Uncomfortable Truths About Becoming a Writer

Summary

In this article, we will explore the trend of modern society shifting away from reading and how it affects the world of writing. Famed writer Gary Indian sheds light on the current state of the literary world and how it has changed since he first started writing. We will delve into why people no longer read and how it’s impacting society at large.

It is often said that writers are responsible for holding up a mirror to society, and in this article, we will get a glimpse of that through the words of a seasoned writer.

Table of Contents

1. Why is the prestige of writers fading?
2. How is the shift towards a visual culture impacting society’s reading habits?
3. Can one be an avid reader without remembering what they’ve read?
4. Does writing still hold the same power it once did?
5. How can aspiring writers succeed in the current literary landscape?

Introduction

As someone who makes others uncomfortable with their writing, Gary Indian has become a staple of the literary world. With six novels and seven non-fiction books under his belt, Indian knows the world of writing like the back of his hand. In this article, we will explore what Indian thinks about the current state of the literary world and how a shift towards a visual culture is impacting society’s reading habits.

Q&A

Why is the prestige of writers fading?

Gary Indian: The prestige of writers is fading because we now live in a society that values visuals over text. With the rise of technology, people no longer have the patience or interest to read long texts. Social media has made it so that people digest information in bits and pieces, with flashy visuals to grab their attention. Furthermore, schools no longer value literature and writing as much as they used to, which has a significant impact on how society views writers.

How is the shift towards a visual culture impacting society’s reading habits?

Gary Indian: The shift towards a visual culture has a significant impact on society’s reading habits. People no longer find reading to be an important or enjoyable activity. They are more interested in watching movies or television shows, where the story is presented to them rather than having to imagine it themselves. This lack of interest in reading has consequences, as it hinders society’s collective imagination, empathy, and critical thinking skills.

Can one be an avid reader without remembering what they’ve read?

Gary Indian: No, one cannot be an avid reader without remembering what they’ve read. The entire purpose of reading is to expand one’s knowledge and understanding of the world. If one cannot remember what they’ve read, then they haven’t truly gained anything from it. Arguably, the most important aspect of reading is being able to remember what you’ve read and then apply it to your life.

Does writing still hold the same power it once did?

Gary Indian: Writing still holds power, but it’s not the same type of power it once held. In the past, writers could influence society’s views and opinions because people read more. However, in today’s society, where people don’t read as much, the power of the written word has diminished significantly. Nevertheless, writing can still impact society, as there are still avid readers who take the time to read a book and ponder its message.

How can aspiring writers succeed in the current literary landscape?

Gary Indian: Aspiring writers can still succeed in the current literary landscape, they just have to be willing to adapt to it. They need to understand that people no longer want to read long texts, and instead, they want their information in bite-sized pieces. Aspiring writers must find ways to make their writing accessible and appealing to a society that values visuals and quick information. They must also be willing to self-promote and create a brand for themselves online, as a vast majority of people get their information through the internet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of writing has changed significantly since the advent of technology and the shift towards a visual culture. People no longer read as much as they used to, which has had a significant impact on how society views writers. Nevertheless, the power of the written word still exists, and writers can still have an impact on society if they adapt to the current literary landscape. As for aspiring writers, success is still possible, but they must be willing to evolve with the times and think outside of the box.