still boring

There's nothing quite like a young writer - or at least this is what I've been told by a writing teacher. Of course, most of the teachers I've encountered in workshops were published young and say things like "I hope your first book is not a success." Ha. It seems to me that the MFA path is becoming more and more and more popular for young authors - and comments like the one above work towards erroding that arrogance alluded to in the essay. I have a book due out soon and am prepared for ego to take a beating.

wha?

just?

If only...

Aren't poets just scrupulous editors?

Jonathan, this was given as a panel discussion at the perth intl writers fest, so it's not "just" me being egotistical... never had a cavity, though!

I'll always read something by Rob. He has great teeth and hair, and is so bright and younger...which brings me provide a response here. I believe the average age of a Canadian first novelist is 43. It would be 31 but for the length of time it takes previously published poets to comma splice out their plotless pieces of lyricism. So, Murray et al, just hurry up and get it over with. You're hurting the class average.

Great advice, Rob. And insightful, too. Especially for someone of your limited years...

I wonder if someone can dig up recent stats on the average age of the first-time novelist. Back in the dark times I spent at York, a prof said it was age 40. I wonder if that has changed. It seems to me it must have, but I do tend to hang with an immature crowd (like those Raincoast authors).

George

Rob Payne on a condition we can all relate to: Being Young and Bright

(Read original essay here)



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