Blackouts: A Novel, by Justin Torres. 2023 National Book Award for Fiction. Hmm, that was… interesting. Literal blackouts, film scripts, story inside story, queer history and flowing yet jerky writing. Not my usual read and not sure I want to read a similar one but still 3.5/5
What the Dying Teach the Living by Frank Ostaseski, Humbling, deeply thought provoking.
Identity Crisis (DC Comics) – “So many superhero comics look at things through a telescope trying to find giant monsters and whole worlds to punch. Identity Crisis is designed to look at these characters through a microscope, pulling in so tight, we can see all their flaws and imperfections.” – Brad Meltzer. Digital format. I am not a comics fan but this was worth the digression. Yup, I realise this is a much maligned mini-series, but hey, it was a 4.5/5 for me.
What makes our particular job so exceptional that it requires inspiration or a muse to do it? We are artists and we labour in the service of others. It is not something we do only if and when we feel motivated – we create because it is our responsibility to do so. In this respect our occupation is no different than that of most people. Does an ordinary adult go to work only if they feel in the mood? Do doctors? Do labourers? Do teachers? Do taxi drivers? We are duty-bound to do our job, like everyone else, because the space we occupy depends upon our participation and breaks down if we don’t. A committed artist cannot afford the luxury of revelation. Inspiration is the indolent indulgence of the dabbler. Muses, Tam, are for losers!
— Nick Cave