Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Roberto Bolaño, for instance, wanted to be a spy

Monica Maristain: Have you shed one tear about the widespread criticism you’ve drawn from your enemies?

Roberto Bolaño: Lots and lots. Every time I read that someone has spoken badly of me I begin to cry, I drag myself across the floor, I scratch myself, I stop writing indefinitely, I lose my appetite, I smoke less, I engage in sport, I go for walks on the edge of the sea, which by the way is less than 30 meters from my house and I ask the seagulls, whose ancestors ate the fish who ate Ulysses: Why me? Why? I’ve done you no harm.
Paper Cuts via Maud Newton
Key to the Meaning of Colours via Scout Minami

3 comments:

CAzulay said...

'cause it is a lot easier to criticize others than yourself. 'cause others' work can bring a feeling that cannot be understand by many and then be transform in hate and dislike. 'cause you are doing what critics wish they were doing. 'cause you decided to not hear the world and challenge the natural flow of life and be a writer.

Unknown said...

Most eloquent post (and response) about the art mood swing. Combined with the color chart is fantastic! Will read it aloud tonight.

erica lorraine scheidt said...

Thanks Glenn