Discovery of Chaos in Creative Process:
- The writer struggled for years to create a novel set in a Civil-War-era brothel and had difficulty depicting the reality of the characters' lived circumstances.
- After three years, the author allowed a collaborator, Chaos, into the creative process, leading to a radical shift in her approach.
Embracing Unruly Storytelling:
- The author decided to write her own 'lost' Greek comedy, which led her to the missing pieces of her novel, unlocking a new perspective on the historical material.
- This exploration allowed her to see that her novel needed to reckon with the relationship between women and society, spanning across centuries.
The Necessity of Chaos in Creation:
- The author highlights the necessity of chaos and unpredictability in the creative process, arguing that they breathe life into art and provide glimpses of lived experience.
Hope for Unconventional Characters:
- The author's hope is that her unconventional characters will reanimate historical periods and comment on the present and future.
About the Author, Jen Fawkes:
- Jen Fawkes is an accomplished author, known for her works including 'Mannequin and Wife' and 'Tales the Devil Told Me.'
- Her fiction has received several awards and has been featured in prominent publications.
The New York Times' Erasure of African Literature:
- Ainehi Edoro-Glines criticizes the NY Times' 'Best Books of the Century' list for ignoring African literature.
- The erasure of African literature sparks a discussion on representation and recognition in literary circles.
Insight into Sumerian Society from the Epic of Gilgamesh:
- Paul Cooper's analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh sheds light on the social aspects of ancient Sumeria.
- The ancient text provides valuable cultural and historical insights into early civilization.
Exploration of Writing the 'Other':
- Mathangi Subramanian explores the process of writing and embodying the 'Other' in literature.
- The article delves into the challenges and nuances of portraying diverse perspectives authentically.