Wow. Just wow! I will re-read this post for courage whenever I feel the world screaming at me that I’m doing everything wrong. Your books make me feel less alone in this world. I believe this is the purpose of art. Thank you!
Thanks for this, Tom. I could have substituted ‘artist’ for ‘writer’ and ‘painting’ for ‘writing’. The commodification of creativity is such a powerful aspect of our society. Even without pausing for breath, critics and members of the troupe of creative commerce begin categorising the work; boxing it up, tying a ribbon around it and ringing up the till in their minds. Dostoevsky said, “Money is coined freedom” but there is an even greater freedom, I have found. It is trying not to satisfy the expectations of others. Frankly, it is not my business. Recognition is something to be happy about for sure, but it is not an absolutely necessary element to be happy and have a fulfilling life. There is a book written by 2 Japanese authors, Kimishi and Kota, entitled, “The courage to be disliked” which has been helpful for me to better understand this important lesson. Keep on dancing to your own wonderful tune.
I don’t think I can quite express how much I liked this post without sounding totally corny, so I’ll just say thank you for writing it, and for writing the way you write.
Once again, Tom, you've written something that I want to print out and pin over my desk to serve as both warning and inspiration - a warmly glowing guidepost on this journey through the dark of becoming our own damn selves. Love it so much. Thank you. These two lines stand out to me as perfect counterpoints:
“'Content' is Satan’s henchphrase."
&
"I will remember that uncompromising love and care and passion plus time is the true equation."
This post sizzles with courage! Bravo. And thank you!
“I will remember that one thing I’ve never thought while reading a great book or listening to a great album or looking at a great piece of art is “I’m really glad this person remained cautious while they were creating this and made sure they weren’t perceived as difficult or weird.””
"On Thursday I thought about these messages as I read an email from my agent detailing the reasons why audiobook companies have rejected the novel (““too niche”, “too complicated”, “too literary”)."
This is bizarre and snobbish. Has anyone told George Saunders, or David Mitchell, or Suzanna Clarke (to name but three authors whose works Villager is the peer of)?
Being working class means working in The Arts begins with "Am I good enough?" because the privileged gatekeepers are scared that we're better than them and will take their privilege away from them. It's ingrained in the education system and it's getting worse.
I am new to substack and this is the first time I’ve actually posted anything. I was blown away by the whacky inventive zaniness of your “the true story of..” vignettes and immediately thought “I’d like to see more by this guy.” My next step in that direction, happening imminently, is purchasing your novel.
And THAT, denizens of planet Capitalism, is Tom nailing the Writers' Theses to the door of Saint Commerce, Patron Saint of Artistic Whoredom. Thank you, Tom, for confirming the feelings of so many: The Pander Dance will cease, and corporate zeros who know as much about creative work as a piece of moldy cheese can fuck right off, thank you very much.
The Grand Commissioner for indulgences in Germany, Johann Tetzel, known for granting indulgences on behalf of the Catholic Church in exchange for money is famous for having said, "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." Luther is said to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg in 1517. Tetzel died two years later.
The kickoff to the Artists' Reformation has to start somefuckingwhere.
Decided to buy Villager from Blackwell’s instead of here in the US since the link made it so easy and there was no shipping (plus it was on sale!). I won’t get it for a few weeks, but based on your writing here on Substack, I suspect I’ll enjoy it very much. I used to work at a bookstore and have read a very large number of bestsellers in my time. Some are truly good, others seem like they’re all of the same mold. I find I enjoy books that are a bit quirky, but not because they’re trying to be, just that’s how the writing comes out. Anyway, as the saying goes “to thine own self be true” (and I’m sorry Thursday was so hard)!
I'm printing this out for myself to read whenever I feel like I'm a shit artist and why do I keep trying to dig down and do the work I know is inside me, fail, then partly succeed, then keep learning and making because honestly what other choice is there? I can't thank you enough for this, Tom! I found you after you had gone your own way and have steadily bought up your back catalog along with your current work. I pick up your books and re-read them when I'm feeling stuck or frustrated and it's like having a good chat with an old friend who gets my particular brand of weird. Thank you for that. And please tell your mom that her work is wonderful and yes, I'd love to paper my walls with it. I have two of her prints so far that are treasures. You and your partner take all good care.
Thank you for reflecting back to me what my earliest days on Substack are: a place to let my story, my journey, be what it is, and not have put it in a rock tumbler to take all the flavorful edges away. I appreciate you and your energetic tenacity to be yourself! Xxx
Tom, very impressed with and, in fact, quite moved by this piece. As the digital world encourages and rewards consumers who avoid any human contact at all, I am SO GLAD there are people like you who are hanging on - or hanging in there, as it is said in this beleaguered country. I know the unhealthy isolation of convenience is not the thrust of your article, but the mere fact that you take on the struggle is a reason to rejoice. Bravo.
I’m excited to say I just bought a book of yours! I’ve done so much reading online these days; it’s such a pleasure to read physical books. In fact, at present I’m reading Secret Water by Arthur Ransome…. I was raised on his books and am now rereading them all! Swallows & Amazons Forever!
Thank you Tom, it was reassuring, refreshing and thrilling to read this, and hear your passion, frustration and integrity shine through. Your writing makes me think of that oft quoted saying. ( attributed to so many people) that when readers like your writing they just want more of your particular voice. True in my case. Thanks
Wow. Just wow! I will re-read this post for courage whenever I feel the world screaming at me that I’m doing everything wrong. Your books make me feel less alone in this world. I believe this is the purpose of art. Thank you!
Than you!
Thanks for this, Tom. I could have substituted ‘artist’ for ‘writer’ and ‘painting’ for ‘writing’. The commodification of creativity is such a powerful aspect of our society. Even without pausing for breath, critics and members of the troupe of creative commerce begin categorising the work; boxing it up, tying a ribbon around it and ringing up the till in their minds. Dostoevsky said, “Money is coined freedom” but there is an even greater freedom, I have found. It is trying not to satisfy the expectations of others. Frankly, it is not my business. Recognition is something to be happy about for sure, but it is not an absolutely necessary element to be happy and have a fulfilling life. There is a book written by 2 Japanese authors, Kimishi and Kota, entitled, “The courage to be disliked” which has been helpful for me to better understand this important lesson. Keep on dancing to your own wonderful tune.
Even if your writing and painting or what you created is not liked by why bother ?
Imagine if everyone were dressed in those “ugly” green trousers I never would dress myself
Love your comment 💛
I don’t think I can quite express how much I liked this post without sounding totally corny, so I’ll just say thank you for writing it, and for writing the way you write.
Once again, Tom, you've written something that I want to print out and pin over my desk to serve as both warning and inspiration - a warmly glowing guidepost on this journey through the dark of becoming our own damn selves. Love it so much. Thank you. These two lines stand out to me as perfect counterpoints:
“'Content' is Satan’s henchphrase."
&
"I will remember that uncompromising love and care and passion plus time is the true equation."
Thanks Jamie!
My highest form of praise is "I'd like to talk to that person over a beverage". I'd stand you a pint any day. Maybe even two.
What a generous offer. Best to stick to one, though. I’m pretty much done for the night after two these days.
This post sizzles with courage! Bravo. And thank you!
“I will remember that one thing I’ve never thought while reading a great book or listening to a great album or looking at a great piece of art is “I’m really glad this person remained cautious while they were creating this and made sure they weren’t perceived as difficult or weird.””
"On Thursday I thought about these messages as I read an email from my agent detailing the reasons why audiobook companies have rejected the novel (““too niche”, “too complicated”, “too literary”)."
This is bizarre and snobbish. Has anyone told George Saunders, or David Mitchell, or Suzanna Clarke (to name but three authors whose works Villager is the peer of)?
Being working class means working in The Arts begins with "Am I good enough?" because the privileged gatekeepers are scared that we're better than them and will take their privilege away from them. It's ingrained in the education system and it's getting worse.
Fuck them and the noses they look down.
Tom
I am new to substack and this is the first time I’ve actually posted anything. I was blown away by the whacky inventive zaniness of your “the true story of..” vignettes and immediately thought “I’d like to see more by this guy.” My next step in that direction, happening imminently, is purchasing your novel.
So nice of you to take the time to say this, Mike. Hope you enjoy the book!
And THAT, denizens of planet Capitalism, is Tom nailing the Writers' Theses to the door of Saint Commerce, Patron Saint of Artistic Whoredom. Thank you, Tom, for confirming the feelings of so many: The Pander Dance will cease, and corporate zeros who know as much about creative work as a piece of moldy cheese can fuck right off, thank you very much.
The Grand Commissioner for indulgences in Germany, Johann Tetzel, known for granting indulgences on behalf of the Catholic Church in exchange for money is famous for having said, "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." Luther is said to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg in 1517. Tetzel died two years later.
The kickoff to the Artists' Reformation has to start somefuckingwhere.
Decided to buy Villager from Blackwell’s instead of here in the US since the link made it so easy and there was no shipping (plus it was on sale!). I won’t get it for a few weeks, but based on your writing here on Substack, I suspect I’ll enjoy it very much. I used to work at a bookstore and have read a very large number of bestsellers in my time. Some are truly good, others seem like they’re all of the same mold. I find I enjoy books that are a bit quirky, but not because they’re trying to be, just that’s how the writing comes out. Anyway, as the saying goes “to thine own self be true” (and I’m sorry Thursday was so hard)!
Thanks Sally! (And for going through Blackwells.) Really appreciate that.
I'm printing this out for myself to read whenever I feel like I'm a shit artist and why do I keep trying to dig down and do the work I know is inside me, fail, then partly succeed, then keep learning and making because honestly what other choice is there? I can't thank you enough for this, Tom! I found you after you had gone your own way and have steadily bought up your back catalog along with your current work. I pick up your books and re-read them when I'm feeling stuck or frustrated and it's like having a good chat with an old friend who gets my particular brand of weird. Thank you for that. And please tell your mom that her work is wonderful and yes, I'd love to paper my walls with it. I have two of her prints so far that are treasures. You and your partner take all good care.
Thank you, Sue.
Thank you for reflecting back to me what my earliest days on Substack are: a place to let my story, my journey, be what it is, and not have put it in a rock tumbler to take all the flavorful edges away. I appreciate you and your energetic tenacity to be yourself! Xxx
Thank you!
Tom, very impressed with and, in fact, quite moved by this piece. As the digital world encourages and rewards consumers who avoid any human contact at all, I am SO GLAD there are people like you who are hanging on - or hanging in there, as it is said in this beleaguered country. I know the unhealthy isolation of convenience is not the thrust of your article, but the mere fact that you take on the struggle is a reason to rejoice. Bravo.
If it means anything to you, I didn’t want this piece to end. Keep doing it your way.
Thanks Simon. That does definitely mean a lot to me!
I’m excited to say I just bought a book of yours! I’ve done so much reading online these days; it’s such a pleasure to read physical books. In fact, at present I’m reading Secret Water by Arthur Ransome…. I was raised on his books and am now rereading them all! Swallows & Amazons Forever!
Thank you Tom, it was reassuring, refreshing and thrilling to read this, and hear your passion, frustration and integrity shine through. Your writing makes me think of that oft quoted saying. ( attributed to so many people) that when readers like your writing they just want more of your particular voice. True in my case. Thanks
Thank you, Ruby!