and accuracy to feelings creates such dynamic tension, right? And then both have many lenses and perspectives. Writing poetry, I find myself wrestling with factual accuracy and historical precision more than I do with the evocation of feelings.
I’ve been thinking a lot about OF WOLVES AND MEN recently. Rereading sections, I am so moved by Lopez’s skill and talent navigating many kinds of truth using such a broad range of writing approaches. I don’t know of a more complexly rendered book.
This is such a wise observation, Matt. Thanks. There certainly *is* tension, and also there is opportunity. At least that's how I see it. When more genres become available, so much more is permissible. (Of course, more choices means more decisions and that can paralyze!)
This also makes me think I need to pick up Lopez again and get to his final book, which is on the shelf next to me.
So interesting to hear how you wrestle with the expectations of different styles and genres. Conveying accuracy to happenings and accuracy to feelings creates such dynamic tension, right? And then both have many lenses and perspectives. Writing poetry, I find myself wrestling with factual accuracy and historical precision more than I do with the evocation of feelings.
I’ve been thinking a lot about OF WOLVES AND MEN recently. Rereading sections, I am so moved by Lopez’s skill and talent navigating many kinds of truth using such a broad range of writing approaches. I don’t know of a more complexly rendered book.
This is such a wise observation, Matt. Thanks. There certainly *is* tension, and also there is opportunity. At least that's how I see it. When more genres become available, so much more is permissible. (Of course, more choices means more decisions and that can paralyze!)
This also makes me think I need to pick up Lopez again and get to his final book, which is on the shelf next to me.
Seeing the tensions and opportunities in the permissiveness of language? You may be turning into a poet, friend. Watch out.
This seems dangerous. Please dissuade me!
Not today, my increasingly lyrical friend. Not today.