Break On Through To The Other Side

[poliphilo]

I guess every writer comes up against the inner censor. That's the voice that says, "No you can't write that because it's too way out/incomprehensible/disgusting/nutty/politically dangerous. People won't understand. You'll just look stupid."

The writers who matter are the ones who push on regardless. But the risk is real. It could be that the inner voice is telling the truth.

I've just started Philip K Dick's Valis. I haven't got far enough in to know whether it works or not, but I admire his fearlessness.

Comments

[queen-in-autumn.livejournal.com]

I certainly understand the inner censor you describe. It's mangled more than one of my own writing projects.

What is it about Valis that required fearlessness from Dick?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Well firstly it's about a difficult subject- his own madness. Secondly it's experimental in form- is it a novel or a memoir or an extended essay or what exactly? And thirdly it's written with no concession to the reader. It's as if he were saying, well I find this interesting and I'm going follow the theme wherever it takes me and you can tag along for the ride if you like.

[isoldout.livejournal.com]

Yes!

The Valis trilogy is amazing. What a great writer.



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