I like to walk to be alone with the world, not to be alone. In this way, walking is a lot like writing. Both writing and walking (as I know it) are fueled by a desire to put oneself in relation to others. Not in direct contact — some aloneness wishes to be preserved — but contact through the mediation of language or shared atmosphere of a city street.
From "The Walker and the Walk" in The New York Times (August 19, 2007).
7 comments:
Hi Kate. This quote reminds me of another author's take on physical activity and the writing process.
Joyce Carol Oates says:
"Running! If there's any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can't think what it might be. In running the mind flies with the body; the mysterious efflorescence of language seems to pulse in the brain, in rhythm with our feet and the swinging of our arms."
Source: To Invigorate Literary Mind, Start Moving Literary Feet
So true. I love walking around where there is lots of activity around me. I'm still very much alone in my thoughts and my ideas, but a whole fascinating world is unfolding before me, and I can choose what inspires and fascinates me, and I can choose to dive in and be more involved, or to stay within the confines of my own mind. It's a very stimulating, creative expierience. I've had many ideas while walking in Toronto. Of course it helps to have pen and paper handy!
Great blog Kate - You’ve chosen some good articles for our reading pleasure –
"The Walker and the walk" was timely, as I’d just enjoyed a walk in the near-deserted city streets (a long weekend here). Walking always brings us some new vantage – this time it was the unforeseen curiosities (normally rushed past) and the unspoken delight amongst those few remaining in the city.
Grace Paley’s story was great, I'd love to join in the discussion next month. I haven’t come across her before, so will be looking up some of her others stories as well.
Peter Carey is always entertaining (particularly as I come from Melbourne, though thankfully am not a Marshian!)
So thanks for enriching my weekend reading!
Hi Kate,
I just discovered your blog while surfing. Needless to add, will walk back for more.
Cheers
Sorry--this is a bit off topic--I just wanted to let you know that my library will be owning a copy of your recently published collection of short stories!! I requested that we order a copy for the collection, and they approved the order! I can't wait until it comes--I will be the first to check it out! I'm on a bit of a no new books (for me) buying moratorium at the moment, so this is the next best thing!!
Hey, Kate, I'm pathetically late and totally irrelevent to your current post, but it's not the end of the year yet, so can I join your reading across borders challenge? If not, I'll just do it by myself anyway. I just don't understand how to join these things.
A wonderful quote. I feel exactly the same way. Much of my best writing has been done in my head while walking.
Post a Comment